In this week’s Star Citizen review, Salty Mike dives into the much-anticipated 4.7 patch, highlighting the arrival of Rockbreaker, mining changes, and the introduction of armor, though with some reservations. Rockbreaker is described as a primarily PvE dungeon-like location with three different versions: exclusive org instances, contested free-for-all zones, and mission-related spots. This division has sparked mixed feelings, especially since it seems to fragment gameplay styles rather than unify them. Despite the excitement, the Rockbreaker content remains unstable and unplayable in current tests, leaving players waiting for a more polished experience.
The mining system has seen notable improvements, especially with the return of multiple minerals per rock, adding depth and challenge to the mining experience. However, the blueprint acquisition system, which now relies heavily on RNG through mission drops, has been criticized for being unenjoyable and frustrating. Another major change comes in the form of engineering updates, particularly armor and shield tweaks that introduce a minimum damage threshold to break armor, potentially ending the “light fighter meta.” While this has received praise for shaking up combat dynamics, concerns remain about new player accessibility and whether the changes will balance out in practice.
The monthly report sheds light on ongoing development across various areas. AI improvements continue, especially with NPC behaviors and the Valakar creature, though some features like refueling missions remain uncertain in terms of fun and functionality. Character customization is progressing, with plans for scars, cybernetics, and even custom body types using advanced DNA blending technology, promising more personalized avatars in the future. Ship development updates include the nearing release of the B and Ironclad ships around Invictus, while the Kraken’s release has been pushed back to 2027.
Core gameplay development appears slow, which is concerning given Star Citizen’s nature as a video game. However, progress on capital ship services—allowing refueling, repairing, and rearming inside larger ships—is promising. Economy updates focus on fixing exploits and improving monitoring systems, while mission design continues with new courier and cargo missions planned for 4.7. Social tools and item recovery are highlighted as critical upcoming features that will impact all players, though details remain sparse.
Finally, the video touches on a Star Citizen Live segment with Sean Tracy, revealing exciting plans for character customization, including scars and body shape variations, backed by new technology. The upcoming Starware system is on track for release within the year, though it has faced past development hurdles. Sneak peeks show cold, icy Rockbreaker stations and a new Aurora Mark 2 ship, sparking mixed reactions. Subscriber items include cosmetic med gun skins and a medical container, though their gameplay impact is questioned. The episode closes with anticipation for the next SCCL featuring FPS updates and hopes for more stable releases soon.
