This Ship Shouldn’t Exist… But I Love It! (SHIV Review)

The reviewer initially doubted the SHIV ship in Star Citizen but grew to love its unique, rugged design, versatile heavy fighter capabilities, and impressive cargo capacity, praising its maneuverability, firepower, and multi-role functionality. Ultimately, they highly recommend the SHIV for its distinctive charm and practical versatility, giving it a perfect score and encouraging viewers to consider adding it to their fleet.

The video presents an enthusiastic and detailed review of the SHIV ship in Star Citizen, a unique and somewhat chaotic hybrid vessel reminiscent of a “Frankenstein” creation. Initially, the reviewer had a poor impression of the ship, considering it a mere ripoff of the Drake Cutlass Black, but after spending time piloting it, the SHIV grew on them significantly. The ship combines over 80% of the Cutlass Black’s design with parts from other ships like Crusader, Anvil Asgard, and Freelancer, resulting in a heavily customized and visually intriguing interior and exterior. The interior is notably unfinished and rugged, with quirky features such as a makeshift toilet replacing the turret, emphasizing the ship’s “freak of nature” charm.

In terms of functionality, the SHIV excels as a heavy fighter with substantial cargo capacity, capable of holding over 60 SCU of cargo off-grid or 32 SCU on-grid. This makes it versatile for both combat and hauling missions, a rare combination in Star Citizen. The ship is equipped with a top turret that can be controlled by either the pilot or a co-pilot, and the reviewer praises the mix of weapons, particularly favoring the NDB30 ballistic guns for their speed and damage output. The SHIV’s maneuverability and firepower make it a formidable opponent in PvP and PvE scenarios, and the reviewer highlights its ease of use even when loaded with cargo.

The reviewer also discusses the SHIV’s exterior aesthetics, appreciating the thoughtful design that goes beyond a simple parts swap, giving the ship a distinct personality. Despite its rugged look, the ship is fast and agile, with a maximum speed exceeding 1,170 m/s, though the reviewer notes a concern about the small front thrusters making atmospheric flight unrealistic. The ship’s gray, industrial paint job and exposed mechanical components add to its unique appeal, making it stand out in the game’s roster.

During gameplay demonstrations, the reviewer showcases the SHIV’s combat capabilities against various enemies, including small fighters and larger ships like the 400i. The ship performs impressively, with effective use of its turret and ballistic weapons to quickly devastate opponents. Additionally, the SHIV’s cargo hauling is highlighted as a major strength, with the reviewer enjoying the improved tractor beam mechanics that simplify loading and unloading cargo. The ship’s ability to simultaneously fight and transport cargo is praised as a significant advantage for players looking for multi-role functionality.

In conclusion, the reviewer highly recommends the SHIV, giving it a perfect score of 10 out of 10 for its combination of looks, cargo capacity, firepower, and maneuverability. Despite some quirks and an initially rough impression, the ship has won the reviewer over with its unique charm and practical versatility. They encourage viewers to consider adding the SHIV to their fleet and invite comments on opinions about the ship. The video ends with a call to subscribe and share, emphasizing the joy and fun the SHIV brings to the Star Citizen experience.