Were you to reside in humanities space-faring future, do you see yourself as a law-aligned individual who seeks to protect society from interstellar threats, or perhaps dogfight your way to success by taking out pirates? If so, then the ships offered by Star Citizen‘s in-universe manufacturer Anvil Aerospace would be of interest. With most of their vessels sacrificing creature comforts such as beds, toilets and space to at least get-up and stand – you are often treated to small and nimble vehicles which can pack a powerful punch.
An in-universe opportunity for the development team behind Star Citizen to boast their currently flyable and in-development crafts to a broad audience, Invictus Launch Week is currently underway at the Area18 Convention Centre. Every two days from now until 1 June 2020, a different group of manufacturers will take over the venue, showcasing their available ships (which will be available to rent for free for 24 hours) and giving holographic previews of their incomplete works. Following a focus on Roberts Space Industries, Origin Jumpworks and Tumbrill the other day – the second showcase featuring ships from the Military-inclined Anvil Aerospace is underway.
The following ships are on display over the next couple of days:
Arrow: Featuring an ultra-aerodynamic frame and slight profile, it’s the most agile ship in its class.
C8X Pisces: This mini-explorer is ideal for scouting and reconnaissance.
Carrack: A self-sufficient explorer built to endure extreme conditions in both space and atmosphere.
Gladiator: A rugged two-person dive bomber.
Hawk: The ideal ship for independent bounty hunters and local security.
Hornet F7C: Tough and dependable, the F7C is a textbook multi-purpose medium fighter.
Hurricane: A heavy fighter with an almost excessive loadout. Includes a turret that punches through shields and defenses.
Terrapin: Heavily armored ship with a sophisticated scanner. Ideal for recon and exploration.
Valkyrie: A heavily armed dual-purpose gunship/dropship.
The F8A Lightning is also on display in the show room and will also be flown during the Invictus Week NPCs. Due to it being a ship not sold but rather to be given to players as part of the Squadron 42 questline, you are unable to rent or fly it yourself… unless you manage to steal one. I would personally recommend checking out my favourite ship, the Anvil Carrack, while you can.
In development by Cloud Imperium Games and their studios across North America and Europe, Star Citizen is being helmed by Wing Commander (1990s) creator Chris Roberts. The game has currently been in a long-term alpha phase with no confirmed release date. Despite this, the studio has raised more than $265 million USD through on-going crowdfunding. Please keep in mind should you decide to purchase towards Star Citizen, that this is an incomplete project and that you are pledging towards an extended crowdfunding campaign with no 100% guarantee of a finished product.
