Constellation variants

[TeaLeaf]

As you might have noticed on the AtV episode or the poster released to backers this last week, the Constellation variant names were released.   If you have have not seen them, then the names are here in a nice hi-res picture.

The next question is: what is the specialist role of each of these variants?

Taurus - no front-mounted weapon?  Thicker body, perhaps the cargo variant?

Andromeda - front roof mount weapon, lower skid, funny 'cooling fans' visible by rear quarter, deployed missile arm?  Combat variant?

Aquila - lower front weapon, some kind of aerial on front roof?   Very different cockpit design (looks nicer imo).  Aquila is latin for eagle, so perhaps this soaring eagle with it's additional aerial is the exploration variant?  Or is the more detailed bridge a clue to it being a C&C variant?  (I'm loving the look of the cockpit/front on this one, it's definitely my favourite looking variant)

Phoenix - I'm guessing this is the 'Luxury' variant (mentioned by Sandy in early June) because of the gold colouring which seems to be light thrown out of a glass section in the roof?

What do folks think?


(All four names are also the names of actual star constellations)

[smilodon]

Too big for me to fly but I'm going to love walking around all your new shiny toys :norty: Love the Aquila.

[Milli]

Yup loving the looks of these and agree that aquila is looking rather nice.

[Galatoni]

Just jumped on to RSI and upgraded. I thought originally I was going to get the Aquila. I like the idea of doing exploration and the like, then something occurred to me - it not only doesn't come with a fighter, it losing the only turret worth keeping (the top one).

I couldn't believe they'd do that. Why didn't they lose the bottom one? Saving grace, it does have a pretty big cargo hold and the extra 'module' for adding a little extra (Command, Exploration or Entertainment?) and can be upgraded with fighter later. I looked at the Phoenix variant and noticed that it has an improved power plant, weapons (it has an additional point defense system - shoot down missiles?) and looks like a large space luxury caravan inside. It also has an improved fighter (i think) and a land rover (hehe - though not as good, or at least not as big, as the one that comes with the Aquila).

Now i'm not much of a trader so i'm not bothered about losing that space. It occurred to me then - the console. You can't improve the fire-power, but you can make the Phoenix a little more 'explor-y' by adding a console. So i got one.

[OldBloke]

Just jumped on to RSI and upgraded. I thought originally I was going to get the Aquila. I like the idea of doing exploration and the like, then something occurred to me - it not only doesn't come with a fighter, it losing the only turret worth keeping (the top one).

I couldn't believe they'd do that. Why didn't they lose the bottom one? Saving grace, it does have a pretty big cargo hold and the extra 'module' for adding a little extra (Command, Exploration or Entertainment?) and can be upgraded with fighter later. I looked at the Phoenix variant and noticed that it has an improved power plant, weapons (it has an additional point defense system - shoot down missiles?) and looks like a large space luxury caravan inside. It also has an improved fighter (i think) and a land rover (hehe - though not as good, or at least not as big, as the one that comes with the Aquila).

Now i'm not much of a trader so i'm not bothered about losing that space. It occurred to me then - the console. You can't improve the fire-power, but you can make the Phoenix a little more 'explor-y' by adding a console. So i got one.

Yep. Good call.

[Gorion]

I'm not sure about the default or the Phoenix myself, I like the increased tiers, but it also loses some weapons; so I'll guess more info is needed.

[TeaLeaf]

I haven't actually applied mine yet for this reason.  The bigger power plants, engines etc might eventually be the deciding factor.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Sneakytiger]

thinking about getting a connie as well instead of waiting on the idris

[OldBloke]

thinking about getting a connie as well instead of waiting on the idris

Very sensible. What variant are you drawn to?

[TeaLeaf]

I think the Idris is going to be something exceptional to eventually own, but speaking personally I'm not expecting it to happen for me any time soon, so I think it's a sensible plan Sneaky.

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[TeaLeaf]

These Constellations have blown through the $50m funding goal so fast that they have not had time to update the website with a $51m funding goal - and we're at $50,953,554 already!

[TeaLeaf]

These Constellations have blown through the $50m funding goal so fast that they have not had time to update the website with a $51m funding goal - and we're at $50,953,554 already!

$964 left and we've hit $51m!

[TeaLeaf]

...and at 22:00hrs on the nose we passed $51m.   Stunning!  :blink:

[Galatoni]

I can't believe how much money this game is making just in promises!

I'm not sure about the default or the Phoenix myself, I like the increased tiers, but it also loses some weapons; so I'll guess more info is needed.

It loses a few missiles at one tier, and gains some at another, though not enough to make up for it. It also gains a class 9 system (which is a point defence system - think shooting down missiles) which will be invaluable as using chaff and flares on such a large ship won't be enough to divert incoming missiles. Personally I think that the Phoenix will be pretty mean in a fight. I just hope they let us rip out some of that interior! While some of it is cool, other bits are just wasteful! I can imagine some folks would really like that kind of thing though.

[vobler]

For you Connie addicts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zZCIzQYp9A