I'd love to buy the terrapin but I just don't think it's right for me. Here's my logic (using this post to lay out my thinking as an aid to making a final decision).
I could sell all of my ships and go for one of the packs. Probably not a good idea because as much as I would love a Carrack/Aquila, those are multi-person ships that I don't think a single player could manage them effectively, and at least initially that's my focus.
Ok, so focussing on the Terrapin. I could upgrade my Freelancer DUR to the Terrapin as they fill the same role, and that would cost $70
- Both are explorers.
- The Terrapin is a lot tougher.
- The DUR has the extended tanks, for longer range. The universe isn't going to be that big for some time, so probably not a huge factor.
- The Terrapin looks to be a lot slower (looking at Engine specs, but those are untrustworthy as it's being listed with only a single class 2 shield which is obvious baloney). I think we have to ignore this one, or at least assume that both are good enough, but won't win any races.
- The DUR is probably a better general fighter if jumped since it has the missiles, and those would do more good on a lumbering ship than the larger Terrapin weapon, but the terrapin is more likely to survive a pounding and be able to get out of dodge. Realistically the Terrapin wins this one.
- The DUR can carry a modest amount of Cargo, so serves a secondary role. No such joy with the Terrapin.
- *** Huge point *** The Dur is one of the few smaller ships that can carry the Dragonfly. The Terrapin definitely cannot (from the holoviewer at least). Having an explorer that can drop a dragonfly for ground-work should be really useful (we saw a nod to that in tonight's demo).
- The Terrapin has that new ship smell.
Ok, the last point has decided me. I'll make a token effort to find out if my Cutlass Blue can load a Dragonfly, then melt my Reliant and upgrade my Dur for a few dollars.
Thank you all for your assistance. ;)
