Constellation Conversation

[starkestrel]

It has the same size 2 guns, like, exactly the same.

According to the brochure, the Phoenix has Mk VI lasers (size 4), whereas the other variants have M5A lasers (size 3).

It has measurably fewer missiles, and it has a different brand on the size 4 guns, which we don't really know how that will work out. But "Rhino" sounds scarier than "needle".

It's got 38 missiles, all of which are size 2. The Aquila has 20 size 2 (less), the Taurus 14 size 1 (less and smaller size), and the Andromeda has 28 size 1 and 20 size 2 (more missiles, but smaller).

"Needle" can mean they're more precise, sleeker, etc. One can't base a claim of "inferior" on a name alone. The important element is that both the Phoenix and the Andromeda have upper & lower twin Class V turrets, and each turret has 2 Class V weapons.

The point defense turret, which I assume is for missiles, does not factor into offensive armament.

It not being offensive doesn't mean it isn't a superior loadout for survivability. It's hard to say whether it's worth the trade-off of the cargo space or of the 10 size 1 missiles of the Andromeda.

 

[starkestrel]

Im debating on the Pheonix.

I kinda think we should help you upgrade to one. Our leader should fly in style. I'd chip in $5.

Optimally, we'd have a TEST C&C ship for executive leadership that was separate from your personal ships, but we should probably wait to get in-game for that. If we thought a Phoenix was the right ship for that, I wouldn't mind you getting it now (since it's limited), transferring it to the Organization in-game, and the Organization purchasing you a replacement ship.

~*~

As much as I'm drawn to the loadout, Archimedes, and smuggler's hold on the Pheonix (and kinda like the bling of it), I'm thinking it would have to be the Aquila that makes me melt my Super Hornet and 315p. DFM has helped me to realize that I'm not gonna want to focus on dogfighting, and that I'd rather be an explorer and trader. While the Aquila's weaponry isn't as impressive as the Andro or the Pheonix, it seems more like the ship my guy would muster out into.

Though I'm still contemplating giving up LTI and that second character slot to step into the Aquila.

 

[WarrenPeace]

I argued hard and long about it. As much as I love dat cockpit on the Aquila, I've already got a devoted explorer. And I never envisioned my Constellation as a cargo hauler, if I want that I'll pick up a Caterpillar or a MISC Hull C, or a Banu Merc' if I can get my grubby little hands on it. So it was a decision between my already owned, and paid for Andromeda... or a the fancy, shiny Phoenix.

That comes with a hot tub and a bar.

I'll be having a custom pilot setup put in the hot tub.

 

[starkestrel]

I argued hard and long about it. As much as I love dat cockpit on the Aquila, I've already got a devoted explorer.

What's you explorer? The DUR?

 

[Choppanob]

you might wanna rebuy that cutlass...

The asteroid hangar came free with it.

No need, i also have a Starfarer... and as far as i know, they said that the Starfarer is also coming with the Asteroid Hanger.

Even with the variant vid today, I just can't get super excited about the Connie - it just doesn't do anything for me aesthetically. It looks to have all the right features for a fantastic all-arounder ship, but just looks 'meh' to me. I know many will disagree with that, which makes me happy - I love that there is such diversity in ship design that people can argue about which one is prettier. And yes, I'm pretty much buying ships based on if I like their looks. (started with an Avenger, and Starfarer and Retaliator are on my short list for crewed ships).

But I'm definitely looking forward to helping crew all of your Connies!

I had the same feeling in the beginning.
But i like the look of the Aquila... it's the cocpit window that makes the connie look a lot better in my opinion.

And i like the functionality in it as a explorer ship, with all those little extra's, like the top turret beeing a long range scanner now, and the deployable missile racks beeing jump point sensors now (Bit naked on the weapon department now tho)
But also the extra custom bay with land vehicle for ground exploration, and it even seems that i can keep the merlin in the back, if i can trust the Brochure.

Now i'm hoping that the Merlin also hase some options for upgrades, would be nice to have a little explorer/scout ship, instead of a little fighter.

And you are always welcome to crew my ship, Designated Drunk :D

 

[Black Sunder]

I melted my DUR for a Phoenix Upgrade.

I'll hide all my contraband in the hot tub. No one will suspect that!

 

[UPGRAY3DD]

Would it be a dumb idea to swap the Andromeda for the Taurus? I like the idea of having more cargo and scan-defeating tech, but it also has less firepower. Thoughts?

 

[starkestrel]

Would it be a dumb idea to swap the Andromeda for the Taurus? I like the idea of having more cargo and scan-defeating tech, but it also has less firepower. Thoughts?

I don't think it's a dumb idea at all, though I'd advise waiting a bit for things to settle. There's a lot of confusion still about what the stats actually are (lots of discrepancies from different official sources) and the whole upgrade pricing situation needs to be sorted out. Especially if you have LTI on your Andro, you're going to want to have the clarity that will only come, I think, with some more time. (The Taurus is a less expensive ship than the Connie you previously pledged, but right now the only way to get credits for the deal is if you give up LTI and any other early backer benefits.)

One thing to consider re: the firepower is how you intend to deal with it. Do you see yourself flying with guildies in escort ships or hiring escort, or flying solo? It's hard to say from this far outside of the game, but if you primarily see yourself flying solo, it may be prudent to consider using a modified Andromeda with customized scan-defeats. It'll be a smaller cargo hold, but you'd have more assurance of getting to destination.

 

[Montoya]

I kinda think we should help you upgrade to one. Our leader should fly in style. I'd chip in $5.

Optimally, we'd have a TEST C&C ship for executive leadership that was separate from your personal ships, but we should probably wait to get in-game for that. If we thought a Phoenix was the right ship for that, I wouldn't mind you getting it now (since it's limited), transferring it to the Organization in-game, and the Organization purchasing you a replacement ship.

I appreciate the offer, I was going to go for the Aquila since I see it as a more specialized ship, but my needs aside, we probably need a pimping C&C ship first, so the Pheonix is it, for now.

I got the upgrade, I just have not applied it yet, so its there if we need it.

If its the luxury C&C ship direction I have to go, then it is possible that this Pheonix will get swapped out for a 890 Jump when that comes out.

 

[[EGTID]Killbuni-]

Given the option of the two for a straight up fight i would take the pheonix as it gets the p72 as standard also giving you the slight edge, reading the brouchure I also noticed the hidden compartment as standard on the pheonix for the high class smuggler types :D

If you intend to haul cargo go for the andromeda as the lesser cost and bigger hold for a better cargo loading.

Its a toss of the coin

 

[starkestrel]

Well, heavy speculation looking at ship's stats (assuming they hold up) is that the Phoenix might be able to be turned into the superior gunship. It's somewhat amusing to watch everyone who wants the best gunship possible get all bent out of shape over having to have the luxury trappings along with it.

I've started thinking that if I do upgrade to the Constellation, it may just be the base Andromeda. I can always modularize it myself if I want to go exploring (though it'll cost a pretty penny to get those modules in-game).

Congrats on the Phoenix! I will say, Montoya, that I'm already anticipating the awkwardness of those board meetings, when you make all of us sit in the jacuzzi while you conduct the meeting from your bed with two green-skinned ladies feeding you grapes.

*raised hand*
Montoya (annoyed at interruption): "Yes, starkestrel, what is it?"
starkestrel: "Um, could you adjust those sheets a bit?"

 

[SkippyLeDoo]

I'm thinking of it this way:

If I want to configure the phoenix to have more combat capability, I might be able to sell its amenities for more things that go boom. If it gets destroyed, it will be replaced with another shiny swagship.

 

[Black Sunder]

Just want to say, Peer Pressure works and Montoya got himself a Phoenix Upgrade.

Thank you to everyone on Teamspeak at the time who helped me get him to buy one.

 

[starkestrel]

Just want to say, Peer Pressure works and Montoya got himself a Phoenix Upgrade.

Thank you to everyone on Teamspeak at the time who helped me get him to buy one.

You're going to be one of the green ladies in my above scenario, aren't you?

 

[Designated Drunk]

No need, i also have a Starfarer... and as far as i know, they said that the Starfarer is also coming with the Asteroid Hanger.

Man, I'm jealous - I really want a Starfarer, but since I only found out about this game early this year, I have to keep my hopes up for a November anniversary sale (unless Stefano Tsai finishes the redesign sooner).

I had the same feeling in the beginning.
But i like the look of the Aquila... it's the cocpit window that makes the connie look a lot better in my opinion.

Totally agree - the cockpit on the Tequila variant looks much better. (I swear, someone called it a 'Tequila' on TS, and now we must refer to it as such. Because.)

And you are always welcome to crew my ship, Designated Drunk :D

Woohoo! I'll bring the kegerator!

 

[Black Sunder]

You're going to be one of the green ladies in my above scenario, aren't you?

No because I'm the one piloting the ship into the sun.

 

[starkestrel]

No because I'm the one piloting the ship into the sun.

Yellow lady, then. With Icarus wings. Got it.

 

[[EGTID]Killbuni-]

lol

 

[Groundstain]

I hereby christen my Phoenix. (Great fanfare) The Count de Monet (Insert maniacal laughter). "Wait for the shake!"
My plans are to set my course just east of lyra and northwest of pegasus, to fly into the light of Deneb I'll sail across the Milky Way...
Ahh screw it! The idea of alcohol and a shiny, pretty, yellow ball to try and land on sounds good. Count me in.

 

[Black Sunder]

Phoenix stats and Connie in general took a nerf in that max size is now TR5 main engines. Phoenix lost some missiles and took a big cargo nerf. With some ingenuity I think it can still be a good command ship.