Constellation - Variants

[oneoff]

I wonder what kind of market there will be in transporting dignitaries and such with the Luxury Constellation.  I suppose you could always operate a party boat and hit up the hottest clubs on different planets.

[Fury]

The LX variant of the Connie stinks of gold sink. I will spend my money on an exploration variant or combat vessel. HOWEVER THIS IS ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Given we know the smallest of details and they may not offer a variant I want.

[VoA]

I wonder what kind of market there will be in transporting dignitaries and such with the Luxury Constellation.  

I think it will be a sizable market. Don't forget it won't be just NPCs. Players will use your services as well when they want to travel from one of their hangers to another without moving their own ship from that respective hanger (migrating their ships from one hanger to the other)

[PaulC2K]

Im not particularly interested in buying a conny, other ships float my boat more, but i kinda think that the variant thing is almost over-doing things a little. I guess if you have 4 versions of 1 base ship, it adds more variety for less work, but as someone said about an exploration version, the freelancer has that covered. Well, if theres going to be multiple flavours of each ship, theres going to be a handful of explorers etc.

I dunno, i just feel like with a freelancer you knew what it was, then they add explore, combat, hauling versions and it steps on the toes of other ships, makes them less special in a way. Im not against the idea, far from it, infact i think we'll end up with a wider choice. Some people might not like the older industrial looking MISC ships, and a Conny version might do a similar job and make a lot of ppl happy. But i kinda liked it when i thought each ship had its own speciallty, rather than 4-5 ships being similar, just bigger/smaller etc.

 

I'd imagine we'll see a combat orientated version, but i'd hope rather than being covered in weapons, is a small capitol ship type, C&C stuff to lead a small fleet, rather than needing an Idris or w/e the new Corvette would be. So more military systems, rather than firepower.

 

As much as I like the look of the luxury variant, it seems like its the SC answer to pink limo's for hen parties

I cant think of anything else which might be in the game where this ship would be a bonus, just a high-class bus service, i guess its no different than bussing cargo, so maybe theres a need/demand for it in the game from NPCs looking to commute in luxury, but this would be the first ship specificly for public/private passenger transportation, and its hardly a bus or taxi, its very much a limo.

The freelancer strikes me as good bus hull, like a MAX with rows of seats, but im not sure many would pledge to be a bus driver. But im guessing there will be space buses, even if they're NPC run, like the trains.

[Rocket Man]

Im not particularly interested in buying a conny, other ships float my boat more, but i kinda think that the variant thing is almost over-doing things a little. I guess if you have 4 versions of 1 base ship, it adds more variety for less work, but as someone said about an exploration version, the freelancer has that covered. Well, if theres going to be multiple flavours of each ship, theres going to be a handful of explorers etc.

I dunno, i just feel like with a freelancer you knew what it was, then they add explore, combat, hauling versions and it steps on the toes of other ships, makes them less special in a way. Im not against the idea, far from it, infact i think we'll end up with a wider choice. Some people might not like the older industrial looking MISC ships, and a Conny version might do a similar job and make a lot of ppl happy. But i kinda liked it when i thought each ship had its own speciallty, rather than 4-5 ships being similar, just bigger/smaller etc.

 

I'd imagine we'll see a combat orientated version, but i'd hope rather than being covered in weapons, is a small capitol ship type, C&C stuff to lead a small fleet, rather than needing an Idris or w/e the new Corvette would be. So more military systems, rather than firepower.

 

As much as I like the look of the luxury variant, it seems like its the SC answer to pink limo's for hen parties

I cant think of anything else which might be in the game where this ship would be a bonus, just a high-class bus service, i guess its no different than bussing cargo, so maybe theres a need/demand for it in the game from NPCs looking to commute in luxury, but this would be the first ship specificly for public/private passenger transportation, and its hardly a bus or taxi, its very much a limo.

The freelancer strikes me as good bus hull, like a MAX with rows of seats, but im not sure many would pledge to be a bus driver. But im guessing there will be space buses, even if they're NPC run, like the trains.

I am all for the variants of ships.  But I do understand your point of view where I do see some variants stepping on the toes of other variants.  But I think having a variety of ships allows people to apply there setups to meet the needs of what has to be done.  I only hope there is a REAL need for the luxury variants.  I don't see them being very useful other than transporting VIPs for a service. 

 

As for me, I'm looking for a variant of the Connie to have as a fast and agile platform that can either be a good anti-fighter platform for escort missions, or a systems targeting on bigger frigates platform.

[Reavern]

@PaulC2K

CIG is designing gameplay and missions for luxury ships, like the 890 Jump and Constellation Luxury model.

After all, no one really knew what "information running" really entailed until CIG explained it in the Drake Herald stretch goal info. Now we know that info courier missions will be a vital component of the PU game, integral to inter-system communications and commerce.

So there will be missions that involve Luxury Ships -- we just don't know what they are yet, because CIG hasn't released a dedicated luxury ship yet. Presumably when the Constellation Luxury model is released next month, CIG will explain what role the ship is intended to fulfil.

As others and I have speculated, luxury ships will probably used to ferry players and NPCs through space. I expect that most multi-crew ships can be used to carry passengers, but a player might earn more credits if they have their ship refit with better accommodations and amenities for passengers.

I expect that there will also be higher prestige missions, like private charters, consular missions, sightseeing tours, and cruise liner voyages that will require a special tier of ship, such as an 890 Jump or converted Idris Frigate. You can't stick VIPs in the cargo hold of a Freelancer MAX.

You may not be interested in buying a Luxury Connie, but it will have a legitimate role in the Persistent Universe game.

[PaulC2K]

"You can't stick VIPs in the cargo hold of a Freelancer MAX"
You just watch me try!! A red-dot on their forehead should convince them of its luxurious qualities

 

Yeah, i guess there could be comparisons to the Herald, i dont doubt there will be missions, but being a glorified bus driver doesnt sound all that appealing, and I say that knowing its stupid, because i want to be a glorified truck driver, hardly living the rockstar lifestyle Its daft, its transportation at the end of the day, and yet a 'bus' ship doesnt feel as cool as a 'lorry' ship for some reason. That said, the luxury conny certainly looks like you're living the rockstar lifestyle, which is more than can be said for any Freelancer or Starfarer we've seen.

 

But i do hope there are plenty of different jobs available for it, I certainly wouldnt say no to the space equivalent of a Rolls Royce Phantom, but i see it as something i'd use to move between extremely safe areas of space, as a home out in space. A bit like i'd love a M50, but my priority for pledging would be for ships i can see myself needing/wanting for particular roles. Starfarer, Freelancer, Hornet etc. Other than an Aurora, i dont think theres any ships i wouldnt want to eventually own, either myself or my small org, they're all beautiful and i wont be satisfied till i have them all

[NightFall]

@VoA

No worries man I am not stressing...I am just rethinking what I want to do is all.

The exploring and trade areas are becoming more appealing to me then they were initially.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

 

heheheh

 

jooooooooin usssss

[Reavern]

I don't think that the passenger transport missions will be like glorified "bus tours" -- I admit, that would be boing.

I envision these types of missions as similar to Star Wars, wherein Han Solo thinks he's taking on Luke, Ben Kenobi, and 2 droids for a "nice easy charter", and he gets pulled into the Rebellion against the Empire.

Now, I don't mean that every passenger mission will turn into an epic, galaxy-changing adventure. What I mean is that I expect there will be complications during these seemingly safe missions -- just like there will be for most missions. So you might take on a simple "bus driver" mission, carrying some passengers to another star system, but along the way you encounter a band of Pirates (player or NPC) that tries to interdict you. If they're NPCs, then they're probably a scripted part of that mission, intended to make it more interesting and challenging. Or, perhaps the Pirates are among the passengers and they try to hijack your ship; they order you to rendezvous with their Pirate Ship and they take some VIPs hostage for ransom, and disable your ship and leave you for dead. If you fail to stop the Pirates from taking over your ship and they get away, a new mission opens up to rescue the VIPs -- or you can decline that mission, and that rescue mission becomes available to other players, like a Bounty Hunter mission.

There are countless possibilities on how seemingly mundane missions could be made fun and exciting. This is a GAME, after all. And I'd be very surprised and disappointed if CIG didn't include these types of missions in the PU.

In regards to prioritizing which ships to buy, I agree. There are many ships that I'd like to own, but I've decided not to buy them, because they don't fit into my chosen role.

For example, I wanted to buy a Starfarer and/or a Banu Merchantman, but I knew that I wouldn't use them very often, because I'd be pre-occupied performing Combat missions. So it made more sense to buy them in-game instead.

So I don't take issue with anyone choosing not to buy a particular ship, but they should understand that there are A LOT of players out there, and they're interested in other roles and other ships that are more suitable for performing those roles.

[Ama]

I like the images presented thus far. I'll like the images much more once they show Imperium Marines shooting holes into the couches on some sort of high stakes rescue effort.

[cruiser-lite]

@Skywarp

 

Those pictures are pretty much dynamite, transporting VIP’s around would be very profitable perhaps. But at the same time, very dangerous if having to cross hostile systems, would all have to be very secretive. I would want one just to sit in and relax, they’re amazing pictures.

 

That’s just one of the things I’m really looking forward to alot, the various interiors that can be put inside these and other ships, all the uses players can think of to use the ships for, all very exciting stuff.

 

[CC-Corp]

Were so close to the start of next month that I'm kinda hoping that we get more info it in the first few weeks but knowing RSI it will be the last day of the month

[cruiser-lite]

I have read in a few places, players thinking of melting their Constellation down and going the Freelancer way instead.

 

I myself think that the Connie will be a great ship to use for longer trips, especially perhaps, carrying highly valuable loads, especially wWith the great firepower it carries.

I think it would be better to run both types, Connie and FL, if you can, this is what I’m intending to do.

 

Probably only the one Connie though and possibly two FL, not decided yet, I’m just going to be running a smallish org/co (trading etc).

 

[Firestorm183]

@cruiser-lite currently the Connie has 15t more cargo capacity, double the upgrade allotments (20) and packs better heat. (And don't forget it's just downright iconic-looking) so I'm really looking forward to the variants being released for that beauty

[cruiser-lite]

Yes, that's really what I'm getting at, I think its too soon to be melting anything down. I know my connie will be in my org/co for good, maybe for a variant I’d exchange/melt, but we will see.

 

The connie looks to be a great ship, can't wait to get it out and fly the thing.

 

[PaulC2K]

I think if you're talking the same number of players, 4 in 1 Constellation, 4 in 2 Freelancers, i'd go with the Freelancers.

 

I've never been that bothered about them either, but i bought a MIS and then melted it to get just the upgrade (it gives me the option if i ever want one) but in our small org of 9 (4 mainly) we have 2 FLs and my upgrade, and i think they'd be great running together (DUR, MAX & MIS) cos you've got decent storage & firepower, gunners to help and more targets rather than all being in a Conny. It might be easier to shoot down a FL v Conny, but you've got to take 3 (in our case) out, or 1 constellation. Its hard to know how it'll be, but ive gone from not being that fussed about the freelancer, 1 in the org is enough, to wanting to add a 3rd as i think they'd be great protecting each other and theres decent haulage potential in them.

The Constellation, for some reason, seems too big to fly with other connys. With Hornets or similar, sure, but theres something about a swarm of Freelancers i think will be a lot of fun, and quite feasible to do.

[Jake]

im interested too see the benefits of the luxury variant other than looking gorgeous, looking at the picture it makes me worry about the p52

I think they removed the p52 so that they could install the ejection seats around the negotiation table... I could see that coming in handy for those stalemate negotiations (i.e. "You will give me what I want either way, because I kind of want to see your cold lifeless body floating in space, that or you give me the Butternut Black-Icecream - your choice..."

[Reavern]

I think they removed the p52 so that they could install the ejection seats around the negotiation table... I could see that coming in handy for those stalemate negotiations (i.e. "You will give me what I want either way, because I kind of want to see your cold lifeless body floating in space, that or you give me the Butternut Black-Icecream - your choice..."

 

The P52's mini-hangar bay has been relocated to the aft of the ship, for the base model and all variants. The pic of the interior of the Luxury Connie only showed the midship cargo bay area.

 

 

The P52 hangar is either through the aft hatch, where the crew quarters used to be -- or possibly even further aft, in the tail section accessible through a hatch where the shower used to be.

[Jake]

The P52's mini-hangar bay has been relocated to the aft of the ship, for the base model and all variants. The pic of the interior of the Luxury Connie only showed the midship cargo bay area.

 

 

 

The P52 hangar is either through the aft hatch, where the crew quarters used to be -- or possibly even further aft, in the tail section accessible through a hatch whether the shower used to be.

 

Yup, thanks wordsmith, I did know that.  I was just making a joke  Cheers!

[Niwa]

accessible through a hatch whether the shower used to be.

 

We have to whisper the secret word to the bowl then it flush you inside the P52. Chris Roberts I see what you did there.

[Ywaik]

So as a joke we stand in the toilet and flush to get inside the P52? lol

[VoA]

Looks like we know 2 of the Connie Variant Names - Cygnus and Taurus.......

 

From Reddit: - PenguinSage[S]

 

Sandi has been posting pictures of the luxury conni variant on her Facebook which are actual pictures taken of a screen they are designing it on. From those pictures some one was able to zoom in and see the title of the variant which is Cygnus. Cygnus makes sense for the LX variant because its a constellation of a swan. We got At Taurus on the last episode of around the verse when they said they were almost done with the redesigned stock conni and Taurus Variant. No word on what is different about the Taurus but as it is the constellation of the bull folks are thinking it will be quite powerful.

[oneoff]

I noticed the mentioning of Taurus but haven't been able to look further into it. I for one am ready to see some varient!

[swiftwilly]

@Skywarp

 

Those pictures are pretty much dynamite, transporting VIP’s around would be very profitable perhaps. But at the same time, very dangerous if having to cross hostile systems, would all have to be very secretive. I would want one just to sit in and relax, they’re amazing pictures.

 

That’s just one of the things I’m really looking forward to alot, the various interiors that can be put inside these and other ships, all the uses players can think of to use the ships for, all very exciting stuff.

 

Profitability will all be relative.

 

So yea, you can make money transporting VIPs around the 'verse but how will it compare to other jobs/quests/mining.

 

I don't see how it is appealing just from the fact that you can make money from it. 

[AdmiralBoom]

Luxury variant sounds like a moving bullseye for pirates