Greetings, Citizens! We’re very pleased to announce that we’ve passed 100,000 pledges and approaching $7 million in total! The amount of support the community has given us in getting this game’s development started has been incredible; we won’t disappoint you!
Freelancer Video
We know you’re looking forward to seeing more ships and so today we have a special sneak preview: an interview with artist Jim Martin talking about his design process for the Freelancer… and showing off a few renders of the work so far! We think you’ll be very pleased with how this one is coming along.
Citizen Cards
We are very sorry to report that Citizen Cards will not be ready in time for Christmas as initially hoped. On upside we have tens of thousands more of you in our awesome growing community than we ever imagined and have broken crowd funding records. As a result the Citizen Card fulfillment is a much bigger job. This combined with the merging of 34,397 Kickstarter pledges are the two reasons for the delay. Kickstarter allows people two weeks to correct any billing issues after the campaign closes so we have only recently been able to start working with the data. If we went into production now the people that backed Star Citizen on Kickstarter and the people who added tiers and upgrades on Kickstarter wouldn’t get the card level they deserved.
On a positive note we want you all to have something to gift your friends, family and fellow space sim fan lovers with Christmas around the corner. We will make digital holiday cards available later in the month so that those who’ve kindly decided to gift Star Citizen will be able to do so.
We promise to keep you updated on the Citizen Card fulfillment. It will be worth it.
These cards will be a one time only production with your name shown as a Founder of Star Citizen. We hope to break many more records and for your card to be a reminder of our humble beginnings and that you helped make this happen for us all. Sandi is working as hard as she can to make sure they will be coming your way as soon as possible!
In the News
Earlier this week, Chris Roberts appeared on the first installment of a multi-part livestream for MMORPG. Chris took questions from the audience and talked about all aspects of Star Citizen. The next interview session will be Wednesday, December 12 at 5 PM EST… so bring your questions!
PLEDGING FOR FREELANCER!!!
A very nice design, though it is different from the concept enough to cause some dismay.
Well, if it causes “some dismay” all the community will get out of it is no more concept art shown to us in order to minimize drama. Is this what you guys really want?
Is it different from original concept? Yes.
Is it close enough to the original concept so that no one can say the concept was for entirely different ship? Yes.
Is it better or worse than original concept? Definitely better!
Oh you think because the community voices critizism they will stop showing us concept art?
You must think really lowly of the devs.
They are not a big bad publisher that %$& on their fans – they want input and I bet they want the negative side of it too.
If they were such sensitive ponies they would have stopped doing this line of work a looooong time ago.
You shouldn’t talk for the devs when it is just you crying out because someone said no.
I might be wrong, of course, but one thing is to be sensitive and other thing is mitigating needless drama. They can have thick skin but in the end, when they see that people start to be disenchanted by small things like a cockpit or left wing done differently than on some tentative sketch, they will present us with end result and not the process that led to it. That’s all.
You are still welcome to word your discontent with the ship’s “new” looks and if you’re lucky CIG will cave in and will change the concept – good for you! But then another big group will be mad that they changed it back. Simply put you will never make all people happy.
…unless you give them some simple final result of your work (like they did with Hornet, Vanduul and Constellation ship models which no one ever bitched about).
Of course that’s just my opinion and you’re welcome to disagree.
We’re not just “The Fans” We are investors. We paid for the development of the game. the reason they are showing us this concept art, is because Our voices SHOULD be heard on a game we actually helped pay to develop.
@BlindPatriot:
Very well. If we were to use the “investor analogy” each and every donator is at best a minor shareholder. In case of big companies those shareholders that do not hold some control package of the stock have almost no say on the way the company is run and need to rely on company’s quarterly reports and based on this information decide to either keep or sell the stock.
So with the “investor” analogy we should get even less than we get now unless, of course, you pledged more than $10.000. Did you?
And one important thing in the end: being honest with you I want (and have pledged quite a lot of money) to play CHRIS ROBERTS’ game, not community’s. I saw too many games being created for communities and then ending being games for no one and thus worthless. That’s why my stance is rather skeptical when it comes to listening to communities’ feedback and stuff. I don’t want to seem like a sycophant here, but seeing that this game i made by Chris Roberts was all I needed to see to pledge and I knew that Star Citizen will be the real thing! Of course that is valid on condition that it won’t get watered down when community is tried to be pleased.
I totally agree:
The devs are glad of criticism … as long as it is productive criticism and not just bashing!
In the case of the MISC Freelancer you can clearly see how it already changed the design. Just take a look at the original design; the tail wings were the most critcised part of it. In the curent version of the freelancer they’ve greatly reduced it!!!
Without criticism this change would have never happened…
@Kervis. That is actually completely untrue, even with one share you have a say in the company. Every share holder is invited to the yearly shareholders meeting no matter how many shares you have. Then they put corporate decisions to a vote, just like how CR put his concept design to a vote. Now Im not saying this ship is bad, I like it personally. Im just saying we as investors DO have a say. We all voted on this concept design and CR went with it. He said it himself in his post, that we are going to be involved in every single part of the development process. So no I didnt pay 10 grand into the game. But I paid my fair share, as did many others.
BlindPatriot, you need to look into how investing works before you put any significant money into a venture….
Exexpt for some very large pledges, where exactly did it say that your pledge gives you have a SAY in this company/project?
We are not “investors”. Do you even know what that word means? You didn’t buy equity in this game or the company that develops it. You paid money to purchase a copy of the game, some additional related memorabilia, and to ensure the game gets developed. Nothing more.
We have no say in the direction of the game nor its concept art unless the devs are kind enough to take our feedback into consideration.
It’s only an opinion, not a request. But the most beautiful thing in art was the original cockpit. But of course I understand the reasons for change, in fact looking at the original concept i already imagined it. I just think the freelancer should be more focused on exploration and not just dog figthing. May contain more turrets, instead needing a larger observation area in the cockpit.
“Our intention has always been to make Roberts Space Industries YOUR site. It’s not a public advertisement for the game; it’s a private community for those who are making the game happen. We want your input on what we’re doing and we want to share our plans with you; the occasional passer-by doesn’t concern us. The plan was initially to immediately switch on a wall that would allow only you, our backers, to access features like the Comm-Link and the Spectrum Dispatches. Kickstarter has thrown something of a wrench in this plan: we can’t change the site until the Kickstarter backers are integrated, which may take up to two weeks, otherwise we would be blocking thousands of backers from participating.” – Chris Roberts
Better?! No ts not!
I know there was not real indication of scale in the concept bt thisjust looks small and bloated.
I’m very dissapointed. To the point that Im glad I bought another ship!
You guys need to realize that Roberts has a vision for this game and if we are lucky he will follow that vision instead of trying to do everything that we suggest. We should never stop making suggestions and conversing about them in a civilized manner as we may give him new ideas that will fit with what he wants to do, just don’t get so attached to your ideas that you get angry if they are not used. Remember we put money into a game that was going to be made by Chris Roberts not a crowd sourced collaboration of ill fitting ideas.
@ Everybody above me. I know what I paid for. Chris Robert’s said that all pledgers are going to be involved with the development of the game. We’re going to see the renders, the concept art, etc. Thats why we are getting a Special area on the site. JUST for that. So Im not going to feel bad if I dont like something, or if I like something, and Im going to express my opinion, because thats what we paid for. If you just want to throw money at something and then ride it out, thats your prerogative. Not mine, and not many other who invest in something. And yes we INVESTED in this game. That 7 million dollars we put in is FOR the game, thats called an investment. We dont have stock or shares in the company. However we made this game possible, and Chris Roberts understands that and that si why HE is including us in the process of making it. So if you dont want to participate in that fine. However many of us do and will take advantage of that privelege.
In the afterthought I agree that the ship could be 30-50% bigger than it is now in order to correctly reflect its cargo space and amount of upgrade modules that are possible to be installed.
Other than that I like the new look of the ship and think it now looks better than on the concept art.
It looks nice and fits the role of a trader/explorer ship with a side of being able to defend itself when necessary. I agree with those who think it could be a bit bigger %30-50 seems right. This would make it a bigger target though, and from what I’ve seen of the designers interview (for the ‘stella) he does take into account how much cargo space and upgrade space there needs to be.
I really like the design.
I’m sure they are fine with critism as long as it’s civil. 100,000 have pledge $ to this game. Its not like everyone is going to like everything they go. I’m sure CIG knows this. Kudos to them for being so open. Keep up the fine work CIG!!
I do think it looks a lot different I loved the concept, but this render just looks like a toy with more over sized windows.
It does look like a toy. A woman’s toy.
most space craft look like a woman’s toy
LOL thats a really fun visual
Oversized windows? If they were the same size as the concept, you wouldn’t be able to see anything out of them.
Ironically my first thought upon seeing the new design was that it looked like a McDonald’s Happy meal toy.
I think it looks great. Nice and durable looking. Large windows allow you to see out better. As for immersion I wonder what type of glass they are made of as large glass areas do not seem to be that secure.
Concept and final designs are almost never same, having said that, it does have a interesting front-end design. I’ll chalk it up to hybrid alien design.
If you see the Vanduul concept and the final design its almost identical.
You can have mine. It looks like a blasted SHORT BUS. Where’s the wheelchair lift and the kid licking the inside of the window?
Thanks ill have it!
Yeah, you can send it my way as well.
whiners are everywhere… piss off.
It looks great imo
I would hope this forum would be above the maturity level that would start posts like this. I don’t see any where to report this, but lets try not to do or tolerate this kind of posting here.
[i]“whiners are everywhere”[/i]
Hmm I’m not a fan of the freelancer now. Loved the concept art but for me those rear wings were a defining element for me and in this case they seem to be just small stabilizers. I’d like to see them much bigger and thicker like wings that move as you turn.
I agree, but im fine with them being stationary.
I agree too. I prefer the concept art
I really like the direction the design has taken.
The wings were my biggest point of criticism, I like how they are reduced now; please don’t change that.
The only thing I am concerned with now is the scale. For a ship designed for heavy mercantile and exploration, it seems slightly too small. Maybe increase the scale by 1.5 or so. (as in 1m=1.5m)
Although it would seem perfect for what I planned on doing with it, namely smuggling.
Yeah, I’d have to agree with this point. That small of a ship just doesn’t look like it’s capable of carrying a whole lot of cargo. Definitely like the overall design, just think it needs to be a bit larger for it’s intended purpose.
I think you are right. Many people I think were envisioning something of a size nearer that of a Constellation when they saw the sketches (I know I was.) So a scale bump up if possible would probably smooth some ruffled feathers.
That being said though, I think this looks killer! I did not go for a Lancer just because I wasn’t sure what it would look like. Now having seen this I am definitely toying with the idea of making another add-on purchase. More of a fast-courier or blockade runner than the freighter I was envisioning. Its very exciting to think about what it might be like to walk on board such a craft and take it for a spin, and all the sneaky stuff you might get to do with it. I had that same gut reaction upon seeing the old Galaxy in Privateer.
Even if the scales get updated, this is not a concept to ignore I think. Maybe the Lancers should be a “series?” As others in comments had mentioned, maybe you have the Firefly-like MKIII and the little peppy and sporty Mini MKIV of this size. .
I think that the scale needs to be even bigger… The scale at the moment is similar to an F18 Hornet comparing the size of the man in front of the cockpit. So it might be okay for a fighter or interceptor which is carrier based. For a freelancer ship for flying cargo around and be independent of any mother ship it is far to small. The size should be at least the size of a A400M or a Hercules if not the size of an Antonnov 225 or a Galaxy. Consider to be in space and we need to travel a long time. I am myself not to sure about a good size but it should be larger then a shuttle and this ship here looks more like a shuttle class ship.
Capital ships should be even bigger in scale … A corvette e.g. For 50-100 crew also need space to support them … The engine systems will take much of the available space. If we look at this ship, the engines will take mostly everything in the aft half of that ship, so where is the cargo bay going? 30 Tons of cargo will never fit in there …
Need to add something to myself …
I like the overall design. The only thing I would change isnthenscale of the back. Make it 100% longer and about 50% larger in the back and do not change the scaling of the front. The it should be okay.
It is not a fighter and it should never be any. Therefore it can be bigger than a Constellation.
If we have that large Windows, please put moveable screens on ( add on perhaps) to enable jumps through unknown jump points …
Did you mean to say it can’t be bigger than the Constellation or can?
I looked at the images again and it seems the cargo area in the Constellation is the same area where the little fighter is and it looks to be about the same side as the area behind the cockpit of the Freelancer. Constellation according to specs carries an extra 5 tonnes of cargo though.
Oops, I meant to say 15 tonnes more as the Freelancer can carry 20 tonnes of cargo not 30
I love the design of this, kinda reminds me of Firefly a bit, which is a good thing.
I do agree about the scale though. Seems like it should be about 2-3 times larger. Let me put it this way – how many cows do you think you can fit in the cargo hold?
Awesome news! I like the 3D model of the Freelancer a lot!
If you want to read the news in German, you can do so at:
http://werde-star-citizen.de
As a Lancer, I am very disappointed by this design. I know that many agree with me and I hope that our voice will be heard.
I think I’m gonna get the Freelancer JUST because it looks like the Freelancer Patriot.
I’m sorry. But the Artwork was substantially nicer than this first model.
I often wonder why we really need large windows at all. I mean, wouldn’t a radar system in space rendered into a headset with telescopic visuals being displayed on closer proximity be more realistic?
With that being said, it could be because people just “like it”. I imagine having your coffee looking through clear metal at the stars around you would be nice. I mean, who am I to judge, I have a perfectly warm home, but I like to hang out on the patio with the chiminea freezing my tail cheeks off on a cool night drinking beer
I am sorry but I have to complain, it’s not the same ship we choose.
You’re right – it’s better!
+1
+2
+3
+5
+2pi
+6
+7
I like it =)
+8
∑(F,L)= ( L² – F² + F + L)/2
+ graham’s number
+my pledge
+one googol
+one Googleplex
+1
Yep… I like it
What are you talking about? It’s awesome!
Everyone chose the direction the design was taking, but not the final design. I’m sorry if this wasn’t clear.
There will never be a case where a 2D sketch will represent the final 3D model.
There are a lot issues to consider once you move into 3D. You’ll notice there is a lot more glass in the cockpit than the sketch as visibility during dogfights is always important. And I guarantee if we weren’t thinking about it there would be a lot of upset Freelancer pilots complaining about visibility.
Then there are considerations of were the hard points will be, how you will access the cargo hold, where the living quarters will be and so on. Its all part of the process and why I wanted to share this with you all. We go through this on all the ship designs (and there is still quite a way to go on the Freelancer)
Thanks for all the hard work! And for letting us see things this early! This is amazing, and more than I’ve ever gotten from any other game!
In the case that it was not clear from my other comments this update is awesome and I am very happy to see all the work in progress
I guess this is one of the problems with releasing concept art, a few people need to be educated about how a design can evolve from one initial idea to the final production model – case in point would be the Vanduul fighter.
The 2d drawing, the cockpit glass, or lack there of, seemed to suggest to me a ship bigger than the description. The 3d model, with the more open cockpit, brings the size of the ship to something twice as big as the Hornet.
Chris, I understand that but you changed to much and on 2d sketch ship look larger.
Yes, but that was primarily because of the window being too small for the ship (a change which I agree with Chris, is very important). The previous version of the ship, in order to have proper visibility (excluding the concept of lots of screens) would have had to be a lot larger than the ship they were actually looking to create.
By the way, love the design Chris, I look forward to seeing where it goes from here
. Really want to see how that turret in the back possibly works out.
Thankfully no one cares that you feel gipped that a 2D model doesn’t accurately portray size and dimensions, and the 3D model isn’t an exact replica. Get out of here. You’re voting on conceptual models. If the fans had control of what every ship model looks like, well, that’d be fucked.
Well.. it is a ship for 2 crew members – you should not expect a frigate / destroyer size ship for this. So it is perfectly fine I think the way it turned out.
I love the ship personally and am glad I sprung for it as an add on! My only concern is that the ship seems to small to stand up in. The picture with the person standing next to it gives a scale where the person doesn’t seem to be able to stand upright in the ship. Can you check that a person of up to say 6’6″ in height would be able to stand upright in it? Because it seems to be a little small. Maybe just 20% bigger/cooler?
P.S. congrats on topping 7 Million in revenue! Now may be the time for those dancing girls!
@Badgerpants
Wait, we’re going to get dancing girls for our bigger ships (Constellation and bigger)? Like we get bobbleheads for our cockpits?
;-P
I’d settle for dancing girls in the bars on planets
Just want to throw some thanks your way. I’ve never seen a developer pay so much attention to what the fans think of their work. You’d never see the head of Blizzard reply to someone on the forums say “This weapon looks stupid” or something like that. Thank you for being so in tune with us.
That being said, I actually REALLY dig the new Freelancer… so much that I’m pledging up to it. Kind mad that I was so poor when the lifetime insurance thing was going on (missed it by a few hours because of my stupid paycheck needing to clear) but I’m totally digging the Serenity-esque vibe to this. It’s like a baby version of a firefly class, I love it.
Completely agree. If I can scrape together the cash, I’m grabbing one for myself!
if you already made a pledge before the deadline, you can upgrade and add on a ship and it will have lifetime insurance.
That’s actually not true anymore. Lifetime Insurance is gone as of November 26th.
Ignore my other comment, I mis-read your post. My first pledge was made a handful of hours after the insurance deadline because of the thanksgiving holiday and banks being closed and stuff.
If your first pledge was before the deadline you can upgrade/add on at will and still gain the lifetime insurance for another 11/12 months. If your first pledge was after the deadline your out of luck with lifetime insurance but can still acquire insurance in game. At least that’s what I remember from announcements.
Exactly my thoughts! Amazing thing to see Chris Roberts chat with you about the game of your dreams. Unbelievable and so exciting to be part of it! I will add Freelancer as add-on ship after Christmas – spent too much this year already!
Yeah, pretty sure if you upgrade an existing pledge it still has lifetime insurance (And it will be this way for 12 months i believe CR said). it’s just new pledges that won’t
Not if the pledge was made after November 26th.
+1
Yes! I totally agree about it have a Serenity-esque to it. That’s probably why I like it so much.
Looks great, I’m glad I have the Freelancer tier. Can’t wait to see what the other ships will look like.
The Firefly look was the first thing that jumped out at me, too. I actually like this version better than the concept.
I know I’m one of the people “nitpicking,” but please don’t be discouraged from asking for input because we’ve complained.
I think that even if I didn’t get quite what I expected, I was happy to have the ability to vote on the concept art. Not that I want you to completely ignore the suggestions either
Thanks Chris. I hope you and the team continue to make the game you want and don’t get discouraged by criticism. I’m glad you value community feedback, but know that MOST ALL of us trust in your good judgement
This, so much this.
I have to support this comment.
Same here.
Yup…I agree
+1
+1 Its not allways easy with die hard fans. In this forum it somtimes sounds worse than in a beauty salon filled with raging teen age girls before a Rob Williams gig.
Absolutely. I wouldn’t put my money behind someone I don’t believe in and while I couldn’t contribute as much as I would have liked initially, I assure you, with kids and living expenses as they are, it was more than I could technically afford. That being said I think it shows just how much I believe in the vision to become reality. Chris, you and all the helpers / developers are rockin. Keep it going strong and I still want pics. 2D, sketchup, scribbles, concept, 3D. I am selfish and I WANT IT ALL !!!!! MUAH HA HA HA.
Yep, I’m with you. I want more…a lot more….kinda creepy desperate really
Agreed, When I pledged, I pledged for what the team presented with the faith RSI would make that. Everything I have heard from the team is logical for making a game that is fun for the vast majority, not the select few of of one play style. I love this and am looking forward to seeing the original vision built. Everything I see makes me want more with a positive outlook.
+1 The rate at which users are still joining up proves that Chris has the right direction for this game.
I invested not so much because I desperately need a space sim but because I trust Chris to bring out a great game. And he shows that I made the right decision with every interview. Input and suggestions from the community is all fine and dandy but Chris knows how to make a game work better than any of us, so let him and his team do their job and not whine about every detail please.
Me to
Chris, ( may I call you Chris?)
I would like to respectfully disagree regarding the visibility factor when monitors and cameras could easily compensate for that, and there could be an added factor of those cameras becoming jammed, damaged or destroyed, compromising visibility during a combat situation. In my own personal opinion the MISC-SHIP 01 concept drawing ( shown here: http://www.robertsspaceindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/freelancer_option1.jpg)
Is much more iconic looking and down right cool then what was just posted today, especially in the forward, bridge area.
In the newer model posted today, The bridge looks somewhat lessened and even though there is significantly more visibility, it also looks like a bigger target for someone coming straight at it guns a blazing.
When I envision the Freelancer, I see it relying on superior sensors and scanning equipment to see rather then human visibility through glass ( or whatever transparent material is protecting them from the vacuum of space) and many monitors in its bridge area to display various figures and stats on the surrounding area. It is a long range exploration ship after all.
While I do recognize the need for visibility for piloting by eye and to simply look out the window, I concede that the community selected model of the Freelancer has enough visibility from the viewports in front to pilot it in a combat situation when supplemented with its supposedly advanced exploration and scanning equipment.
I hope you see the wisdom in this and help guide the design back toward something that more closely resembles the community selected model rather then the one that was posted in todays update.
It’s really quite similar to the sketch. It looks more pudgy because the stands are all out making it seem taller, whereas in the sketches the stands were all up giving it a more streamlined look.
And the nose is probably the most notable difference. The windows look fine, but the shape is more rounded than the sketches. I’m not sure if the more pointed nose would hinder visibility or not.
The way it seems to have a neck and a head actually reminds me of Serenity from the Firefly series. lol
If it was given to voting which model majority of people (or even only those, who pledged for Freelancer) prefer: the sketch or 3D model I guarantee you that 3D model above would win.
That’s because now it looks much better and more like an exploration ship. It’s amazing. I’m starting to absolutely love Jim Martin’s work (first Vanduul scythe and now this!)
the entire thing is still subject to change. what’s to say that the final product won’t look more like the sketch? it might look completely different to both, since Chris needs to make sure it has room for a turret, cargo bay, other weapons etc.
Totally agree. The Freelancer is a cargo and exploration vessel not a fighter. The Concept art bridge tells exactly that. It was precisely what made me vote for it. In that concept art the bridge looked armored and strong, something one may expect in a ship designed to navigate dangerous uncharted anomalies (jump-points). And of course, is a ship that relies on its sensors not on what his pilot could see through the windows.
I can understand that never concept arts are exactly like final 3D designe, however I expected to be close enough to that concept. The front of the ship is completely different and the ship looks very diffetent. In the concept art, as I said, it looked armored, heavy, and agressive, now it looks light, soft, and weak.
This model looks good but for another kind of ship, maybe another Freelancer version with other roles (search and rescue?)
I’m completly agree with Adamanter. I prefer the concept art, it’s more aggressive. A Freelancer must be ready for everything. The 3D design It just ready to lay a egg (I don’t want troll, it’s just the first think i thing when saw the 3d design).
They have never built a sensor that is superior to the MK1 eyeball employed by humans, many sensors can see in more spectrums or without light but to under stand what they can “see” you still need a MK1 Eyeball and a human brain for interpretation so I like more visibility. Cal himself mentioned that many he could sneak up on the Vanduul carrier if nobody looked out the window so don’t discount a large viewport!
I agree with Daggaroth, for the visibility it isn’t necessary. Especially when you consider it has a lot of alien technology from the “Xi’an” it may be a great way to shrink the windows and put up some digital monitors or a helm with a display in its visor where you would have a 360 view around the ship.
The less windows the sturdy the ship the more it can take when exploring the universe of trying to outrun the pirates that are after your precious cargo.
That said I like the other changes the team made to the design.
I think the wings do have a function in contrary with what other people say, the ships also needs to be able to land on a planet and lift off again. This is where the wings come in handy when trying to slow down for a landing en trying to take off again later.
@Kervis: I own one of them so don’t speak for other people you don’t know.
Wow, I was thinking cameras and sensors as well.
I’ve been curious about all of the ships taking on a very WW2 usability theme instead of a “futuresque” theme. ie; cameras, sensors, AI, drones.
While there are likely both camps, perhaps that could be a community mod project or something, where
Canopies
Wings
Cowl
Electronics
are aftermarket things us, the users could develop and mod and just let the WW2 thinking of “more glass=more visibility” initial dev idea.
Neither are wrong per se but I can see how it may feel restrictive if everything is SO focused on actual usability you may get away from the WHY of playing and having fun instead of the WHAT realism.
Focus on the why.
I’m a week late, but I totally agree with everything you have said. I very much doubt that sensors and post-processing/data mining have not advanced to a point where an augmented look at the space around you isn’t vastly preferable to looking outside the window like some space Luddite.
Sure, for fighters the immediacy is vastly more important than any additional info, since all they need to do is line up the sights on an uncloaked (albeit wildly maneuvering) enemy right in front of them.
This ships’ role however is to evade or maybe even survive a beating, but certainly not to deliver it – at least from my understanding.
At the very least this ship needs deployable blast shields.
If the human component is so important for spotting stuff in space I’d expect far more windows on all sides, anyway. While I doubt a jump point sneaks up from behind on unsuspecting explorers, who is to say a moderately fast shielded/stealthed asteroid-with-mining-colony in orbit around a planet would not come from behind/above/below? Why should an exploration vessel have a humongous blind spot?
I think you’re getting some people here wrong, Chris. I guess, many know, that you have to change things in the design process. A perfect example is the added windows in the cockpit, but that does not nessecarily mean changing the whole appearance. The concept looked sleek, fast, a bit like a dragon fish with those fins and spoilers. It leaned into the turrets and looked agressive. The version you show now though, looks like an upside down banana. More like a cargo ship. A VW Passat compared to a Mitsubishi Galant sports back. It’s the closest I can get to with an example… ^^
Keep up the work. If I like half of the ship designs, all is OK.
I agree wholeheartedly- the original Freelancer had ‘edge’ and ‘style’. THe fins, spoilers, face and guns all looked more down-right awesome as Solomon said. This one just looks like a doopy beginner ship that a comic-relief guy in a tv series would fly.
In regards to the windows, you could just make the face of the original design more made of glass. As in, the ‘top’ or ‘roof’ part of the bridge could have its metal replaced with glass panels.
If I knew this was what it would look like, I would have voted for the other design for sure. I know many other people here would have done the same.
Come to think of it, the new design looks like a timid, bald ferret while the better design looks like a confident reptile ready for space faring.
I agree. My main reason to vote the first concept art was how agressive and strong looked the Freelancer. This model looks weak and soft.
Still.. remember the Orion? the Scimitar? Plenty of people (me included) thought those were some pretty cool ships… and even in those games, there wasn’t a lot of visibility in each ship. Still.. successful.
Why can’t we have ships like that? Ones that are awesome, but don’t necessarily have the best visibility? Not every ship is a Centurion, after all…
My favorite ship was the Orion. Not good visibility but widely compensate with all those screens and its sensor. Yes, we need a ship like the Orion, why it can’t be the Freelancer?
Who’s one of the other ships won’t fulfil the Orion role? O ye of little faith…
Meant to say Who says…
The ship doc says that the Freelancer is supposed to be equivalent to the Galaxy from Privateer, not the Orion. The Galaxy had plenty of cockpit canopy glass.
I hope to see an equivalent to the Orion at some point, but that is not what the Freelancer is meant to be.
Well, now the Freelancer has a much better visibility than a Hornet. Which is a bit as if a A380 would have a better visibility than a F-22. It’s weird. Do you have guidelines for the ship designs, or are just following your “gut feeling”?
/agree – there are certain logical realities regarding role and design, and this does seem backwards.
Just make sure to include a lounge chair/toilet/fridge combo. Once I sit my butt in that boat I don’t wanna stop exploring the galaxy.
nice work.
it seems apart from the translation “problems” from concept to 3d, you also addressed people’s complaints about the wings and the visibility in the cockpit.
although, what i liked more about the concept was that it was “fatter” in the middle section…or at least the bigger cockpit kinda switched around it’s proportions…looks a bit odd…but i guess it’s not final anyway…
the turret still missing being another indication of that.
looking forward to see the final model and hopefully a brochure like the stella’s.
Looks totally amazing Chris!! Keep up he good work and thanks for bringing us the updates!
Though it looks cool, a spacecraft with a cockpit full of glass for greater visibility seems pointless. Space is very, well…dark, right? You’d probably rely more on instruments when dogfighting in the great void.
Bah, I chose it because it was a freighter, and if you design it so it’s a working one then that’s sweet ass, ignore the vanity queens, immersion+practicality>worldofwarcraftmyarmourisbetterthanyours.
Good job on the design guys, I hope to make plenty a trade deal in mine.
In the end you have the final say in everything, but I hope you may consider the glass thing a bit. It is a space sim and I don’t want to lose a fight because the other guy got a lucky shot on my cockpit. But here’s a WILD idea. There is NO GLASS but instead what we are seeing is a display/monitor-like “skin” wrapped on the outer armor/hull showing whats on the inside and vice versa on the inside the skin is showing whats on the outside? Purposes of this being for socializing allowing players to see each other’s characters rather than just staring at the hull of the ships. Just food for thought. Too much glass put it at a disadvantage rather than give it an advantage during dogfights because of the danger of taking a hit and breaching. You could always have an array of cameras and panoramic monitors to cover blind spots. Like the remote bulldozer drivers did in avatar. A favorite franchise of mine (gundam) did space combat pretty well where they had zero-g pilot chairs suspended inside a sphere and the wall is a seamless monitor giving the pilot near 360 degree view of the battle. http://roleplaying.diraven.net/gundam/moblesuits/images/nt_1_cockpit.jpg I understand that the freelancer is more of an exploration ship and a cockpit design of this magnitude might be extreme but you mentioned giving it more glass for greater visibility during dogfights was a bit concerning. I hope dedicated fighter ships will not take a similar approach.
Chris, will the other Freelancer design be utilized somewhere? The more military version.
Thanks for the response Chris. I will be honest I preferred the original cockpit design but this makes much more sense. Practicallity over beauty in this case makes more sense. I wish the original cockpit were feasible but as you made clear, it isnt.
Keep up the good work guys.
. Dont get discouraged.
I think the 3D design of the ship actually looks better than the 2D sketch. Its because of this 3D design I am upgrading my pledge. The Freelancer looks awesome. Keep it up!!!
So glad to see the visibility concern I had with the sketch has been recognized and addressed. Very nice work so far. Very close to concept sketch while addressing some of the short-comings of that design. I like it.
Chris, I love that you take the time to read these things and educate the supporters on this stuff is such a positive way. I felt the concept art made the ship look much larger than intended, like it had a bridge and not a cockpit. You’ve done great keeping the style and making the scale look right!
The Freelancer looks great and Jim did a great job!
As an exploration ship, I love the open window cockpit. I want to see the Nebulae with my naked eye, not a video feed.
I also appreciate CR’s dedication to all his ships being “physics”lly functional.
Keep up the God work.
(P.S. The turret should go on the back. I want people tailing me to get blasted.)
Some people just seem to have trouble connecting the idea of ‘concept’ to ‘concept art’ I’ve designed ships and weapons for fun for years (Way to much D&D
) so it’s simple to come up with something that looks great, but is just impractical in the real world. While the sketch had a cockpit with little visibility, I don’t see that being fitting for the actual ship for one reason, the Freelancer is a trade/exploration ship, you need to be able to see as much as you can with your own eyes as much as with cameras and sensors. If it’s dangerous then I’m sure there will be blast shields and the like that can be implemented to cover the windows, a simple stutter or the like that goes over them and maybe gives that section of the ship a slight boost in armor, but lowers weapon accuracy/general visibly a bit would be fitting and quite accurate.
All in all I’m pleased with the design, and I didn’t even vote for this one, I think it’s going to be a blast to really get out there and see this world, and if a buddy can come along and be my tail-gunner, all the better
Keep up the great work guys, and thanks for the constant information, it’s so refreshing to see, I’ve only ever seen a handful of companies that try and keep their supporters/player base in the loop like you all, and it’s a true joy to have and experience.
Chris,
First of all, thank you for involving us in the process so much. Just a suggestion:
In this comparison of the two ships (2d and 3d)…
http://bildr.no/view/1337449
…the biggest difference is the size of the ‘back section’ of the ship relative to the front. If you guys were to scale up the back section of the ship with the engines and the small ‘bridge’ that goes over the top of the ship, and move the gun hard-point slightly forward… I think it would look great.
The back section of the ship just looks a bit insignificant relative to the rest of the ship as it stands now.
I gotta admit, if I were going to make a change, this would be the one I would make. I like the new version of the ship, but I do think the rear end would look even better with a slightly broader profile.
Just my two cents
It needs a much more proportionate and aggressive look to it, not unlike the concept design. Lengthen the wings, enlarge the main engine area, shorten/widen the pylon thrusters, widen/lower the forward cockpit, go to a narrower visor shaped window, move the blasters out/up and include a crapload of alien lebd-lease screens above and below the window to permit a 270 forward and peripheral view that a high tech badass exploration/discovery ship would have.
And you’d still have room for the cargo, turret, ramp/lift, bunks, shower, toilet, couch and poker table.
Who’s with me?!
I disagree with making it’s profile more aggressive, it’s a trader/explorer, not a fighter. The proportion changes I agree with however, and perhaps streamlining the hull a bit more. But that’s just general aesthetics. Going back to the description of the ship, if anything is needs to be blockier (something I normally don’t like, but I stay true to the lore). It needs to look rather modular from the description, something that only part of it looks like now. Maybe an option for an expanded cockpit (Third chair, one more player)
Looks Great! Hopefully we get to see more!
Would be nice at the end to get to scroll through the whole design progression for the ships!
Chris,
Thanks for staying so connected with us. I have to say, I really like the way the Freelancer is turning out. It’s about the size I envisioned, given that I knew the cockpit would have only two seats. (Not sure why others had a different impression!) Plus, it looks like it’ll be small enough for absolutely great maneuverability.
Just to point out what Chris said about a 2D sketch never representing a final model:
A perfect example for this fact is the automobile industry. Back in the ’90s Volkswagen made a concept model of what the Volkswagen Beetle would look like if it was still in production. The result was the Concept 1; a real model “sketch” of a new Beetle.
http://www.cyberbeetle.de/new_beetle_history/concept1.htm
If you compare this concept sketch with the final production model you can clearly see that it quite changed, but it still kept the basic concept … just like what we see now with the Freelancer.
No need to apologize CR. The ship looks great and I think most of us understand what concept art is. I know that what you’ve shown us even today is still an early render and not the final product. I love seeing the development process and design evolution so please keep it coming!
Mr. Roberts… First I’d like to say that the Freelancer prototype looks great. I’d also like to commend you for sticking to design principals that make sense not only from a esthetics point of view but also from a functionality standpoint. If you listen to every little criticism what we will end up with is “Frankenships” that not only won’t look very good but won’t function properly in the final game. It’s good to hear that you are putting function before form in your designs. Please keep up the outstanding work and give Jim Martin an extra slice of pie at the next company snack break. He really deserves it.
I want to add my appreciation for the courage you guys are showing in sharing your work as it progresses. I think the majority of us understand that the process is much more than a straight line from sketch to final result. I also add my +1 for the direction the design is taking. (I was worried about visibility with that original sketch myself.)
Thanks for all you and your team are doing.
And that is why these ships are more awesome than the run of the mill sci-fi affair. The attention to detail, the ergonomics, the practicality all make these feel so much more real!
I’d prefer to go with the original design and put a sliding metal shudder on the cockpit glass or even get rid of the glass entirely. The window shudder would only be opened for a comforting look outside while loading cargo. Have the pilots have wearable displays that hook up to external cameras/sensors to create a 360 degree field of view around the space craft. Think Oculus Rift meets F-35 DAS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fm5vfGW5RY#t=4m44s
I can imagine it like a pilot walking into this dark corporate cockpit, at first confused by the lack of glass. The pilot puts on his wearable display and suddenly the pilot has uninterrupted vision in every direction, almost seeing as if they were the spaceship or turret themselves. With no blind spots precision docking in crowded space stations becomes a breeze, orienting the ship to work with your gunner’s firing angle becomes trivial, and with an Enhanced Exploration Sensor Package you can see the universe through the full electromagnetic spectrum as if you were doing it with your own eyes! What speaks more “alien technology in the cockpit” than that? ;p I also think it would make for a cool immersion trip for Oculus owners because you’d feel the weight of the Oculus as if it were the wearable display you are wearing in the game.
I know my comments are going to be smoked out here because of the mass of replies. But I would like to add I didn’t like it at first, but the more I thought about the design (me being art grad/mechanic/tech) I realized the ability that sets this game apart is customization. In Eve Online all the ships tend to stagnate after a while. This one the reason living quarters and storage are in the design is because your ships your home. So what best thing to solve both sides of the complaints add an in-game purchasable hood. Now I realize that is easier said than done, due to coding/modeling/uv’s/etc.
Aside from that I like the way its going, can’t wait to see some interior shots!
Art critique: You should add the little flair around the rear landing gear seal, not for any reason other than to allow that area to look less like plastic. (I would love to see the wireframe of this fantastic model)
First of all, thanks Chris.
Its great that we get to see all of this stuff as it develops, but i need to share my concern for the ship design I chose and have paid for (whether not it’ll change anything).
I understand the need to change the cockpit but why did you have to change the proportions of the rest of the ship?! Its bugging me less now than it was before watching the video, but the model looks too much like a toy version of the concept design, small and bloated.
The Vanduul fighter was used as an example of another of Jim’s designs. However, that one didn’t seem to change much from the concepts shown.
I just want to know why. I might sleep better (and not want to sell the ship) if I knew.
Just to reiterate something a
Ive said further down…
Obviously the areas that have grown have done in order to accommodate player characters, but why couldnt the other feature elements (primarily the spoiler and the parts attached to either end, including the fins) be kept in similar proportion?
I like it!!
I have never before seen this level of community integration. I like that Chris himself appears here often to comment. Thank You Mr. Roberts
On topic:
). But that’s what I liked the most about the creative process, how things are constantly evolving and flowing into shape.
Back in the day, when I was still in school, I designed some assets and prefabs for a small unreal tournament modification. I am no big artist, so my concept drawings were outright ugly. In most cases the finalised 3D-models had nothing in common with my sketches (which is probably why the mod-team allowed me to continue building assets in the firs place
Now, being a physicist myself and having some good friends in engineering, i also appreciate the way actual functionality is considered in the design process. I knew from the start, that there will never be an exact match between concept art and the final model. I think it is great that we get to see how the design evolves. Clearly, with a community this big, you can’t make everyone happy. The people at RSI know that too, but still decided to share the development progress with us which is a brave thing to do. I would really appreciate if everyone could keep an open mind about this, and focus on constructive criticism.
mr. Roberts please have a look on this http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/4084/freelanceroption1c.jpg
imho this is way more elegant solution for view problem.
i was about to propose the same but thiazi was faster then me -> http://www.robertsspaceindustries.com/forums/topic/misc-freelancer/page/3/
long afterburner tubes arent very logical for space ship. and please have a look on this pics http://warfare.ru/db/catid/341/linkid/2493/ ; http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/AeroIndia2007/Display_Stalls/model_al31f.jpg.html ; http://forum.globaltimes.cn/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=45844&d=1334024255
those panels for direction of thrust vector you have copied from X-31 look very archaic and is completely nonsense in a flow of anti matter from engine.
I think it looks great! Can’t wait to fire mine up!
I’m a little puzzeled by some of the feedback, I thought it was common knowlege that 2d to 3d conversions left differences; try drawing a map of the earth that’ll wrap around a globe and you’ll see the problem…. Not to mention that this early in game development things have a tendency to change a lot. I’ve actually been suprised how little some of the ship designs have changed.
It´s ok. I will allways respect your decisions and allways support your games, but in pledge period, the ship documents show us a ship focused in long range exploration and heavy mercantile.If i want a dog fighting ship i will choose for hornet or constelation(jack all ship). Of course you have to balance the game to not make freelancer a easy prey(maybe, more turrets, misseles, better shield…) but this is with you and your team.I´m not intend to be rude, just expressing my opinion. This ship is far too distance from concept art.(cockpit, size).
Then stop with the poles. I feel that I bought the chocolate biscuit that the picture on the box had like 25 chunks of chocolate and when I opened there was 8.
Thx for sharing these cool movies about the design process. That the ship is a little different from the sketch isn’t important to me, the design is cool.
.
Whatever the people claim being an investor and claiming stuff to be as they wish, they’re just sad.
Keep up the good work, and let those updates keep coming
I have fancied the ship, however, greater. Just because of the cargo bay.
I’ll fly this baby Anywhere and Back, safely and securely…and take more than a few out along the way in transit. You’ll grow to love her…angel or bitch -whichever you see her as. She’s both queen and whore. She’s one fine ‘sweet thang’. Funny how negative emotions of fear initially trump elation and settling into a finely tuned cockpit. Shows, to me, the impending excitement and nervousness of a pre opening night jitters. Shows the ‘lust’ begin to build. Steady as she goes RSI team. You’re already Epic and still gestating. I see that Dec. 21st 2012 really Does signal the ‘End of the Gaming World as we knew it’ How awesomely this is Merry Christmas…from RSI to all believers, backers, investors, gamers, friends worldwide. Ho Ho Ho. Thanks Kris Kringle Roberts and Crew.
I agree, one big thing is that this ship is much smaller if you look at the window size on the drawing and then compare to the 3D model with a dude standing under the ship. Don’t like what they done to it unfortunately and I hope they create something else for a freelancer with other taste.
Agreed. I don’t want to be too harsh, but this new model does not resemble the aesthetics of the design at all and personally I’m considering giving up on my Freelancer addon.
Smaller scale resulting in a larger cockpit.
Slope missing from the front, instead it’s larger at the front and looks rather comical now.
Underside around the guns is too curved compared to the design, the gun area needs to be more pronounced from the shape.
The spoiler thing isn’t sloped forward like the design.
Engines have been lengthened past the wing length, changing the shape completely.
Similar to the above, the wings have been shrunk and drastically changed in shape to the point they just look thrown on now.
Ultimately, it now looks smaller, stumpier, and “cute”, almost child toy like. It’s not the long, elegant, yet practical tech look it had before. The earlier model looks slightly better thanks to sticking with the front portion of the design, but still suffers from many of the issues.
Sorry, but I am disappointed. :/
I like all the changes. I have to admit that I was voting for the other design, though.
Me too, didn’t like the cockpit area in the concept sketch, but much prefer this.
I actually like this better than the choice that 75% voted for as well. Admittedly, I was in the 25%, I liked the sleek military looking vessel better.
Regardless, the ship looks great and I’m excited to own one. Great Job RSI!
Please remember that if you start complaining on the line “NOOO, the concept art sketch was sooo different from final 3D model! I will cancel my pledge…” the only result it can lead to is that CIG will stop giving us concept art and will just give us ready models. Is that what you want? I sure as hell don’t.
But if we just applause everything and criticize nothing, we don’t need concept-arts either. And we won’t get the best possible game. Just because didn’t critize the progress when it was due. Is it that what you want?
+1
everyones allowed their input, and im positive theyre gonna take it into account, but i personally think it looks more realistic, for our pledge of 125 i think its to scale. im trying to imagine that its supposed to be more like a uhaul, its not supposed to be an 18 wheeler, so smaller stumpier, it makes sense. i like it, but i would agree to changing the cockpit to the sketch a little more
Sure, for 125 you’d expect something that was smaller than the constellation, but thats not the issue. The proportions have changed. It has a narrower ‘wing’ span, its missing a lot of the sharper edges. Parts of the ship have been shrunken whilst others have grown.
Obviously the areas that have grown have done in order to accommodate player characters, but why couldnt the other feature elements (primarily the spoiler and the parts attached to either end, including the fins) be kept in similar proportion
Totally agree. First design was strong and agressive. This one is weak and soft. To me the changes are completely wrong. Specially for a cargo and exploration vessel that must rely on sensors not on what the pilot can see through the windows.
Yeah, I preferred the original sketch as well, by far. Alas, I’ve already upped to a Constellation beforehand, so the Freelancer may as well eat my spacedust now.
I have to disagree, I love the look and the feel of it. Definitely gonna earn one in game for any trading runs I might be doing
Honestly this came from looking like a sleek and nimble freighter in the original design, to a rather plump craft. And I can’t help my self, but the cockpit area from the shoulder on now looks quite phallic to me.
Also for the proposed payload and role as a freighter I would have imagined the Freelancer to be at least 1.5 times the size now shown, but that may be just me.
+1
The “Alien” disign was better.
Nice! I like the design, looks really good. Keep up the good work!
Really like the Freelancer design!! Good job!
Outstanding! I can’t wait until we can see some in game videos of these ships. I think we have a good sense of scale for the Freelancer now. Thank you.
I could not have said it better Dunnlang. The ship now really comes to life with the man figure to show its scale. I love the cockpit view from the front too. I heard Chris talking about having a dorsal B17 style turret. Great job CIG.
It seems that we are having regular Friday Updates after all. Freelancer looks great but I still do not like the name because of all the confusion “Freelancer in Constellation” vs “Pirate in Freelancer” and you are told to engage freelancer…
And the cards, I am OK with that it was “rumored” in KS comments that it will be impossible to deliver all of them on time. Festina lente.
Looks like a great design for a ship but definitely not pretty looking lol.
Disagree. She’s a beauty.
indeed, she is.
You treat her right, she’ll be with you till the day you die.
Because it’s a d4eathtrap, sir…
I loved that show…damn you Fox!
To bad this one isn’t large enough for that kind of crew, as it looks as close to a Firefly as were going to get
I like the design so far but I feel the cockpit/nose area of the freelancer is a little too round, giving it a slightly pointier nose would give it a more pioneer/explorer feel to it, like it is trying to sniff out new star systems. This is just my opinion, great job so far
The Freelancer is meant as a trader ship, not as a pioneer/explorer ship.
On a side note, I’m glad they changed the wings a bit. I’m still wondering about the function of them though.
“MISC Freelancer ready to fly (High-end ship focused more for trade and exploration)”
“Freelancers are used as long haul merchant ships by major corporations, but they are just as frequently repurposed as dedicated exploration vessels by independent captains who want to operate on the fringes of the galaxy.”
yeah, I saw it as a trader/explorer, I like the smaller wings too, the Sketch gave the impression it would be about 100 feet long, this makes it look smaller (but that is ok!) Just wanted to show my opinion, the 3D concept in the video before the one show in the pictures looks really cool to me.
But everyone has their own tastes, I hope They run a competitions for fans to design and vote their own design into the game, that would be really cool. I have an idea for a troop transport converted to a tough trader ship design I would love to submit.
yap whit this nose it is like it lose purposefulness we saw in sketches
nose of model form 0.58sec of vid fits better
Cute! I’m sorry to use that word – the picture above may not be as ‘modular’, ‘utilitarian’, or ‘businesslike’ as many of us imagined the Freelancer to be, but that ship shape is making me feel all happy inside
Maybe it’s the big-eyed window and baby-blue highlights. I wouldn’t mind seeing convoys of these ships buzzing around, keeping the Imperial economy alive…
LOVE the ship! Looking forward to flying mine
Wow, loving the freelancer, though the guns look huge on it. A little more bubbly than I expected, but they did say it’s still a work in progress.
The guns do look huge. Elements of scale look different from the concept art, to be sure. On the other hand, the concept art looked like a ship that was nearly the size of the Constellation. This looks like a ship that only straddles a little more space than the Hornet, but fills it out a lot more.
Engines look huge, too. She looks like she’d be a fast ship – faster than the Hornet, unloaded. I wonder if that’s how it’ll actually turn out.
I don’t like this new design for Frelancer, we vote for different ship and they choose to change design.
you are wrong. it is very close to the design that was voted for. see here: http://www.robertsspaceindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/freelancer_option1.jpg
That’s like saying a Ferrari looks like a Beetle, one half – the front – looks nothing like the initial design.
I would understand the new concept if it would give you total free look above you and a bit behind you, but that is not the case.
scroll up and read chris’ reply if you haven’t already.
Oh poor guy…I have and my point still stands.
Yes great you have a little more view beside you, but still it is not very much.
AND you dont want to tel me, that there is no way that there could be monitors that would show the outside per display.
And normally a spacecraft wouldnt have “superglass windows” when it expects possibility of a fight – but that is the scifi part.
Well, it’s the 30th century – we don’t know what those windows are made of. They could be every bit as tough as the rest of the ship, just more expensive materials.
make landing gear a little bit higher so that man can reach steps w/o need to bend.
and imho windscreens from original sketch look better
forgot to mention that everything else is top of the tops
Anyone else feel that the way the Freelancer’s cockpit segment is raised a bit above the body is sort of reminiscent of a Firefly?
Not gonna lie, sort of considering exchanging my Wingnut for a Freelancer…
Jup, those were my thoughts exactly. It has a more Firefly feel to it now.
Freelancer is so beautiful!
Could you make it a little bit more like the concept art? It was a lot sleeker.
The cockpit looks so bulbous compared to the rest of the ship, and the rear looks like it was wider in the original concept. Also, the way that the cockpit rises up from the rear looks awkward. Finally, I know all the people were complaining about the wings, but I liked them. They’re so diminutive now.
I’d like it better if the rear was wider, so it had a more triangular outline, the rear wings were more curved as in the concept art, and the cockpit didn’t pop up so much. The rear landing legs also look flimsy, I’d suggest making them a little wider. They don’t need to be flush with the bottom of the pylons.
I do like the new windows better, though.
To all the people who are already nitpicking it:
It’s way better than anything you could make. I love it.
people have different taste, If we choose to express that we dont like it that is our choice and you can tell us that you like it but you don’t know anything about peoples skill of making 3D models or design skills. Cool that you love it then you are all good but some other people dont, deal with it.
Don’t get all defensive or anything.
Stupid fanboy. You think that your “Everything Cis does is right because, oh my god, ist’s Chris!”-attitude helps to improve anything?
Stupid fanboy? Are you 6 years old, calling names like that?
looking good
Gotta agree with the comment above about the cockpit nose. Too stubby and rounded, doesn’t look quite right.
i really dig that perspective shot of the lancer (third pic from the left)! very cool looking! i do not like how the main rear engines stick out so far…it looks ugly, and not in line with the rest of the ship. i think it would be better if they were moved in, so they only stick out half as far. other than that, nothing but thumbs up! can’t wait to see the rest!
http://bildr.no/view/1337449
yeah? what’s the problem? the first was just a sketch; this is closer to the finished ship. they are very similar…if you can’t see that, then it’s your problem!
They are similar but they not enough.
scroll up and read chris’ reply. it’s a work-in-progress, and early sketches are not going to 100% represent the finished product. it will likely change again from these 3d renderings once we get the actual ship in the game.
So he is not entitled to his opinion because “Chris Roberts said” and you? Sorry but if noone tells the devs what they don’t want the devs wil just keep going.
They will know what they are going to do.
Early 3d model looked better. You can see it on video (1:00). I just don like this new design.
ehh… the only complaint i have is it looks pretty phallic. like something you’d find in a lady’s nightstand.
i don’t know if there’s anything you can do about that.
correction: I do know… make it look more like the original sketches. harder lines throughout/especially at the front end. the wings also look much more vestigial now. the previous design in the drawing looked a lot better. if you’re not doing those wings, you should’ve just gone with the other design (much better design for no wings).
The MISC Freebrator.
Tough lady, sturdy nightstand
The Freelancer looked MUCH better on the drawing we voted on, but OK, that’s the artist freedom.
agree
I have to agree too, because the freelancer in the drawing had the look of a sleek cargo hauler that was a little under armed. This one is a bit more like a fighter. While I won’t complain about it as hard as some people because I know concept to finished work look different, things change in the process. It looks to me more like a hybrid of the two concepts with just a little of the other ship worked into it. That being said,this is it on the ground, do the wings and engines move at all in flight? Which might make it look more like the ship in the picture.
Nice work! Keep it up
The back middle engines are far to long and the cockpit top middle roof needs to be glass not solid metal, plus the cockpit window beams are to think, make them smaller please.
Shut YO faces that thing looks awesome!
A little different than I expected, but a great start!
Can’t wait to see her interior.
it looks ok but not nearly as good looking as the concept art.The changes ye are making are starting to make it look ugly.shame
have you ever seen concept drawings of new cars? some look pretty cool! then you get to the actual car; it’s different. maybe not as sleek or aggressive. between the concept drawing and the actual product, things get changed for various reasons. scroll up and read chris’ reply!
This is NOT a concept car. This is not a ship that will be built in real life. There are enough points why SciFi is SciFi. So your point is moot.
The ship might not be built in real life but, as has been explained, the ship will be modelled as if it could be made in real life, meaning the design needs to make sense and work in the real world/game world.
If the original concept has to be changed to take into account certain aspects like visibility and weapon arrangements and issues whereby a turret, if built like the sketch, would interfere with part of the hull. Yes, the 3d model doesn’t look as cool as the sketch but I understand the changes to turn it into a workable model that’ll make sense if built in real life to serve the job it’s supposed to. The argument about concept cars not looking like the final production is also spot on.
You can defend it all you want, Roberts and his team ARE NOT building real spaceships so please don’t start with “oh this is absolutely how a starship of this magnitude has to be built”.
Especially when it comes to the cockpit – what makes the original concept not “a workable model”? Nothing.
You know it and I know it.
And please dont start with concept cars.
The concept car of the BMW M8 which was released in 1989, was nearly the same as the launched standard series.
So there you go with your precious concept cars.
Absolutely not spot on.
His and now your point is moot.
This is not a car, it’s a space ship in a game I think theres a difference.
I understand the changes on the window so you have a better view but you could have kept a lot of stuff still from the concept that so many liked but yeah just hope they make another freelancer ship that looks better for our taste.
You guys are ntpicking over nothing – ship looks great imho – carry on the good work CR and Jim!!!
Mine is so badly getting an Orca paint job it’s not funny.
see you guys should of voted #1 like the 25% of us
Are those GUNS on the sides ?! They are bigger than the engines. Isn’t this a merchant and exploration ship ???
Even merchants and explorers need to defend themselves! Would not make hauling cargo very appealing (or pirating for that matter) if someone could just steal your haul without a fight.
Definitely digging the design. It’s got lines. From a gameplay perspective, I guess I’d be concerned about two things relating to the turret. First, would it be controlled through a HUD overlay, showing a “gunsight” view of targets, or basically blind-fired? Second, it looks like there’s about a 10 or 15 degree blind spot right down the long axis of the ship on the keel. Would it better to mount the turret on top or behind the forward landing gear in the same general vicinity of the other gun mounts for maximum coverage?
Good question about the turret. Looking at the current design, it seems under the main engines behind the forward landing gear is the best possibility. In the video, Chris and Jim Martin are discussing the possibility of putting a turret on top of the engines, behind the spoiler and the problem I have with that is the engines themselves(along with the engineering section of the ship)would preclude a turret going there without a radical re-design of the aft end of the ship.
Presumably, we’re looking at the ‘stock’ version of the Freelancer, and maybe some modifications or add-ons might allow for some revision of the basic hull design. Note: I’m assuming the ‘turret’ under the cockpit in the current design is not a weapon, but an electronics package, i.e., scanner/jammer/tractor beam, etc.
I love the design of the ship, but I do have to say, with the scale given by the guy standing next to it, it REALLY doesn’t look big enough to have a 20 tonne cargo bay.
First, I LOVE the fact that we’re getting to see this stuff during the design phase. Thank you, Chris for letting us have a look at these early, heady days of big dreams and cool designs. Keep it up, please!
@ Yuritau: Agreed, the scale seems a bit off, good point about the cargo capacity. It’ll be interesting to see the interior designs. The thing about scale I noticed is the forward landing gear, seems like you would really have to bend over low to climb up that ladder. That said, I can’t wait to see the animation for the landing gear retraction.
Although I preferred the sloping, sleeker lines of the concept drawing, I was concerned about the lack of visibility, so the bigger cockpit windows are a welcome change. I love the idea of looking out your big cockpit windows as you fly past other ships and big space stations and cap ships. I’m sure there will be further refinements as time goes on.
Speaking of which: Guys, if you’re going to get this bent out of shape when a ship design goes from a 2D sketch to a 3D model and some aspects of that design change, you need to learn a bit about industrial design. You can’t get wedded to one specific look and expect it to survive years of design refinements, 3D modeling and testing, not to mention, actually seeing it work in the game, without some changes. Any game artist will tell you, NO initial design ever goes from the drawing board to the finished game without changes. Are you seriously going to rage-quit over design changes?
Relax and enjoy the fact that we get to see the evolution our game from dream to reality.
P.S. Also thanks to Jim Martin for his hard work and imagination. Can’t wait to see more of your work.
+1
Amen to that
I would say it simultaneously can and cannot hold 20 metric ton of cargo. For reference 1 cubic meter of gold weighs 19.3 metric ton and 1 cubic meter of water weighs 1 metric ton. It could easily hold 20 metric ton of gold, even water would only occupy 2.72 cubic meters. I’m sure it could not fit 20 metric tons of retail boxed toy stuffed animals.
Since mass is very important for navigating in space it is important to note a mass rating and how it would affect the handling of the ship but it doesn’t need to be very large volume wise to handle 20 metric ton of cargo, it all depends on the cargo.
whoops, into my second rum and coke i screwed up and said “even water would only occupy 2.72 cubic meters” and what I meant to say was “even water would only occupy a cube of 2.72 meters.” or in other words a box that is 2.72 x 2.72 x 2.72 which is not a terribly large space.
Yes, I think the ship should be at least 30% larger. Maybe even 50% larger.
I’d say thirty, then make the guns a little smaller, or keep the guns the same size and go fifty. I dont want people looking at me like I’m going to try and blow them out of the sky when I’m just trying to get to a jump-node (or the equivalent)
so what you’re saying is you don’t want pirates to think twice, got it.
Love it !
The turret could go on the underside!
The slight changes to the Freelancer are hot!
I originally voted for the other design – but glad the other guy won!
Wow! The 3d design looks awesome. It is wonderful to see the a bit of the process from early sketches to that.
Freelancer – nice, I like it, as well as the thinking for the turret position.
Razer Blade…hmm – any chance of getting Razer onboard for some SC themed control devices?
Thanks Chris and company! I am currently pledged for a Freelancer. I was considering upgrading that to a Constellation at some point . . . but now I might just need to add it on and keep the Lancer.
I will add that I do like the flat top of the sketch better than the raised top in the current 3D iteration. Other than that, I am liking it.
*ringgggggg*
Wingmaaaaaan
Weekly podcast! >—>
Hmmm, that would be fun, now wouldn’t it?
WM
I’m all for it. You got my vote mate =)
looks like a stooping dragon ready to strike, Im hopeing to be able to custom paint mine
Ooh – I love that design. Now I can’t wait to see my Constellation. It better be just as awesome, or you’ll make me regret upgrading from this beaty to the Constellation…
Beauty* – stupid iphone.
…the constellation was unveiled last month…
http://www.robertsspaceindustries.com/introducing-the-rsi-constellation-mk3/
that thing is so hot
Well, don’t I look stupid now…
When you compare this version to the concept art that was voted on, the cockpit of this version seems much bigger and more bulbous than the cockpit of the concept art, which looked much sleeker and aggressive. While this is supposed to be a smaller ship, I feel like the scale of it is a quite a bit smaller than the concept art suggested, namely because of the design of the cockpit of the concept. With all of the internal systems, living quarters, and other necessities for long distance space-travel/trade mentally added in, the actual cargo area available is extremely small for a trader/jack-of-all-trades ship. I feel like the grey “airlock” on the side of the cabin should be about man height to give this the proper scale. As it is, I feel like the ship is just slightly larger than a semi-truck and trailer (18-wheeler) which is just impractical for long distance travel. While the design is supposed to be on the scale of the combat fighter ships, I feel like the freelancer should be larger so it is more feasible for long distance and trading. The combat fighters don’t need these because they are designed for short range engagements. But that is just how I feel, take it as you will.
All that being said, I really like the direction that this ship is going. Good job!
Actually, the whole 18 wheeler thing sounds about perfect to me. This is in part a mercantile ship…a long range hauler if you will. The interior likely wasn’t built to have a lot of creature comforts, just enough for sleep and basic functions (and some cargo of course), and in that respect, the 18 wheeler with cabin is just about perfect.
Those looking for the greater creature comforts would probably upgrade to the constellation as soon as possible.
Whoo! New pix for my screen saver directory!
I’m so sad… to have no permission from my wife to buy this one in this initial phase
But be sure I will earn one in the finished game. Not as bulky as the Galaxy from Privateer, but a very beautyfull ship!
I could think the people here who are a bit disappointed don’t like the open cockpit and want the nasty look of the small windows in the concept art back…
Please don’t give us such a tiny Tarsus window, I want to see the gorgeous graphics of the game!
I am loving it! I also know it will only get better because these are early concepts. Now where do I put my Lamp bobble head?
I love it! Now I have to spare some money to get one!
People need to recognize that things will change in an development process. Don’t set yourself up to disappointment. I didn’t vote but I really like the new freelancer.
I dig the look. I didn’t vote for the initial concept, feeling the other design was “cooler”, but after reading comments, I agreed that this one seemed more like a trading/exploration vessel. I mean, we can’t have a universe where every ship looks like a sexy sports car. Some people drive Ford Fiestas, others drive Honda Civics, and a few drive a Lotus. Liking the fact that there is a distinct design difference between military/civilian and intended occupation of said ship.
Keep up the outstanding work, Team. So pumped to be a part of this. Nice to see y’all looking a bit more well rested.
It kind of look like Serenity from Firefly ^^
minifirefly!
Love her! A lot!
My thought exactly and I love that it looks like the serenity, its awesome.
It’s the ship from the package I pledged, I have done modelling of my own and I LOVE it.
’nuff said!
Well I am one of those who actually likes this version better then the original sketch…it looks more solid now, I have to say great great job and congrats for all the good taste displayed on the build !
Excellent work guys! Looks great!
I would like you to place the side rockets a bit more apart, more out from the body, because if you tilt the motors 180, the exhoust will heat the guns like it is now I think
Best regards Thord deSpace
I had preferred the other ship design, but this looks good! Gotta say, it does look super-phallic, tho!
Oh gosh. I mean… yeah, I get it but… so many things get called “phallic” looking. Like passenger jets. Or sausages!
…what’s the opposite of phallic, now that I get to thinking of it. “O’Keeffeic”?
“That mothership looks a bit O’Keeffeic.”
Anyways, not knocking ya. Just noticed a lot of people mentioning it and… yeah… I see it. And yeah, it’s still cool.
One more thing… a bit more “edgy”, not so smooth outside.
Best regards Thord deSpace
I actually really like this design. I also thought that the other concept art looked too much like some kind of dogfighter and wasn’t appropriate for the Freelancer but I still loved the design. So i kind of hope to see another ship that maybe uses that design.
Just my 2 Cents.
hmm its a little small for a transport ship? Cargo Bay?
And the 2d art it looked better, in my opinion.
I really like the twin mounted cannons at the sides – i think they are class 2 weapons – plus a turret that Chris mentioned – the Freelancer will be a beast. I really like the shape and look!
This one seems waaay smaller than the concept one.
IMHO right now it looks more like a medium fighter or light bomber than a mercantile ship… where does one put 20 tonnes of cargo on this design?
I think the term “concept” art should have been your first clue for those complaining. Concept implies are starting point, not a finished product. I voted for the other “concept” art, but this is a nice looking ship. I am interested to she what they do with the “losing” concept art, as they said it will be an in-game ship alos.
As a Freelancer pledger, I’m a little bummed at its current design. I understand its just a render and subject to change, but like many others who have voiced their concern, I was hoping for something at least a little closer to the artwork. Honestly I thought the ship would be larger, I can barely see this thing carrying any decent cargo. And the front of the ship…well…it looks a lot more, how can I say it…erect? Not looking forward to flying a giant adult toy in space, honestly. I’m sure it’ll go through some more changes, or at least I hope. As for now, though, I really dislike it, and thank goodness us current pledgers have a year to at least upgrade to something else if need be.
It actually is to small. Open image 4. Take out a ruler and measure height of dude and length of ship. For me it gave 12.5mm for dude and 125mm for shipmwithout rearthrusters. If dude is 2m then ship would be 20m. Definitely to small for 20t of cargospace and 55t of empty weight.
Next iteration will have almost double length rear section os my guess!
lol @ all the responses.
It looks awesome.
People seem pretty divided about the new Freelancer cockpit. My suggestion: make two versions: MK VIA and MK VIB or something like that, now everybody is happy
Better not.
As much as I loath the banana cockpit of the new version, I will happily fly it if that means, that the money goes in other more crucial things than a second version of the same ship.
common guys this one is much more close to firefly then original design ever was…as someone said before me, this really looks like a proper cargo ship not a damn big fighter !
As for size, look at it better, it is almost the length of Constellation !
In one word, Perfect !
Does legs must be made of the strongest metal in the universe to hold up that ship lol.Cant wait to see the inside.Great work
The ship texture looks to glossy to me, i wonder if its the 3D model that does this on purpose. Either way it looks good and it looks like it was influenced by firefly.
We put glossy paint on cars and airplanes (comercial ones at least). Why can’t we put it on spaceships?
Its glossy to the point where it looks like plastic.
I for one like the freelancer, reminds me very much of the serenity in firely – love it.
lol.. I thought I was the only one who thought that. That was the first thing that went through my head. Really reminds me of a smaller sister ship version of the Serenity. Really like it.
The Freelancer looks good. Really good. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no interest in it, except as a proxy for the other ships. Honestly, I want to see the low end ships. I most want to see the Aurora (because I bought a cheap copy for me, and 2 more for my brothers). I know others aren’t as interested, but it wouldn’t take as long either, I’m mostly sure. It is smaller, and simpler, I would imagine.
I bought the Aurora, too. I’m really looking forward to see the design. I hope it will have some “cheap” and scrappy look like the Tarsus. Then I will build in every darn upgrade it allows, letting look pirates hoping for an easy prey pretty old … or become one for myself with such a perfect camouflage
“Do you mean to tell me that you’re thinking seriously of building that way, when and if you are an architect?”
Yes.”
My dear fellow, who will let you?”
That’s not the point. The point is, who will stop me?”
― Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead
“Never ask people about your work.”
― Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead
Ayn Rand the turbo capitalist that believed that there is MORALITY in absolute turbocapitalism? The greatest friend of egoism of them all?
I really hope this is sarcasm…
@CR
Even though I have not pledged for this ship, I can see that a lot of hard work has and will be put into this ship. I have faith that what ever the final design of this ship will look like, will be awesome. Thanks to your whole team!
!
i better like the concept art version, because the small window suggest that the ship is lot bigger than this one. And the main form of the head looks lot better. The head part reminds me the blue frog azureus. The older version is more like robust alien head what i like better. I hope the freelancer will be bigger than this one is. I imagined the cocpit is bigger in the freelancer. Somelike between the constellation and this.
The file names of the new still shots of the Freelancer all say “MISC-new-canopy”. If so then this is just showing off the updated canopy. They may not have even started adjusting the rest of the ship to match yet
I have to say, I prefer the cockpit look from the sketches rather than the more open look presented now. And it seems like it should be somewhat wider. As it is, it looks a bit like a… err… well, spacedong.
I like this version of the Freelancer when I get the extra cash together I’m going to add it to my stable of ships for exploration. As far as getting a lucky shot in, you can always wear a suit with helmet, have a connection to life support and depressurize the cockpit while in a dogfight. get a repair robot to fix the holes and set up force fields across the glass till you get to a repair shop to repair the damage and replace the windows. The ship looks amazing and tough, good visibility is a key in winning a dogfight, it’s the things you don’t see coming that’ll kill you. If you see it you can avoid it or at least lessen the impact. It can give you more time to counter the move and crush their cockpit. Wasn’t sure I wanted one based on the drawings, now I’m sure I do want a Freelancer. Great job! Can’t wait to see the finished brochure. I have a Constellation now so this would be an add on. Not sure exactly now that tail gun turret will work, looks more like a remote station hard point to me. Looks to be right on target for the scale based on the description as well.
It is interesting to see how much people tastes are formed through what we know and experienced here on earth. Everyone is talking about how a more sleek style make it look more agressive or bigger, and the bubble-cockpit makes it cute and toylike.
Now, technically, eventhough of course we still have to still like the look, we are talking about a space simulation. Wings and streamline design do not matter in vacuum. Much more so do weight distribution in relation to propulsion vector, or shearing forces. In theory, having a ball or box shaped ship would be most efficient.
But lets not go there. I like sleek looking ships better as well of course.
Just wanted to point out: Stop thinking sportscar or jetplane. Start thinking outer space, and do assume that Chris and a people do have put a lot of thought into all of that.
Theory? Then please think about that there would have to be spacesuperglass to justify something like this – and that is what I think about “outer space”.
Having abigger “field of view” is absolutely a jetfighter (a very special dogfighting) thing.
You would think that there are other solutions in an era where there are jump drives and energy shields.
I do admit that by todays knowledge metal plating and tiny cameras give a lot more protection than huge windows. I didn’t even say I like either of the designs better.
( Still humans always go for big windows wherever possible.)
But since you are metioning “other options of space era:
1) I will assume the ship have energy shields, that protect the ship and it’s windows
2) Here’s your space superglass: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2012/05/09/did-you-know-that-transparent-aluminum-exists/
Personally I think it’s purrday, I do have a query in regards to the guns though. Assuming the placement is what they have in mind for the final design, according to the specs they are Class 2 – Articulated types. Does this mean that once a target passes the midpoint of the cockpit, only one of the guns will be able to fire at a target? Obviously it would be impossible to get a full 180 degree firing arc on both the X and Y axis without a turret, however I would have thought a wider X axis firing arc would be more important and the gun placement would be on the top/bottom of the ship.
SWEET! Glad I picked it up!
It looks a bit different but I still really like it, it’s very elegant and less tacky. I am, however, bummed out I didn’t get to see any interiors! I was VERY looking forward to that
It’s really cool to see the design progress of making a ship. One question I have though is; if the Freelancer is a frieghter/long range explorer will you be able to walk around it?
Basically what I’m trying to say is it seems a bit small in my eyes. I don’t mean make as big as the constellation, just make it a tad bigger or wider so it feels like something you could live on. this isn’t meant as a criticism merely a suggestion from a fan.
Regardless I really like the design and I’m very much looking forward to flying it ingame!
+1
i was disappointed at first when i saw the size of the freelancer at first but i see what Chris is going with this. this ship is basically a Semi truck in space and i like that alot
though i do agree it could look better but this is like a rough draft, i expect to see more detail, parts add to it soon. but i do agree with alot of people it should be a little bigger, not a whole lot but just slightly so that it looks like it can carry 20 ton’s of cargo. i mean, have you even been inside a semi truck trailer? thats alot of space to fill and the freelancer in it’s currant state looks light it might not hold 20 tons
The concept looked like it would be over 50 meter long and 15 Meter high (I only did a rough estimate based on the size of the cockpit/bridge windows), like something you would take on a expedition to the edge of the known space, with enough cargo room to transport a meaningful amount of trading goods and sturdy enough to survive a stray shot.
The model looks nice, but more like a gunship, I don’t know why but I have to think of the patriot from freelancer, or a fast courier boat and not like a long range hauler/ explorer.
The ship looks like what you could expect if you look at the numbers for the freelancer, but not like whats in the description (at least not what I imagined, fueled by the concept).
+1
Looks great.
Awesome, loving the new design! In terms of form fitting the function, it really fits well in my opinion. The new Freelancer looks a lot more like a cargo ship a la Serenity whereas the old one looked very much more so police or military-esque. Not only that, the other design looked like it would fit a crew of 10 instead of 2, so the scale is a lot better. Keep it up guys, can’t wait to see the M50 model!
…gorgeous!..
…jim, chris, you’ve really knocked this one out of the park: the initial concept sketch was intriguing and characterful, but with these developments you’ve wrought something profoundly iconic…i relish its more-human scale, i adore the new cockpit, i revel in all the thoughtful design considerations which render it real, and i’m in love with its inspired personality…i believe that this ship may well be the image branded into the public mind with star citizen, and it’s a fantastic standard-bearer for that role…
…i hope that these in-progress concepts continue to evolve after they each have their first moment in the limelight…for what it’s worth, i’m far more smitten with the sense of vision and real-world refinement exhibited at this stage of the freelancer design than the constellation for which i’ve pledged; i very much prefer plausible nuts-and-bolts concepts over throwaway ship-of-the-week follies, and this one feels a bit more thought-through than what we saw of the stella in her hasty debut…regardless, if the designers kindle a little rivalry to one-up each other with each new effort, everyone wins!..
…i appreciate that you’re sharing the evolution of these design steps as the project develops; while there are certain to be many vocally-divergent opinions at each path-not-taken along the way, that’s the nature of human opinion in any diverse community…take our concerns under advisement, but stick to your vision despite the occasional outcries – we all adore where you’re going in the end…
I wish it was a little bigger, and I liked the old cockpit although the new one is nice for the smaller size.
i liked the Freelancer a little more when the Front wasn’t so bulky ;D but it still looks nice ! Don’t worry about the Cards.. i guess we can wait a little longer for them!
I quite like the design of the Freelancer! Great work!
I think that ship looks absolutely awesome!
It is not that different from the initial sketches.
Concept art is there to narrow down ideas. Finding a shape, feel and look. Translating a concept art 2d drawing into 3d can bring up a lot of problems. Especially when you are looking for realistic proportions and try making every inch of the ship make sense. A lot of work goes into the process.
While the end result does look different, I can still see how the concept helped to get there. Can’t wait to see more about the design process of the game.
I really like the look of my ship to be. Jim your work is nothing short of spectacular & I am looking forward to seeing more of your work. I am very happy with the the new improved cockpit with the improved view with the extra windows & I understand the need to make these changes from the concept sketches.
1 question I have, which is not really a concern on the design or look of the ship, but with the look of the windows, in that it looks like there is nothing there. From what I have seen of the hornet its the same I believe, but it does look like the Vanduul fighter has this. Will they eventually be given a glass material or something that will show some reflection, Fresnel / refraction etc. in the final model? Perhaps even some tint like you see on some jet fighter canopies. Or would this upset the view for the pilot too much?
Oops! it would seem I missed that the windows on the first picture does have this.
So I guess my question is will this effect the pilots view? Or is the effect only visible from the outside?
This design looks cool and I do like where the design of this ship is going but I have to say, based on the scale reference to the person standing in front of it, that it has lost the part of the ship that I thought made it look like a long distance explorer ship. In my opinion, the 3D model has lost somewhat in size which makes it look too small and cramped compared to the original 2D concept where the 2D looked big and rouged. this made it more suitable for long distance travel. I just don’t see how two crew members are supposed to live in the ship along with the amount of cargo it is supposed to b able to fit in it compared to the 2D. It is like comparing the 3D model to the privateer Taurus [maybe not a Taurus in general but the size wise in general is what I'm trying to get at] and the 2D model to the privateer galaxy [which by the way, in the description of the freelancer it had a section of similar ships and the galaxy was supposed to be one of the ships closes to the freelancer]. I’m not trying to say that I dislike the way the ship looks cosmetically but the scale of the ship just doesn’t seem to suit the part it was given. I know this is a work in progress and so this is just my input of what was given. I do like, however, that I can finally see the freelancer in 3D and to be honest, I still like the look of the ship in 3D. I just want to point out that it seems a bit too small. Everything else is fine. Even the windows of the cockpit are alright. Maybe, like what you guys did with the constellation, showing some internal photos of the inside might make a difference in how someone like me can see a better scale of what the inside of the ship will be like and how it compares to the outside.
I have to admit that after a few more looks around at the pics, I could be mistaken about the size but it is hard to tell based on these pics. in some pics it looks alright while in others it looks small. when you see the person there it makes it look small. it’s just hard to tell with out seeing what the inside looks like and some dimensions. maybe I’m just getting the dimensions mixed up since this ship looks close to the ship from Serenity/firefly [at least the body anyway]. I still have to say, in my opinion, that it is not the right size. maybe not the whole ship but some parts like the cargo hold and mid body. The cockpit seems fine and engines seem to be good.
I have to agree that the size is not adequate to be a 20 Tonne cargo vessel, if you take into consideration the size of the machinery required for the engine assembly, the gunnery assembly, front landing gear, room for living quarters for at least 2 or 4 people (if it’s deep space exploration) even if it’s just 4 bunks a head, some form of washing apparatus and a table, supplies; including water which also takes up a great deal of room – go look on any 4 berth sailing boat and ask to see the water tanks – even with a refiltration system, fuel and or ammunition, plus a host of other things; there just isn’t enough volume based on the scale of the man and the seats in the cockpit to allow for a 20T separate, airtight (a real space vessel manufacturer would make it airtight in case of fire and or explosion) area with all the associated bulkheads and ephemera. I have no idea of the types of consumables that will be included in the universe, but I have to assume there could well be things like grain and other very low weight to volume ratio items. Have you seen the size of 20T of grain? It’s enormous. An easy volume to weight comparison just to eyeball it would be to go to a builders yard and look at one of their 1T bags of sand (which has a higher weight to volume ratio than grain) – now take a few measurements, and stack those up in a cube. Being very familiar with these types of 1T bags, in my minds eye I can see there is no way it will fit. Never, and you have to assume that at some point one of the pilots may well decide to run such a cargo. Only other possibility is the “shrinkotron” type of thing in some space games, but I am assuming from inference of other info on ships, that isn’t the direction you are taking, so we are back to real world physics; It won’t fit. (and I’m available for consultation work if you need one
! )
Beautiful lines, great ship, but too small for a cargo hauler.
Respectfully, any chance of bumping up the size 20 to 25%?
I have to say i agree on the size concerns, firstly thanks for the updates, its cool to see how much detail and effort is going into these ships – especially for those of us that pledged for a freelancer
but going off your official ship specs the Hornet is 22ton and the Freelancer 55ton, but looking at the sizes of the pilot (the relative hornet pilot/ship size in the official video) and the size of the Freelancer ship/pilot side by side, the freelancer looks waaay too small, like it would only be 30-35ton max.
…and while i’m mid-whinge i may as well say i think the other suggestions of dropping the height of the forward cabin area with respect to the rest of the ship have some merit, as far as making it less banana-like
i left a message about this already but i agree. the size of it has me worried too. a little work into resizing it should be looked into for this semi truck in space but other then that, chris and the others did do a nice job so far, just needs more detail and it’s right as rain
yep in comparsion to a hornet and even to a constellation it should be bigger.
Both other Vessels are agile warfare ships. This one is not. It is barely usable to defend yourself if needed.
Consider this comparsion:
Hornet is like a very agile but lightwight sportscar (consider a Tesla), where the Constellation is more like a NasCar, fast and very powerfull, but not that agile.
The Freelancer in comparsion is then more like a RAM 2500 or Ford Heavy Duty. So not agile, but can haul quite a bit. And it is heavy and also can take a bit before breaking down.
Back to space. If you would ram a Hornet with your Freelancer, most likely you would survive and the Hornet will die in a large fireball of doom.
Awesome, love the look of the Freelancer and these regular updates are amazing.
.
Thanks for making time for us
I got to at least respect the effort it took to make the final version, different but more likable due to functionality .
I like the 3D version so far, can’t wait to see where it goes from here. I think the concept art may have given the wrong impression about the size of the ship. It has a max crew of two, it is not meant to be large. The currect model gives a better idea of scale.
great progress!
Inclusion of more cockpit glass for visibility is key, good change.
The only thing i would change is the gun placement. I would move them forward, because to me they don’t seem to have much of an arc for combined fire forward. You have a large arc vertically, though. I would love to match that horizontally as well for increased punch. Of course we don’t know the arcs of the type 2 weapons yet, so this could be moot.
I like this ship far more that the original sketch. The only thing i find, and i admit is a little nitpicking, its that the main rear thruster look way too big for the ship, they seem out of proportion.
Where will the missiles go? Inside the ship?
Awesome and great job! , Chris, Team and Jim, for the MISC Freelancer ship finally go into 3D concept, mostly identical to the concept art sketch, the cockpit looks much better now (Previously the ship hull looks unbalance)… Keep on the good works and thanks!
I’d say make the back end a bit wider and lose the a bit of the wrap around window in the cockpit. Maybe increase the height of the tail fin a hair too. Other that that it looks very similar to the concept art. Its somewhat hard to judge the width and depth of things with only an angle shot.
This definitely looks like a merchant airliner type craft so that works.
I really like the progression for the model. It has stuck pretty closely to the original winning design while handling the mishaps in engineering you have discovered along the way.
I just realized that the dinosaurs in space crowd should be happy, when I look at the profile (pic #4) it looks a bit like a T-rex or raptor.
Yup I like it.
…now that you mention it yeah it looks like a T-Rex indeed !
I think it looks close enough to the concept design. But I do have to admit it looks like the back half needs to be a little wider like the concept made it appear.
All-in-all I like it so far. Can’t wait to see how it and all the others change over time.
I think its better than the concept art, keep up the good work!
Might have just been my perspective, but I was imagining something a bit bigger for the Freelancer. Thanks for the updates. Cassandra’s Tears is a great read.
nice work!
Well done Jim Martin, I love it! My only criticism would be the rear landing gear which looks a little too rigid. Just my opinion, but I would prefer to see something that can pivot to a certain degree for landing on uneven terrain. Otherwise, she’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see the Constellation which some texture!
*with some texture
That ship… you… I… speechless!!!
I, too, must disagree on the current 3D rendering compared to the 2d concept art. I think that the existing model could be tweaked to not offset the cockpit section with the rest of the the fuselage, make it follow the same axis. That would reduce the “hump” effect. Second critique would be to enlarge the rear flaps/wings to the size that was depicted in the 2d concept art. Here is this ship that is proportionally size from tip to tail including the side engine nacelles, but then you’ve got these undersized wings on the side. That doesn’t fit, IMO. If you can’t make them larger, then can them entirely.
Lastly, I must also argue a point made by Chris where he says, “There are a lot issues to consider once you move into 3D.” “Then there are considerations of were the hard points will be, how you will access the cargo hold, where the living quarters will be and so on.” Why aren’t those considerations thought of during concept art sketches? Then we end up in the case-in-point here where now the considerations are made in 3D, shown to the investors, and there’s the group who votes they like it (most of them probably don’t even have the ship as a pledge) and then there’s the group who paid $125 or more to get it and saying, “Whoa, wait a minute…” I’m not asking, and I don’t think necessarily everyone else is asking to make it look EXACTLY like the concept art, but rein it in a little closer. That goes for this and all the other ships. You didn’t get to nearly 7 million dollars on non-ship pledges alone.
I was waiting to see if some one would mention the wing-lets. I was surprised no one but one person mentioned anything about the wing-lets till now. this was a big deal during the sketches and now no one except a few noticed them. I probably can see why because they did actually make them smaller in the 3D version which is what everyone wanted. Surprisingly it actually looks pretty good in some aspects but that may add to the point that the ship looks smaller because of it.
I know the desire to get a certain ship was a factor when people pledged, but our money is to support the development of this game as a whole. At least that’s how I believe you should think about it. Sure the pledge level determines which ship you will have available to you to start and which has lifetime insurance (for early pledgers), however, you didn’t buy the ship. The ship is not yours, but the community’s, regardless of which ship you pledged for. Let’s try to keep the feelings of entitlement in check.
You absolutely have the right to your opinion and I know CR and the team want feedback, both positive and negative, but concept art is by definition conceptual. Its purpose is to convey a message, or direction. The final design will never be the same and anyone who expects different is kidding themselves. Keep in mind what was shown today is still not final.
“Why aren’t those considerations thought of during concept art sketches?”
well, since you generate a bunch of concept art sketches as options before picking one, you’d chew up an awful lot of time trying to fully visualize a lot of extra concepts that you’d end up not using. Just look at how many Vanduul fighter concepts they went through before landing on the one that actually got used – even something as ‘simple’ as deciding where all the maneuvering thrusters are supposed to go on each of the sketches wouldn’t have been an efficient use of time. As you start narrowing things down, you get more into the specifics, but… Ryan Church was being paid by the hour/day – I would guess Jim Martin is too? These guys are good. I doubt they come cheap. Having him completely build out the internals of two 3D concept ships and tossing one of them would, among other things, mean 1) thrown away work and 2) slower progress on the 300i and Aurora.
Hey people its not a democracy, we are paying for CR to make the game in his head.
Anything else we get to be involved with etc is a bonus.
In the end CR will win over most opeople but there will be a minority that spit the dummy because they know better etc and its not fair etc.
Lets just say thanks for sharing and work hader faster cause we want to play the GAME NOW lol
This is a fair and reasonable point. Get out.
I think that the 3D render is better than the 2D design. What concerns me is the gun, the gun looks too intimidating. Freelancer is an exploration/mercantile ship, where, in my opinion, weapon is not a primary importance, but will mostly used in self defense, rather than used in aggressive approach.
Looking at this model, we could clearly seen that this ship can do combat stuff, but we can’t clearly see that this ship is intended for exploration and trading. Though the shape already reflects the “trading”, but I think the big show of the guns, and lack of show of sensor or trading components make this ship a little bit out of character.
But overall, this is a great update. I already planned to pledge a Freelancer, after my initial Stella, and this really gives me a positive feeling toward the Freelancer.
Those are the 4 Articulated guns, The Stock ship will only have 2.
I like the ship design, but to be honest, the cockpit is fugly. The design in the concept looked neat. Otherwise great job.
The Freelancer design fits always imagined taking the freelancer for smaller task and switching to the constellation for the heavy lifting
I’m printing out and framing a picture of the Freelancer model shown here and wrapping it for my wife to give me under the tree (she bumped my pledge up).
Freelancer – The Kid Crimson’s ship!
Keep it up Chris, great job on the FREELANCER!!!
Thats what I am talking about! Thanks, great Friday update!
It seems pretty clear that just as many love the design as don’t like it, and we all know you can’t please everyone.
Great work guys, time to move on to the next design!!
Dear RSI, sorry but this is not an Option. Please bring the first disigne of the
Freelancer back. Sorry for the hard words, but that ship looks ugly with the new disign. I thought about to upgrade my pledge to the Freelancer because it looks
modern and dangerous. Now its looks like there exploding anything inside and blow the
cokcpit up. It looks like an first generation spaceship. And when I’m at it, it also looks a bit too small. Sorry but this is not acceptable.
THOR, you have every right to your opinion, but to just blatantly say something is “unacceptable” is not likely to influence the developers very much. You may find more traction using constructive criticism. Just my two cents..
Seriously, you are not the only one who pledged for the game, so stop thinking that only your opinion counts. Weather you like like or not, please also noticed there are enough people whom would disagree. Its never a shouting match, but your repeated messages start to annoy the $%^& out of me. So consider this as a not-so-friendly pat at your back. Peace.
^Get a load of this asshole
Tink Tink? Who the heck… lol.
Looks great, better than the concept, more like what I’d imagine a ship called a “Freelancer” (jack of all trades) to look like. Everyone is going to have their own opinions of the ship, from “it’s awesome” to “it sucks” and every conceivable opinion in between, but frankly I trust Chris’ judgement on the final look. So far he’s done great.
THOR, really? 100 people say – we love it and 5 people say – we dont. Majority goes. Ship stays the way it was. Also what are you judging based on? Sketch on a piece of paper that they showed us? It wasn’t even a design. And they HAVE told us that designs will change.
I think its great!!! Thanks for showing us.
I’ve been a big fan of the design since the first sketches came out, and I’m still looking forward to buying one of these once the game comes out—or upgrading my pledge, if possible!
I’m going to echo some of the other comments made here and say I think it looks a bit bubbly. I was a fan of the more imposing silhouette it cut before, and I think adding a bit more angle to the front of the cockpit would do a lot for the design. However, I also think it looks fantastic, and I’ll fly it no matter what if it’s based on this design!
I should also note, for all the naysayers out there, that this isn’t even the final draft of the model. It’s hardly the end of the world if the model doesn’t look the same as the initial sketch—and, speaking as a 3D modeler myself, models rarely look exactly the same as the sketch by the time you’re done.
Well RSI,
dismount the cannons and attach some more windows and we can fly tourists around a space station.
I know it’s hard but it’s true
I’m not sure why we were asked to choose. Although we still get a completely different ship. And certainly sign up now the 25% which vote the other disigne,
and like this new one. When it should already be, please start one new pool and let
us choose between the Freelancer that we coose already and this new ship.
The bottom line, if you look at the scale, especially evident in the above image marked 01, the ship is WAY too small, therefore the cockpit is WAY too large. The Freelancer is supposed to have 2.5 times the mass of the Hornet fighter, so it should be quite a bit larger. If you look at the RSI video entitled “Scale” on the front page, pay close attention to the part where the pilot walks close to the Hornet. From those two views, the Freelancer in these drawings is only marginally larger than the Hornet, if at all.
The cargo capacity alone on the Freelancer (20 t) is almost as much as the mass of the Hornet (22 t). If the cargo hold on the Freelancer is large enough to hold almost 40 % of its mass, where is the large cargo hold on the tiny ship in the above images?
Perhaps they’ll do a side by side at some point and realize the scale needs to be adjusted so the cockpit size will be reduced. I have faith in the dev team that all those issues will be dealt with before the final version is locked in.
-Irish
I agree, the proportions of the ship are completely out of wack and make it look cartoonish. It’s got a huge canopy with tiny engines, and an extremely tall yet narrow fuselage. The design needs to be wider and longer like it appears in the sketch. It just looks too cartoony right now. The main thrusters are about the same size as a seat in the cockpit!
I completly agree with you there. The original concepts’ cockpit was way smaller compared to the rest of the ship which points to a much larger (3 or more times as big) size for the concept Freelancer than this render.
Regardless of aestethic differences this might crate, I do believe the problem with this render is – as you point out – it’ inconsistency with it’s original presentation and stats.
Amazing I love these updates and the direction of this game and the Freelancer is looking great. I didn’t expect to see this so soon I hope we get to see the Vanduul cockpit soon really keen for this.
Thank you everyone at RSI.
Given all the work that’s going into designing these ships, will you also be providing internal schematics?
Thank you for the opportunity to see this game in development. Please do stick to your guns for the direction, design, and artistic edge of the game that you want to create. I trust you to make it $%@&^%$ awesome!
I think we should run a poll comparing this 3D model with the original 2D design because I hate the new version and the old version was much better so I think we should go back to the drawing board until we get it right and if necessary we keep voting and keep voting until we get it just right and everyone is happy especially me because otherwise i am withdrawing my pledge and i will boycott the game and will make my own game instead called Star something and it will be cool and awesome and stuff and you can bet the ship designs will be better than this sucky game because I know what I’m doing so look out for the Kickstarter campaign coming soon.
Wow what a fail of trolling.
I realise it can be hard to know sometimes, but please don’t tell me you thought I was being serious.
LOL! How about Star Whinymen?
It’s a flying phallus…which isn’t to say that’s a bad shape, but definitely the shape it is. I agree with the suggestions to broaden the middle and rear sections. You’ll need to anyway to fit a turret back there. Really like the smaller wings though.
the harpoints are empty ! I think it is a beautyful ship
Gonna jump on with the complainers here. I saw the concept art and that really pushed me to go for the freelancer, I know concept and final are never the same but I was hoping for at least the same proportions. The ship in the concept art had great lines and a general taper that made it look good. This render makes it look kind of fugly and it looks a lot smaller overall.
If this is the final design I think one of the first player made mods I’ll hope to see is just a ship that looks like the concept.
Some people say it is not possible to have the same as the 2d version.If you look at the video it does look like the concept art and is rendered in 3d.But then they went and change it.Could of just added more glass not change the hole design.Looks to skinny at the back now it was wider.
I like it for the most part. The only thing I would change is those engines in the rear. Why not move those out to the side pods and make the whole back end the cargo access point with a ramp? I’m not sure why you need the engine pods on each side and engines sticking out the back?
good idea would be cool with a ramp
Honestly is looks good. Especially when you actually click on the thumbnails and take a good look at it. It looks like the engines on each side of the craft pivot.
I think everyone who is complaining here got a little star eyed and disenchanted when they released the Constellation class. Guys, no other pledge ship is going to be as large or as “firefly”/”millennium falcon” like as the Constellation. Every other pledge ship will be smaller and more niche focused. Except for the change in the cockpit windows, the 3d model is pretty damn close to the sketch art. (I personally voted for the the other model for the exact reasons why people are complaining now.)
I will wager anyone any amount of money you like that as the other concept arts and 3d models come out, there will be shit tons of bitching. Why? Because everyone thought they were getting the equivalent of the Constellation. Sorry folks, the Constellation is the creme dela creme just as CR stated it was. Everything else will seem less than optimal compared to it.
Uhm idris Corvettes?
Your whole post is moot.
Man I like that word “moot”.
Umm, no. Pleding for a ship, many people are hopeful they’ll enjoy what it looks like, especially if concept art was released for it. There was no concept art that I’m aware of for the Connie. It just suddenly appeared as a brochure and was “Hey, this is it!” I didn’t comment on it because I have no interest in it, frankly.
You’re comment about “Guys, no other pledge ship is going to be as large or as “firefly”….” means you imply that we all thought our ships we purchased were going to be as awesome as the Connie is. From a functional/features standpoint, of course not. From the looks department, though, to each their own of the craft they hoped to get. To think that we all hope an Aurora was going to be spectactular up there with a Connie shows how out of touch you are with the people around you.
It must also be noted (as already stated above also) that Freelancer should be bigger than Hornet. Hornet, as it is, is a fighter craft, therefore sleek and small, because it only carries its own engines, and really small cargo space.
Compared to the Freelancer, Freelancer should have bigger size, and wider size, just for the sake of its role and cargo carrying capacity. We can’t, at this moment, imagine a cargo plane that has roughly the same size of F-35. I am not asking that you should really increase the size, but some increases in size, is needed.
I must also add that, even if the gun is not there, Freelancer is still look like a heavy fighter/bomber craft, not like exploration/trade craft. This only a matter of look and feel though. For example, in Sword of the Stars, the exploration craft is highly visible with their large fuel tank, and the freighter can be discerned by their shape. So, although need the Freelancer to still look cool, I think we need for it to still look like a trader craft, not like a military craft.
For the general shape of cockpit and tail, I think that RSI has made it almost perfect. Really great job, I know that RSI is listening to our input, and I do understand that it is very difficult to address everyone’s whims. Great work so far!
that would be for me a tolerable compromise
[img]http://s3.imgimg.de/uploads/MISCnewcanopy01COLORcopy376eef7d1jpg.jpg[/img]
http://s3.imgimg.de/uploads/MISCnewcanopy01COLORcopy376eef7d1jpg.jpg
for comparison: http://s3.imgimg.de/uploads/comparisonb77fbc72jpg.jpg
I like the prolonged nose but the scaling should stay the same. Otherwise you turn this otherwise medium ship into a big one and I’m quite sure this is not what Chris and team want the Freelancer to be. Otherwise, yup the longer cockpit gives it a more defining look.
I need to wake up before posting, otherwise ill just repeat otherwise.
This is just about perfect. Thanks!
this is not acceptable. the person looks to small and is deformed and clearly in some sort of space anomaly
This is great +1
(RSI 3D model looks as ughly short range light freighter imo)
Wow, at least you took the effort to demonstrate some of the suggested changes in the face of the people who ragged on you for your criticizm! Bravo… BTW, I agree with your image changes.
I do like the stretch nose better then the other one. it gives it a more slip stream look to it. Seeing a side by side view of the sketch model and the 3D model shows why the sketch design looks bigger. one thing that is noticeable is that if you look at the gun pods you can see that in the 3D model they are bigger on the ship compared to the 2D model. This shows how the scaled down the ship but not the guns. It seems to me that in order to get a more accurate scale of this ship, we would have to compare it to a hornet fighter and the constellation in scale. This way, we can see how each are compared to each other in size. the problem is that we don’t have enough resources to do this so at this point, we can’t really base many of these ships to a accurate scale.
7.000.000 guys. Congrats, just congrats.
How awesome – such a lot of new stuff – you made my day
I like the freelancer design because the shape isn’t to sharp … and about the cards – I’m proud to get one, but indeed a card is no really necessary to feel me a Star Citizen…
I think the new design really gets the essence of a Freelancer exploration ship more than the old, aggressive one. Very nice how the front landing leg doubles as an entrance. Good job guys, keep up the good work.
My critique (and it is that, I’m not complaining) of the renderings is that the ship looks too small to function as a cargo ship. A VIP transport or a fast courier for small, high value packages sure, but not something I would consider a cargo ship. For a real world comparison, this looks like a C-20/Gulfstream IV when the description sounds more like a C-130.
Greetings!
The engine and wings in the initial drawing were great here are small, the turret was closer to the cabin, back here this up and the cabin is very stretched forward, the ship seems to have neck like a dinosaur xD
I think need some adjustments to the design
It doesn’t look bad, but in my opinion the concept was better, especially the cocpit.
Well, I am glad I bought one – it’s closer to the concept than I had thought it would be…
Well, actuall 3D render looks a bit dissapointing for me. Overal size or changed size of the some elements are making the ship looks like a school bus. But the main issues is a cockipit glass for me. As in Concept #2 I voted for it looked more badass, so it did in first renders as seen in the video.
However I think there is might be a solution. Invent something like cockpit curtain to help ship survive in asteroid belts and heavy fights.
I am just asking myself
where the heck is the Cargo Hold?
Dont like the frog style windows and the small scale
Rest is realy cool.
Hmmm…
While I really do like the overall appearance of the new model, I definitely have to agree that the sketch suggested a larger ship than the 3-D model is showing us. I likened the Freelancer to a B-1 bomber built to carry cargo. Looking at it now, it looks to be more like an enlarged Grumman Intruder. Maybe that was the whole idea from the beginning and the Constellation is supposed to be B-1 sized.
This is amazing. *drops jaw*
As soon as I can afford to spend so much I am adding a Freelancer to my pledges. I hope the money will help Chris and his merry band to create the best space simulator ever.
There’s my new wallpaper
Not as sexy and bulky as I expected from the concept art, but that obey to relative scales of elements (turrets and cockpit) and not bad after all.
I would have been glad to see the cargo part more “bulkier” than the prow, the whole silhouette was more balanced in the concept.
Eager to see the insides of the beast :p
I also strongly agree and vote up for the “Cockpit curtains” to ensure both sexyness and large field of view when needed
The level of detail on the 3D model is awesome. Despite that fact I really dislike the result work. It lost almost all attractive parts of the main concept we voted, like “wing” elements and the new cockpit is really awful. Instead of aggressive looking multi-role spacecraft we got ugly cargo lifter with turrets which looking like they are completely out of place.
Sorry for my English.
I appreciate the feedback from CR and the fact that there WILL be a difference between 2D sketch and 3D but it seems that the feel of the sketch did not come through with the change. Maybe bigger wings would counter the increased size of the cockpit and give it a bit more balance? Still a long way off though and am very happy to see the game coming to life
Keep up the great work RSI, I’m really glad to see you sharing these updates with us and massively enjoy seeing all the work you’ve put in so far to the game.
Love the new freelancer I think its awesome, keep up the good work and we are all behind you. thank you so much.
Amazing job everyone at CIGC! Really digging the design!
I always felt the concept picture was a bit overscaled but I think this turned out nicely, only bad thing was that I liked the earlier cockpit look a bit better.
Still a neat looking concept though!
Design looks great! Definately getting one of these when I have the money to add it to my existing pledge.
Well I really like the design, and the guys developing this have put in a great many hours on it and no doubt have discussed every element in great detail. I am sure there will be a reason for every design feature and that it will be consistent with the relative stats/scales of the rest of the ships. It’s very easy to criticise on an initial impression but I have faith they know what they are doing on this.
Anyway no matter what the feelings are on the look of the thing, this way of presenting it to us is seriously awesome.
Honestly,i don’t like the cockpit,would prefer if it’s more sleek…but what we saw was a sketch to let us choose the direction of the design,they already reduced a lot the wings and they have still a lot of work to do on this ship(they already tell the rear engine will change)..so thanks for sharing with us CSI!
am sorry to say but the front of the ship looks like a giant dildo, the rest is fine but why, whyyy did they make the front so bulky, looks disgusting….
The other concept was better (a bit of sleek, more robust military design), but i saw potential in this one too (more like Prometheus with a bit of organic Alien design). Now they changed it in the worst direction is possible, and reduced size a LOT. I hope a modder will buid the oher one.
Btw, the Vanduul fighter is great, and thanks for the info!
It is… it is…
It’s a flying penis in space! Perhaps, I should call it ” the Penetrator”. I like it though, maybe some more scale adjusting. Right now, it looks very small for long-range exploration.
It’s awesome, all things about this are awesome, the fact that we even got a look in at the start being one of them, but you guys playing the “I’M AN INVESTOR NOT JUST A FAN !!” card ? well your wrong, that’s not what crowdfunding is, you were shown a concept and offered the chance the buy-in early, you’ve paid for a product, you’ve got a sweetened deal to what people will get on release, but that’s all, you don’t have a contract with RSI, your not their business partner or a shareholder, your NOT an investor. Just enjoy the fact we are getting unprecedented access to a game we all desperately want almost 2 years before its due to release !
The main difference in comparison to the concept is that it is SMALLER.
The concept look like some light SUV/freighter.
I was thinking of pledging for hte Freelnacer….wanted something that has a bit more cargo capacity. But now that they scaled it down so much, I’m not sure anymore. I honestly prefer hte concept to this.
it wasn’t even a concept,just a sketch to let us choose the direction the freelancer will take..it’s still a work in progress and we can give them feedbacks bear in mind
It’s not the direction of the sketch. The sketch was sleek, aggressive and Star Wars like. This 3D model is anything but that. Yes, it’s 95% the sketch, but by changing the proportions he completely changed the feel. A chimpanzee is 99% the same genes as a human. Add furr, make the arms longer and the legs shorter. Et voilà! It’s the direction we choose… -_-
Third comment on this as it keeps me thinking.
Chris, I don’t know why you do this. You talk about immersion and then you make these boring looking ships. Sure, they are realistic, but does that really help with immersion? Let’s look at popular fiction. Star Wars for example. Is it in any way realistic? No. Do people think, the setting is immersive? Yes. I do not want to play NASA online. I want Star Citizen. Please don’t change those wonderful designs, because you want them to be more realistic.
i totaly agree with “Badgerpants”! i thoght it woulb be bigger, or are you afraid that it gets to mtuch stella like? in the concept art i like the prometheus like neck that goes all the way to the cockpit. i now this is only the first design, but try making it more alien, like the concept. and mabe like “Badgerpants” said, 20% bigger!
So, uh…
I guess those guns aren’t swiveling all the way back. Whoops.
/curious – I made a lengthy and well thought out post this morning (8/12) here regarding why this model version of the ship in it’s current scale won’t be able to function as a 20T freighter and…. it’s disappeared despite it having no profanity in it or anything other than constructive and real world logic criticism. Yet my reply to another post appeared immediately..
Can anyone explain this to me? Please don’t tell me this game will condone “we don’t like this post so we are going to delete it without telling you” that so many other games (diablo *cough cough*) seem to be doing nowadays, because if that’s so then I’ll be asking for a refund of my pledge, and I’ll give this game and it’s devs no more of my time.
and that one appeared immediately as well…
LOL oh balls, I found it – ignore my comment about the size of the windows – make it all wondows for max vis – apparently i need it..:S
Or delete this post and my replies..
“oh balls” priceless
After reading some of the comments, it seemed to me that my perspective was a bit different of the canopy’s real scale and proportion of the first sketch. Since it had no color, it was hard to infer which materials were being used and where, specially the windows. In the link below (fingers crosse it won’t be deleted by the forum) http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15390162/freelancer_option1_canopy_perspectives.jpg
is a picture I created with two exact replicas of the first sketch. Blue color represents “glass” or the canopy so to speak. What’s funny is that the ship on the top represents the perspetive of what I thought to be the canopy; long, with two pilot seats (but not side by side), and superb visibility (structural weaknesses aside). The bottom one is one that (I think) most fans were probably inferring, thus making all sorts of comments about the visibility (which is perfectly understandable given the windows’ size, location and geometry). Could it be that the prototype model would have the visibility “problem” mitigated based on my perspective, thus keeping its cool look? Cheers
I’m disappointed.
The initial concept had a lot of amazing details. The rear section was bigger. The engine-pods and that “bridgy-thingy” across the rear section was more dominant, giving the ship a more aggressive and technical look. The turrets were smaller and the cockpit-section was more “streamlined”.
Everything that has made the initial concept amazing was either toned do to an extent, that you could very well just remove these elements (the engine pods, that bridge-thing), or made that big, that it becomes ridiculous (the turrets!). Or removed entirely like the amazing little details, that have made ship look like high-tech and not like an oversized toy. I can understand the changes that were made for the cockpit, but why did you tone down the amazing rear section while making the turrets ridiculously huge? What’s the reasoning behind that?
No how do we fix that ship:
1. Make the entire ship slightly bigger. Not by huge extent, but you can tell from the size-comparison, that the ship is just a bit too small to give two or more people enough room to explore space AND transport cargo. If you make the ship slightly bigger, maybe just by one or two tenth of its current size, you could also tone done the cockpit a bit.
2. At least remove that small, nearly square top-rear window from the cockpit-canopy. That would make the canopy look a bit more aggressive again. I strongly suggest though, that look at the concept-art again. Copy that cockpit-section, especially the shape, and add windows to the “roof” (I might deliver a drawing later). Right now the cockpit looks more like a WWII-bomber and less like space-ship. The initial concept has a distinctive brink (?) around the cockpit. Bring that back instead of that boring, bulky canopy!
3. Make the rear-section much bigger and especially wider, like in the initial concept.
4. Make the engine-pods bigger, more dominant and longer. And don’t make them nearly as high as the rest of the ship.
5. That should move the turrets closer to the cockpit-section (why not put them really close to the cockpit?), which is a good thing because right now the ship looks more like a gunboat, that was build around these ridiculously large turrets.
6. Make the rear spoiler much bigger again. There has to be more room between the spoiler and the body of the ship. Make the spoiler on of the iconic elements of that ship again.
7. Turrets! Make them smaller! Like in the concept art. That would give you the chance to “break up” the current rather boring shape of the ship.
8. Keep the “uptilt” of the cockpit-section. I like it and it makes sense in many ways. Maybe pronounce it even more.
9. The concept-art had a lot of nice little details like hatches and vents. The 3D-model looks a bit to sleek and therefore just boring. Add a few more details to the model and the textures.
Bottom line: The 3D-model has all the elements of the concept-art, but with completely different proportions, and that’s the problem. You had to make the cockpit bigger and elevate it further from the ground. I understand why had to that, and I think the it is good thing, that the nose is now higher above the ground. But why did shrink the rear section that much while making making the turrets that big? It was the rear section that gave this ship its awesome, distinctive and aggressive look. And you have
Please don’t get me wrong! You’re doing fantastic work! I hope that the criticism won’t make stop getting us involved in the designing process. You just can’t be right with everything, and this time you might have moved the design to far away from the concept we’ve voted for. Suggestion for the future: Add size-comparisons to the concept arts. That might have helped to understand, what we can expect from the concept art.
And to the people of these forums: Please don’t become fanboy on me for criticising the 3D-model! Chris doesn’t need fanboys, who tell him, that everything he has ever done and will ever do, is right. Chris needs constructive criticism and suggestions to make the game better, and I think I’ve delivered a lot of constructive feedback and suggestions.
I totally agree with this and I may sound like I am repeating my self when I post this but this must be made clear that the size of the ship is not exactly right compared to what was stated in the description of this ship. the way Rarehero wrote it is as close as you can get to what the ship should be size wise. It doesn’t need to be super big but by the way it sits now, it looks to be as big as a light freighter or even a large fighter base on the large guns it has [which are a cool factor but make the ship look disproportional] not the mid size explorer/cargo ship it was described to be. I also want to emphasize that I’m not trying to bash the overall design of this ship and the amount of work that went into it. I’m just trying to point out things that I feel are out of place in this ship. I care a lot toward this ship and want to see it turn out awesome in the end.
This is supposed to be a long range exploration ship / medium freighter?
This new 3D model looks and short range light freighter or Hvy fighter imo. It is only about 1/3 larger than the Hornet and has a 55t? Where is the living space for the crew, which is necessary during long range space exploration? Where in this small ship is 20t of cargo space? And why are the main engine nozzles and uncovered with the inscription “hit me”. Sorry, but this is a disappointment. I saw the concept art and I really love it, but this … :/
This Thor’s proposal better fit for this ship class: http://s3.imgimg.de/uploads/MISCnewcanopy01COLORcopy376eef7d1jpg.jpg
For the first time in my entire live a Photoshop was used with good intentions.
Cool idea. I’d probably move the two side hardpoints forward and make the body a little more bulky for that 20t cargo hold.
It’s a good proposal, but I think it still needs to be bigger, although it doess look like it actually weighs 55 tonnes, no cargo, no fuel.
What I like about the proposal in particular, is that the front doesn’t look like a damn 747 anymore. Nice pointy thing and it looks to provide better visibility for the pilot(s).
The model looks good – but the scale seems to be totally wrong.
The size of the ship is comparable to a truck or a bus. There’s no chance 20T of cargo would fit inside! – It looks more like 4-5T max.
Make the ship 2 – 4 times bigger, and the design is goning to be perfect.
I must add some: If that grill behind the copit is for a intake of something, of hydrogen mybe, the copit will work like a shield. The design is too sleek and also the ship looks too small for its intended work.
Some say they get an image of a phallos, yes true. The Thor’s proposal is better in that regard, more with a curious expression, hunter like.
About wings, not necessary in space, but “wings” could be a magasin for probes or missiles.
I have already pointed out that the two engines on the sides is too close to the fuselage, if tilted forwards, they will heat the guns in front of them with their exhaust, especial if the barrels is tilted outwards, I guess they can. I would think that the exhaust from the hydrogen or black matter engine is like hot plasma, melting things in front of the hot end.
Best regards Thord deSpace
Aint it nice my little girl
Agree on the comments that for a semi-cargo ship is quite small, I imagined it like double of this.
And I am not a fan of @Rarehero, but reading his comments I understand him well.
B r T deS
A lot of talking out there about how the Freelancer ship finally looks… But, chance to be heared means only chance to influence in the design, not any right to be exercised. Decisions must be taken by Chris Roberts and his team (by the way, congratulations Jim Martin!, excellent job). Those of you complaining about everything, you have your right to change whatever you want in future Star Citizen “mods”. Do not make your voice and personal feelings the voice of the entire community (100k people out there!), nah?. By the way, surely a lot of people disappointed with the Freelancer look are not even owning one, but if you do and you do not like it, just go and upgrade/downgrade to another ship.
By the way, I guess that we have a lot of artists here in the fan community, so I expect to see your NEW ship designs in the future, since RSI, Origin Jumpworks, MISC and Drake Interplanetary would buy them. Till then, we should limit to influence (not claim!) the designs from professional artists at CIG (Jim Martin / Ryan Church or whoever adds to them).
@Pororoca. Some of what you say is true, some is more like lipservice. Time and again the best have faulted. Ok?
For my part, I have no programs handy to design MY ship, although I have made some ship designs, so I would like to see my plegded ship be as true to what I like as possible. Also a new designed ship would not have a life insurance. The first drawings was to my likings more then what is shown now.
So I rise my voice, but I am not demanding. I dont think anybody here is demanding anything, we just express our views in some sort of shorthand.
I also point out what I think is wrong. If at closer examination it is not quite right, I would think it would be smart to correct it.
@ Thord deSpace. OK, so at least we agree to something. Perhaps it is not your case (therefore, what I said was not targeted to you) but there are others here and there in the website complaining about several issues (not only in this post). Of course, voice to anyone wanting to contribute with fresh ideas (as it seems you do), but one’s opinion is merely that: a singular opinion. Some other people tend to think they have the last word and do not consider that there is a huge work behind to produce a final leaflet like that of the Constellation. It will not be my or your MISC Freelancer, it will be OUR ship. I just wanted to clarify that, so I rose my voice just as you did.
By the way, Bergen is a nice city
I was there a few months ago. I liked so much the Bryggen. Best regards.
Me? I would drive a black box in the game if that was what it took.
I don’t think Chris is looking for a gaggle of fan girls/boys. Though I’m sure like anyone, it’s a nice boost to ego to have em. Still he aproached this with a theme of wanting to work with people, to develop a game we would all love. Yes, he gets final say obviously. Just don’t jump onto people for expressing critisim that’s constructive. Wager he’s intersted to hear the feedback.
As for myself, I’m kinda luke warm. It does look nice, but not as good as the concept art. Two main things, the wings still aren’t quite right. I’m hoping those will get some more transformations as development continues. Maybe stay as they are, but expand along the z-axis for atmosphere? Not sure, but something.
Second, size. The concept art made the lancer seem a good sized vessel. A kind of younger cousin to the Connie. It might have been the plating that the concept had. This new one has much less, and looks smaller for it. In my opinion the loss of that plating desighn makes the ship look far less impressive. Scale is definatly off too. Just doing a crude finger distance comparison. It really does look like the height of the scale human. Is too tall to fit into the cockpit without his feet going into what should be deck plating space filled with circuits, cables, and whatever other parts they use in this universe as ship guts. Which means that ship is way too small to comfortably fit two people. Particullary with cargo to boot.
In summay, the original concept looked high tech. Sophisticated but not so much as to be out of the reach of a private ship captain. This new one looks much less so. More like a baby lancer frigate from Star Wars than what I envisoned as a vessel equally tasked to exploration and commerce.
I have to say, I don’t like the 3D look of the freelancer. It’s nowhere near the concept art, which looked kind of adult and dangerous. This one is more of an child’s toy, (or meaner a women’s toy). Seems like I have to upgrade my pledge. Leave this one for icemen.
I like it! This is probably the ship I’ll end up flying, and it’s great, but there’s one problem. It seems to be all cockpit and engines; where does the cargo go? Isn’t this supposed to be our light-haul space truck/exploration vessel?
awesome news.
Here the translation for the French community : http://www.force-unifiee.fr/news/article.php?view&id=576&star-citizen-mise-a-jour-du-vendredi-freelancer-citizen-cards-et-interview
Great ship ^^
small changes compared to the concept but still great
Keep up the good work
Guys this is a WIP situation, the ship is continuing to change, be patient, we hear you.
@WingMan… well said
Above review was well thought out. As for me I like the new design. The wings were much too long in the concept art and I wouldnt mind it a little smaller. The new cockpit is great. There’s ongoing debate about this but I prefer the increased visibility. The glass may be a point of vulnerability but realistically your shields are the main defense, once those are down I doubt even heavy armor is going to stop a missle or a middle to high end energy weapon from tearing a hole in your ship. Once depressurization occurs no matter where you are hit, the battle is all but lost so trading increased visibility for a little less armor is an easy choice. One also wants to see space in all its glory not peer through it from a slit. Others have commented on exterior cameras which would form the exterior image on your hud. Not a bad idea but that would be too vulnerable to EMP weapons, ship energy malfunction or damage, even eletromagnetic phenomenon in space. With so many variables which could affect your electronics I prefer the safety net offered by my own two eyes. As for the size of the ship…I think the concept art looked larger because there was not a drawing of a person to scale it. Also 20 tonnes is a measurement of weight not size. There could be materials i.e exotic alien ore, in the Robert’s universe that weigh a lot but do not occupy a lot of space. By indicating the Lancer can carry 20 tonnes, Chris is providing more of an indication of the ships “horsepower” rather its size. The style is also very good. The Stella looked like a beaked bird of prey. An apex predator of the skies like a bald eagle with its talons extended. The lancer is a mid level bird like an owl. Smaller, wider, and with big eyes for better visibility. It has that intellectual look an owl possesses but with two big talons to take care of prey/opponents. The Lancer also has a nice fighter/freighter crossover design. Powerful enough totake on a hornet but small enough to be able to run away from it. We haven’t seen the interior of the Lancer but even the Stella did not have multiple and separate habitable areas like the Firefly. It is more realistic for living areas like the dining/kitchen/sleep areas to be small and space efficient like a submarine or sailboat. Long range space exploration and/or habitation must have a a feel that you are “roughing it” that way cities in the planets and space stations actually feel like a welcome respite.
There are some nitpicks, I would rather have the sides with what I can only guess are the afterburners to be extended farther from the fuselage, as it currently looks now it seems too thin in the third picure from the left. Entending them out fruther would not only improve its aesthetic but it is practical as the afterburners are too close to the ship and would start burning/eroding the main thruster as well as part of the fuselage. Also the tail fins are still too long, they seem to be an afterthought to enhance style which doesn’t really accomplish it. I pledged for a 300i but I am leaning towards upgrading to a Lancer as it has more versatility and is simply a cool looking ship. Keep up the good work guys.
sorry to say so, but I dont like the 3d model for the freelancer too. to me it looks like the cockpit design changed from a alienshead shape to a turtle head. the alien head was much cooler.
is it me or does the head of the freelancer look like the head of a pen!$???!!?
The reasoning behind the change in the canopy design is sound however bad visibility could be one of the disadvantages of a freighter in a fire fight.
And maybe some “eyebrow windows” (ref. Boeing 737) could be enough of an improvement yet stay closer to the original look.
I’m still not in favour of the stabilizers/wings. They serve no purpose in space and still look like something found on yacht instead of a industrial ship.
I’m afraid that I also don’t like that the engines , especially the main engines, are not covered? – It looks strange and impractical. Usually you would want to cover the engines as best as possible to protect them from any kind of damage.
On the nacelles I would extend the cowling aft to the start of the exhaust nozzle. And on the main engine the hull should extend aft till the start of these flaps.
Other than that I like it even though all in all for a freighter the ship seems a bit on the small side.
I still think the main engines should be mounted on the side pods…that would leave room to access the cargo from the rear. I think maybe the reason for the exposed engines is to leave more cargo space…but why not mount them on the sides?
Is it just me or are there no moving thrusters?
Wow, those are really a lot of comments on the Freelancer and to add to them, I wanna say I just love it! My first thoughts were ‘Wow, they really made kind of a baby Firefly!’ which is great, because it is like my favorite ship in the verse. But I, too, thought, that even though there were not that many changes made comparing to the first sketches, it still gives a totally different vibe. But hey: baby Firefly!
As many others I also thought that the wings looked kinda huge and you would not really need those huge wings in space, but I bet you would be thankful for them in atmospheric flight. What actually confuses me a little is the scale of the ship when I see the person standing next to it. I just rechecked the stats from the ship document and when I think of all the engines, electric, wiring etc. where are the 20 tonnes of cargo supposed to be stored? I do not really these those fitting in there without it getting really cramped in there, but maybe that is just me… still, from the first day on I was having difficulties deciding if I wether go with the Wingnut or with the Freelancer package. Seeing this, I probably will get a Firefly, eh, Freelancer on top of my Hornet.
But besides all the Freelancer discussion. Thank you for also giving an update according the citizen cards. In addition to my own pledge-package, I bought a second one as a gift and was hoping to be able to give away the citizen card for Christmas as originally intended. I was already fearing that this would not be possible due to the time needed to integrate the Kickstarter pledges and the number of pledges in total, so thank you for making a digital version of the cards available to, as I understood, customize (name-wise) and probably print out as it would have my suggestion as a short-term alternative. Thanks for that!
Altogether I am really impressed by what you are doing and hope you keep up the good work! I am really looking forward to the moment where I can lay eyes on my own ship sitting in the hangar and waiting to be taken out for the first time!
I see, that the turret are on each side and below the cockpit, but none above? It seems a ground Fighter???
I think he said there will be a hardpoint on the top of the ship…possible to upgrade with an additional turret. Keep in mind this is a stock ship made for transport and not so much for combat.
I’ve been thinking about the wings to. Maybe they are more for protection on a busy platform full of moving cargo haulers and such, kinda like bumpers.
And now from my not that much sleepy mind as my other post (it was way after midnight already and I was awake since 5 am).
If the Hornet is really 27 meters as stated in the scale video, it needs to be way bigger than just the current moddel, the freelancer is more than twice the weight and should have a lot of free space inside for living space for two (bunks, kitchen area, toilet, … the things a carrier based fighter with a crew of one doesn’t need) and cargo on top of that.
The Constellation with 75t is at 46 meter, while the Freelancer with 55t in its current form is roughly 18 Meters long and the hornet without all the room for cargo and crew is at 22t and 27 Meters.
And can someone tell me what the music in the background is, I m sure I heard it before, but I cant tell where or how the name of it is.
If you refer to the music of the Jim Martin video, it is supposed to be a first draft of the “Star Citizen” main theme (the music that will play in the options menu when you start the game). It is still in the very first stages and the final version may be very different from now, but it is very similar (maybe too much) to the “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” main theme. Maybe that’s the reason you think yoy have heard it before.
Ive listened to the “The wrath of khane” main theme now a few times and I cannot spot any similarity.
My intuition says stargate opening, but as usually when my intuition says a piece of music sounds like the stargate opening it is wrong.
I have to admit that the music it remains me of is exactly this piece of music. I totally forgot about it.
I know that some folks are caught up in the scale and cargo capacity of the Freelancer after seeing yesterday’s 3D WIP, so I thought a real world example would help clear things up.
The Freelancer is listed as 55 metric tonnes with a 20 metric tonnes cargo capacity. (hopefully the images will link in our current Forum)
That is the same weight as this train car (not the size of the people), which is inline with scale of the 3D WIP:
http://www.siemens.com/press/pool/de/pp_ts/2008/tstr20071209-05_300dpi.jpg
And this truck has a cargo capacity of between 20 and 30 metric tonnes, which is also inline with what the 3D WIP looks capable of carrying:
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/219817731/20_ton_cargo_truck.jpg
I like the the way its coming along but have the following criticism.
1: I agree with all who say the size of the ship should be bigger.
2: This ships design/look should match the company who makes it and price, MUSASHI INDUSTRIAL & STARFLIGHT CONCERN. Question is, does this look like a armored freighter that a corporation would purchase to carry its cargo? IMHO I would have to say NO!
3: I like the textures and coloring but this also makes the ships look like an easy target and it lacks the deterrent value, in other words this ships looks like easy pray and this is not what I would expect for a corporation to purchase or to trust there precious cargo in.
Now that I think about it, this ship looks more like a Small Private luxury Passenger Ship. The type of ship corporations might used to escort/transport there VIPs to and from meetings and the like, the ships looks small and fast and with big guns to hit hard and run fast.
I would keep this version in mind when designing a escort ships.
So what i’m sure everybody else is saying:
1. Thanks for the awesome work and continued updates!
2. Great looking Renders!
AND’
3. You guys kinda dupped us with the concept sketches.
-Chose that design because it seemed like a good balance between curves and hard lines.
-The cockpit redesign is what is killing me, it just doesn’t have the elegance of the old one, it looks to “practical” and yes I think that’s a decent criticism. Think about super-cars, there allure is in their insanity, and usually worthless back windows.
-The other change that has seemingly been detrimental to my enjoyment of the ship is the overall proportions. The Ship seems noticeably skinnier. Just make the damn thing wider!!
-Bringing that back to supercars once again, its about that low, wide, sleek profile. When it gets to tall and skinny it just starts seeming absurd and wonky.
Not expecting a redesign/adjustments, just hoping for one
Keep up the great work!
From one who pledged for the Origin 300i:
The 2D art of the Freelancer looks fantastic. http://www.robertsspaceindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/freelancer_option1.jpg The whole thing has a nice almost-triangular outline, and looks like it might be able to do a reentry crash landing it might be possible to walk away from, with minimal engine power that runs out in the middle somewhere. Sure, the cockpit windows should probably be bigger. The wings on the side, the spoiler above the engine room and the fat side thrusters basically make it look cool. And yes, I voted for it. It even had the modular feel from the Freelancer blurb.
In comparison… the 3d model? It looks like a space dild… erm. You know. The concept I would have tried to get my hands on ingame as soon as possible. The 3D? Erm… no. Not if I can avoid it.
The main problem with listening to the fans, of course – is that it’s dangerous. It’s VERY easy to think you’re listening to everyone, when in fact you’re listening to the vocal minority. And hence end up changing something that was good because a group of people (but small minority) were loud about (necessary) changes.
Of course, posting on this board kind of makes it obvious I’m among one of theese small minorities. There are 100k pledgers – no way there is even a tenth of that number of separate posters.
Trouble is, even if you somehow manage to listen to everyone – that can be worse. Example: Food. Have a large group of people, and try to make something that everyone can eat? You end up with ‘dry bread and water’. Everything else gets shot down for one reason or another. And trust me, if dry bread and water gets people worked up, something is very, very wrong.
So what’s the answer then?
Personally, I think it would be a good idea to ask something like: Would you like a or b as a the style for a terran fighter? Then, underneath: Would you like a or b as the style for a modular terran long distance exploration and mercantile ship?
The messages I’ve seen so far hints that the current 3d design would work as a Musashi Industrial fighter design. Great! Use it as that! …then try again, and see if you can make the 2d design into a 3d terran long distance exploration and mercantile ship too?
There is no way you can please everyone with one design. So I would say even trying is a waste of time. What we all want is the game Cloud Imperium Games corp could make. Then again, it seems a shame to not use a resource of a few thousand fans chomping at the bit to provide input – me included. So how best do that?
When it comes to ‘what are top ten obvious problems with this design that we in a perfect world should have spotted’? Then forums like this are perfect. Because a lot of someones will spot the problems, and list them. And it will be obvious afterwards. But it can have saved a LOT of developement time and headache. Even if it feels like it’s something that should have been obvious from the start. Thing is, it was not obvious. It just feels like it should have been. That’s human nature, I guess.
I had a similar view point as I thought it looked like “Small Private luxury Passenger Ship for VIPS, Hit hard and run fast
I agree about the listing to all parts is not easy, as those writing now is more hardcore and dont represent the whole 100 k supporters.
But simple to deal with in the end, as make 2 final versions and let people vote, and there we have all our 1 vote to say which one we like to see.
Or just let the devs continue on, as they have good idea’s just some size adjusting if You ask me personal.
I will make a short one, as all say so much that is plus/minus about the freelancer.
1. It look okay, but are way to small compared to it’s class of being a explorer, with 30-40% of its mass for cargo space.
2. The poor space pilot will have to crawl into it, when I look on the pictures.
3. THOR did make a nice try to show how it could fit more in size for its class.
4. WingMan, You think for real that Space Citizen can be done for next gen consoles? as You stated in interview, and why not just try those options after PC release instead?
Just my view on it, so Troll’s and fanboys feel free to comment
First of all, nice to see the work going along, and you sharing the process.
) than to watch on my screen, the image of it on some in game ship screens (i don’t think that would really work either)
Secondly i think that any changes made to the ship to make it more realistic and practical when you’re in it are absolutly right. I will spend most of the time FLYING my ship and being inside it, not gazing at it, so i want it to be as much visibility and living space as possible. And i rather have bigger windows to gaze at the stars (and bloody pirates
So it might be a little different but i want it to be as much fun flying it, i don’t need it to be looking all sports car… and yes i’m happy i spend more than i could afford on it, and i’m not looking to change it for constellation.
Happy that RSI include us in the making process.
Dear Chris, when the kickstarter accounts have been integrated can you open a poll for those like myself have bought this ship to see if they prefer the concept drawing vs the 3d concept? Personally i think it is much to small to hold 20t of cargo. the space shuttle holds 13t, though i realize that is for a larger crew but crew space is only 1/5 of the total size of it. also it looks like a cock. especially so with the windows sloping back at the top forming the bellend. please excuse my profanity but it had to be said…
regarding the windows, i see that both seats have a massive bar right down the middle of their view so they would have to lean left and right to see dead in front of them. overall i’m not keen on the bars on the windows at all on the fighters and small craft. they interupt view and create blind spots. if we can create something like this now…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhhuRKCSwq0 then a seamless window on these ships would be the norm.
Your point with that bar right in front of the seats was exactly my thought too. It would indeed be a bit annoying if there would be a bar right in the middle of my view.
I’m not sure about your idea with the seamless windows. I can imagine such windows would require a costly manufacturing process making a simple small freighter/exploration craft unnecessarily expensive. But I’d like to see “barless” cockpit on some other spacecraft like luxury spaceyacts or advanced fighters (like the barless canopy of a F22 Raptor from today).
Considering how long it took me just to scroll down this comment section, I think they just MIGHT consider tweaking the Freelancer’s design just a bit before really considering it “finalized”.
There are two kinds of people commenting here:
The ones critiquing the design and the ones defending the devs, rather than the desing.
Oh and for all of those frequenting the chat, you know what the consensus is over there ;D
as a guide for the norm regarding cargo tonnage…. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonnage
The ship isn’t finished yet this is more an update on how it’s comming along.
Besides MISC ships are mostly freighter ships it shouldn’t be so much about looks. I wouldn’t buy a truck and say it’s not sporty enough.
Regarding the size complaints the ships are being engineered meaning it has to be large enough to be able to support cargo and living qaurters.
If the current design doesn’t permit that of course it will be modified to conform to this. CR stated if you bought cargo he wanted you to be able to walk back into your cargo hold to check it out.
CR
“there is still quite a way to go on the Freelancer”
I think people are jumping the gun here a bit and I look forward to seeing the final version.
Just out of interest i tried to find reference for a truck that is classed to transport 20 tonnes, and as much as i still like the design, and think its not really our call anyway, hell im sure it would be fairly simple to write a bit of scifi/geek lore to explain the smaller than appears storage space on the Freelancer anyway…. here is the pic…. it did make me think that the Freelancer does need a little stretch….
http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00EepQGMLBhjkF/20-Ton-Cooler-Truck.jpg
I am a Lancer and I voted for it. I wish I didn’t. I wish I hadn’t seen the sketch. It’s nothing at all like the sketch. Why do I feel betrayed?
If you look at the Vanduul sketches and the final model its like identical. Why can’t this be the same?
I’m sorry Chris but this is how I feel. If you don’t improve this I’m gonna have to upgrade my pledge to the Constellation. Which makes me think that making a shit model like this will earn you more money because of the upgrades. Damn it Chris…it worked.
This is GREAT!! I love the ship, and imma gonna FLY IT
Love what you did with the wings!! It looks AWESOME 
:D
Great interview with Wingman
Oh and I thimk the Freelancer is a little on the small side for having a cargo capacty of 20t
Thanks to Chris and the team for sharing these concepts
I’m not too bothered by the new cockpit design (although I admit I liked the concept art’s version better), what does bother me is the scale. According to the description this is supposed to be the most widely used cargo transport in the Star Citizen universe, like a truck would be in ours, but as it stands it looks rather more like a van. I hope this gets fixed somewhere down the line.
Loving the weekly updates though, keep it up!
that,s funny! i am the onlyone who voted for the other ship cuz it looked cooler because of more edges and corners?? :/
My 1st post so, I’d like to start off by saying a MASIVE Thank you to Chris for letting us have the opportunity to vote with our feet/$$$, what promises to be an Epic experience!
). The living quarters can be compact with out being cramped, like a yacht. As an explorer I’d rather avoid conflict, but if push comes to shove it’s nice to know I could defend myself, or at least take out a few before going down. May be having some upgrades which will give brief bursts of speed, like a ‘NOS kit’. The other end of the spectrum may be to have upgrades in such a way to make them like ‘Q’ ships ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q-ship ).
Thank you also for making this a PC only game! WTG
To Jim Martin, love what I’ve seen so far keep it up!
Ok, my 2 cents worth …
The way I image a ‘Long-Range Exploration / Heavy Mercantile’ ship to be is one that can be in space for months at a time, so enough supplies/store area for such. (I don’t think we have replicates here – yet!
If the ship could be flown remotely then make it a flying bomb!! Hehe
Now to a few teaks I’d like to see on the art work, but by no means ‘demand’.
The one already mentioned the size to be slightly larger.
The Fins to be moved forward up the engine nacelles, and have the thickness tapering towards the outside. (something like the SR71). At the moment to me they look a bit superficial.
The landing gear from the engine nacelles seems a bit thin, fine if All landing are on hard surfaces, but on unexplored worlds there may be no such facilities. (?)
The engine bodies (the ‘tubes’) protrude a long way from the fuselage, which must give off a huge heat signature, not good if you’re trying to keep a low profile.
There’re a few aesthetics, but I’m not really fussed, it’s an exploration da, da, da ship function over form. Looking forward to the next version update, all exciting stuff!
With the last few shots of the Freelancer in that video, it honestly looked like a real, physical model, like they used for the old Star Wars movies.
I am so excited for this game.
Really nice, although it seems too small to be a freighter, I would make more justice if it was 50% bigger
Very glad i ended up with the hornet and not the freelancer after seeing the 3d model. The concept art was cool. This is not. it looks more like a plain freighter ship now.
Absolutely beautiful! A ship that has the potential to be iconic, I’m really looking forward to flying it.
Solid and satisfying to look at. 3rd shot reminds me of a Grendler from Earth 2
I think I’m going to have to add this ship to my order. I like the direction it is going. Keep up the good work RSI!
Geee, whatta talk…We are not investors nor shareholder.Whats wrong with some of you. We are donators and our woice is heard. You make me laugh.
Ship is beauty, i like it. When mod tool released after game released you all will have your chance to change it, if you have know how. If not, stop whining lil bjaches
Can we just let them finish the game instead of bitching about changes, who cares if they change things, prototypes are just that, prototypes, its their game and they can do what they please with it, I would rather them do that then take all the crap everyone says and end up with a game that is complete rubbish cause so and so said that was better.
Hmmm interesting how the rear part uses the retractable landing pads. Very nice. But the cockpit. I would say that windows are way too big for such small vessell. Still outside those very good design. CR and Team +1
Exactly.. Now CALM DOWN people
From Chris
Freelancer is still in the conceptual 3D development phase – it is not the final design – I think a lot of people thought it was the final design based on the style of the video, which was a mistake in retrospect.
Scale is incorrect, the rear will be much bigger, the two rear engines won’t be there (bigger cargo hold and rear loading door) and so on. The video was cut from a ship review session where we were discussing my (and the production designers feedback) and talking about what would be done for the next pass. There would normally be another 2 to 3 passes minimum in 3D before the conceptual model is signed off and passed over to the game 3D modelers to clean up, texture, rig (for animations) and bring into the engine. We spent a month honing the 3D model of the Constellation before showing it with many revisions. I just chose to open the curtains up for the Freelancer as we thought it would be insightful.
Can’t promise you will like the final 3D conceptual model, but don’t read too much into the changes right now. Its the process. The feedback on the first rough 3D model (which you saw a few renders of) was too shorten the neck of of the front part of the ship (as it was longer than in the concept art), increase cockpit visibility (as the three small windows would be problematic in a dogfight), reduce the rear wings and give the ship a re more “layered” look on the nose, closer to the concept art. This was Jim’s pass at addressing those notes.
-CR
hey,where did you get it?it’s from a pm by CR or?
This comment was ment to be here, not up there
Exactly.. Now CALM DOWN people
The design of the freelancer is super sweet. Well done.
Very excited with the new model and the project all around!
PS: Too much whiners already lurking around, sad.
“I just chose to open the curtains up for the Freelancer as we thought it would be insightful.”
Hopefully it was!
i think that they will have to repeatedly say that this is a work in progress,so in case you don’t noted,this is a work in progress(or abbreviate it with WIP,or Work In Progress,or W.in.P)hope you get it!
great to let us gives you our feedbacks,thanks CSI
Honestly the design is decent personally I just think it’s a little to bubblish. Would prefer it to be more millenium falconish like the original design, kinda a little more rough around the edges.
I really like where the freelancer is heading. I got the chose wingnut but might have to update to the Freelancer when that options is available.
I also like what CR mentioned in the video of the turret hard point that is still missing on the concept sketches and the current 3D model.
Just wondering if he is thinking of the B17 belly turret or the tail gunner.
Either way this will be interesting and give the freelancer some protection from more nimble fighter craft.
About the size of the ship, this is a real space transport with 20tons cargo send to the International Space Station, maybe can be of help.
Take in mind that this ship is non tripulated, were freelancer will need more space for this, but allso propulsion system in freelancer would be smaller.
http://phys.org/news/2011-02-europe-space-truck-iss-hookup.html
My mistake here … its 20 ton spaceship including 7 ton cargo
Personally, I like it. Not quite the same as the concept, but this one reminds me of the WWII bombers… Sort of old school…
I think, it´s a little bit too small to transport 20t of material. But the design is good.
going by the wiki i posted i make it about 56 cubic meters needed for the cargo hold to be for 20t not including the space needed for loading and inspection(you do still want us to be able to walk into the cargo hold don’t you?).
to those going on about it not being final…yes…i know. thats why i’m adding my two penneth now rather than whinging after they have spent loads of time on a finished model before pointing out problems. problems like..landing gear looks to flimsy(looks like it could only land on level ground) and front gear/entry to low, apparent cargo space(will see what the next iteration looks like), over sized guns for a explorer/freighter class ship(scale on the concept looked better), overkill on engines(has been addressed), pointless window bars obscuring view(bigger window is meant to improve view), shape of window(makes the hull look even more like a cock), overall scale, and looking like a cock. will be happy to see some if not all of these concerns are sorted out at concept stage. especially as i have bought one.
Ton has nothing to do with size, only mass. At 4 degree c 1 cubic meter of water = 1 metric ton per cubic meter, so 20 cubic meter for 20 metric ton. Loose beach sand for instance is generally 1600 Kg/cubic meter so 20/1.6=12.5 cubic meters, both of which are substantially less than your 56 cubic meters.
People need to stop trying to equate mass with volume.
Will the ship be fully acessible via your avatar? Those landing stairs just look too inviting and i just love the idea to take a trip through the endless space with a buddy as a copilot and maybe some more friends in the interior of the ship, checking the cargo or whatever.
as someone who voted for Concept 2 i actually don’t mind this look. concept 1 looked terrible too much like a butterfly but this cockpit design and smaller wings are really neat the only thing i don’t really like are the side mounted guns.
Would it be possible for us to upgrade it later on with advanced optics (cameras) and cockpit armor that would make it look like the concept art while not losing viewing area?
I really liked the look of the cockpit from the concept art, though I wasn’t aware that the Freelancer would be such a small spacecraft. If it would be bigger, the 3 windows from the concept design would also be bigger, like the size of a standard-sized window from a modern house (apx. 1m in height), so that would still be big enough to give a good overview.
I’d love to see a ship which very closely resembles the 2D concept. Big enough to stand freely in the cockpit with that sleek, mean design of the cockpit windows from the concept art. I thought that would be the Freelancer…
I also think that it’s a bit too small right now for being a small freighter, but apart from the size and the new cockpit, I love it, especially all the details which you guys put there.
And thanks for letting us see those renders and bitch about it
I love how much thought you give for the ship design, this is such an overlooked thing in other space sims, where the ships look like they just came from a designers table with little to no thought about the technical aspects or practicality.
I stronly suspect that we “haven’t” seen the final version of the Freelancer 3D model.
in my opinion the shape of the ship now looks like a dino, or some iguana, what makes it less alien for me, what do think of this? http://idealeo.eu/files/concept_d1pl0.jpg
just make the cockpit part go lower, look more like in the concept and has an angryer look.
The articulating side engine “pods” look a little too small compared to the rest of the ship
Other than that looks great
I don’t know if this has been mentioned or not. Can you show us a picture of the Freelancer next to the Constellation? I agree with most that the Freelancer looks small. I don’t see how two people can live in it and carry 20 tonnes. I except the Freelance to be smaller than the 20 Constellation but not that small. I had already planned to upgrade to the Constellation and these drawings help justify my decision.
From Chris
Freelancer is still in the conceptual 3D development phase – it is not the final design – I think a lot of people thought it was the final design based on the style of the video, which was a mistake in retrospect.
Scale is incorrect, the rear will be much bigger, the two rear engines won’t be there (bigger cargo hold and rear loading door) and so on. The video was cut from a ship review session where we were discussing my (and the production designers feedback) and talking about what would be done for the next pass. There would normally be another 2 to 3 passes minimum in 3D before the conceptual model is signed off and passed over to the game 3D modelers to clean up, texture, rig (for animations) and bring into the engine. We spent a month honing the 3D model of the Constellation before showing it with many revisions. I just chose to open the curtains up for the Freelancer as we thought it would be insightful.
Can’t promise you will like the final 3D conceptual model, but don’t read too much into the changes right now. Its the process. The feedback on the first rough 3D model (which you saw a few renders of) was too shorten the neck of of the front part of the ship (as it was longer than in the concept art), increase cockpit visibility (as the three small windows would be problematic in a dogfight), reduce the rear wings and give the ship a re more “layered” look on the nose, closer to the concept art. This was Jim’s pass at addressing those notes.
-CR
I hope what you have read here does not change you mind about showing us stuff. I know that people had problems with it but people need to complain if they don’t they are just not happy. I can’t wait to get this in game and look forward to seeing the next two iterations don’t hold out because of a few we love what you guy’s are doing and we thank you for doing it…
You know that NorrFrost is not Chris Roberts and just reposted some of his replies.
@NorrFrost:
BTW, great stuff, but next time please mention the link to the source as well (unless it was an email, of course). Thanks.
I`ll remember that
I for one, enjoy the direction Chris and Jim are taking, and am eagerly awaiting the next iterations.
I agree with a lot of the critiques here, but I’m glad that RSI is sharing the design process with us and I appreciate CR’s posts about the direction that the Freelancer is still taking. I look forward to seeing more on the development process in the future! I hope that RSI doesn’t limit the amount of material they release because of the controversy surrounding this iteration of the Freelancer.
Lets admit those reactions never happened if they stuck a big “WIP, in progress !” on top of the new… Don’t forget it next time
Cheers,
Fenris
Thanks for sharing the information! I do like the concept art better for the Freelancer as it is right now, mostly the cockpit design of it.
I actually like that design yet i would prefer to see it as a smaller version to the one in the voted concept art, which i honestly prefer looks wise. Yet i would love to see both ingame. The concept one simply appears much bigger thanks to the windows and the comparison of its guns to the rest of the hull and that size would fit more the achieved cargo hold of 30 tons.
Maybe they are just trolling us.
Much adoe about nothing.
Let’s see how it really is in the end.
For a freelancer the current design with the large windows and the small dimensions of the vessel is quite ok.
The originally selected concept art I liked better.
The design reminded me but rather to a military “support ship”
(Especially to a minelayer in the U.S. Navy / in relation on a spaceship).
I think it would be a shame if the selected design, with small windows,
would not get yet another use for a much larger ship.
Sorry for my pronunciation was translated by a program.
Not bad.
But i also think that it is to small.
A two man ship for trade … i thought it would have more volume.
And i don’t like … or better … i hate the back (stern?)
That “exhaust” looks like “Hey look at my …”
I would like it if they put some hull around that exhaustmonstrosity.
Some cargo space…
My two cents
(hope my english is readable)
Greetings from Germany
Awesome to see the ship development process. All comments are intended as critique not criticism.
One thing that this project has to tackle that few or none has had to in the past is designing interior space, not just cool exterior models. It shows in what had to change between concept sketch and these models. The engorged front end looks like it was necessary to make the bridge interior space feel right for a crew of 2. Where the lines start to diverge from the sketch art is in the exaggerated rising nose, and yes, the rounded canopy does make it look incredibly phallic. Midship and aft sections do not look like it includes a 20 tone cargo bay, and feels narrower than the 3/4 view in the sketch. The lateral engines and top spoiler look reduced, and the overall size seems smaller than expected (except the guns).
It is hard to say what drew 75% of us to the sketch that won the vote, but if this version of option 1 were put against option 2, we might now be looking at a different model. Since you have such an iconic look to the Hornet, it is important that this ship also end up as it’s visual counterpart for the trader/explorer set. I’d respectfully suggest you further tweak this model, trying to capture the visceral appeal of the sketch. Just as an interesting study unique to this project, you could take the option 2 sketch to this level of rendering and poll us again. It’s not as if you can’t use both designs in the game somewhere.
The ship stats need to be tweaked, or the model adjusted to accomodate 20 metric tonnes of cargo.
Do trade (reuqires capacity) and exploration (requires speed and sensors) actually fit together ? Provided you do not need 20t of food for the duration of your science project…
Looks good, but looking at the specs and the seats it seems smaller than the NASA orbiter wich sounds weird for a “long-range” explorer and “heavy” mercantile.
Imo it looks more like a light gunboat.
It seems way too small, that’s the main thing. The original artwork had a more enlongated more sleek feeling and this 3D interpretation is sort of fat and dumpy.
Secondarily the 2D artwork overall was very different and much better imo– the small windows in the artwork were better esp. if the ship is larger, makes the ship feel like it is better protected for exploring in the unknown, and inside the cockpit there could be displays that provide additional view outside so that the pilot is not restricted to just the window area. The cockpit design of a craft gives it its ‘personality’ and this is nothing like the concept.
In the end please just make the game and assets the way you want, but really, this version is still too small:)
I pledged Freelance based on price and (more so) the original MISC “Freelancer” artwork.
Read many of the comments in here. I understand that “concept” art rarely makes it to final unscathed, but they have completely deviated from the “feel” if not completely from the “look”.
The concept windows gave it a MUCH larger scale than the final. The windows are too large and “bubbly” which alter the look too much for my taste. And, lets be frank…it does look like a large penis now. Forget that many spaceships can have a phallic look and feel (not that way!) but this looks like a cross between a vibrator and a bathtub toy.
If their goal was to get me to upgrade to the Constellation class, they may get their wish.
Ugh. Down vote for sure. Put the windows back like they were, and scale up the size of the ship.
If their goal was to get me to upgrade to the Constellation class, they may get their wish.
Idem
As far I know soon we will have a “credit” based on how much you pledged, so you should be able to change from freelancer to hornet for example.
I would wait for further changes on the design before change anything.
My only complain is that it looks too small for long range exploration space ship and semi-cargo class.
I like the concept art for Freelancer #2 better than the current model, and I think I can articulate the specific reason.
The arched hallway to the cockpit gives the ship an “organic” feel, looking somewhat like a turtle. It’s a different vibe from the concept artwork. Assuming the arch is there to provide room for exiting the ship on the stairs, I think an easy solution would be to raise the roof on the rest of the ship slightly, allowing the top to keep a sleek “manufactured” feel.
Skyrim didnt have alot of customazation, so ….there better be more of it for str citizen. I want my guy to look unique
I really think they missed the masrk with this ship. For one the penis like design is nothing like the original art. Also it’s function does not fit the ship design. I would imagine a larger ship, bigger cargo hold and lots of points on the ship to add-on custom options. Honestly guys this looks way to docile for this game and too “wussy”. Lets beef it up with some armor some hard angles and a larger frame. Widen the ship the beam of the ship, mesh the engines into a larger wing and give it more cutomized room for guns and electronics and for gods sakes change the front of the ship!
I have to agree with some others on here this ship is not why i choose it for for me looks is very important. The 3d model shown is way to small the front is way to bubbly and the windows are way oversized compare to rest of the body of the ship. I think the back needs to be a bit thicker after all we have quite some cargo space. The windows might work if you make the body much bigger.
I do not get the ‘freighter’ feeling with the ship. maybe because of the scale. The shape looks good, and the little wing things aren’t as bad as I thought they would be, they look kinda cool. The scale however does not make me think the 20.000 kilo cargo will fit in there.
Don’t sweat it. I /was/ looking forward to showing of my Citizen Card but
I understand your working hard on this. In fact this game, alone, should
make PC component manufacturers have an uptick in sales, I’m planning on
buying the most advanced pc possible, let alone an Occulus Rift, sheerly
because of this game.
Glory to the State! Service to the People!
- Citizen Winterlight
I like the looks! But it does look a little small to haul around 20 tons of cargo.
If the size of the Freelancer is increased to what has been requested by many of the people here then the rest of the sips in the universe also need to be adjusted. Yes i am talking about the Constellation. In no way should a 55,000 kilo ship approach the size of a 75,000 kilo ship let a lone surpass it. If the size of the chairs in the Constellation are correct and match the size of the chairs in the Freelancer then I think we are good on the size Mates. Double the investment for the same sized ships, I don’t think so.
BTW. Loving the design of the Freelancer. I may just have to buy it as my third ship (fourth if you include the P52)
PLEASE always be ware of what you have bought!
A freelancer bought a ship similar to… -> comment in the ship concepts:
1.) Focus: Long-Range Exploration / Heavy Mercantile (not a fighting ship -> it is not more than a transport ship -> a truck in the space with enough weapons to resist smaller attacks perhaps)
2.) Similar to… Galaxy, Gea Transit, Humpback, Imperial Shuttle
Did you inform yourself about the sizes of these ships before pledging? I did some research on that and I am now thinking, that the size is quite okay. This needs a place behind the seats to sleep and if it really gets a cargo area to walk in? I do not know, if I am honest. Perhaps it is a seperated section.
The only thing, which is “pro” to the complaints is, that it is also a long range exploration vehicle. Perhaps the cargo area has to be used as living area, when on explorations.
Why should it get a snub fighter or enough cannons as a truck in space? It needs to be protected. Please be aware, that you bought a truck and not a multipurpose gunship like the constellation.
But nevertheless: If both ships grow the same way, it is okay for me. The constellation can also apply a docking possibility for other ships. So, it also has to be big enough for that! Then it would be okay. We have enough space upwards to the next big INITIAL ships, which will be perhaps 500 meters. so, you can go a bit upwards on these 2, perhaps also the cutlass, if needed.
Normally the constellation for its mulipurposes (heavy guns + fighter + 35tons load capacities + 4 people living long range explorer/bounty hunter…) normally needs also to be bigger and also be much bigger overall to satisfy 4 people. -> You should see a constellation very good, also in comparison to a carrier and its fighters (hornets).
Also take in mind, that the constellation is twice as expensive and the people backing for it do not want the normal transport ship with less cargo areas and functionality becomes nearly as big as theirs. It is just 2 people in this ship and 4 in the constellation, which means, that the living areas have to be much more suitabe and that the freelancer should still be not a ship class to run around very much! Sorry, but this would be too much!
The constellation should be the first ship in the initial range, where you really can live in for a really, really long time!
Now enough said!
In the chat later here but for what its worth I like the style of the thing. Theres a bus
quality to it, and no thats not bad, it fits what this ship should be about. I also love the
aircraft shiny skin on it. If this is the first tiny bit of whats to come…oh lawdy chile.
I like the design but the ship needs to be bigger.
Sorry, but as a Freelancer pledge, i have to be honest here. It looks like total shit. As people have said, it looks weak, pathetic, bloated, small and rather stupid. I know it’s not the final version, but it’s what THIS version makes me feel. Main issues are the small size(looks about as big as the hornet) and the stupid looking silhouette/frame/weird proportions. Reminds me of a toy dinosaur for some reason.
I am looking from the front into the copit of Freelancer. Those two seats is way to close, the copit is to narrow, it is hell to climb in or out of those seats. They are to close to swivel, also to close to the sidewall to enter properly.