The video reviews the Anvil F7C Hornet Mark II in Star Citizen, highlighting its upgrades over the Mark I, including enhanced weapon systems and improved combat performance, while noting its relatively low operating costs. Despite being a solid choice for players, the review questions the justification for its higher price of $175 compared to the original model’s $125, suggesting that the upgrades may not be worth it for everyone.
The video reviews the Anvil F7C Hornet Mark II, a medium fighter in Star Citizen, which has been updated and upgraded from its predecessor, the Mark I, after a decade of development. The review is structured into five sections: a ship tour, combat performance, handling and visibility, operating costs, and a summary. The presenter encourages viewers to subscribe for more Star Citizen content and provides timestamps for easier navigation through the video.
The ship tour begins with an overview of the Hornet’s design and accessibility. The Mark II retains the iconic profile of the original model but features a more advanced weapon system. The Mark II is equipped with size four weapon hard points on the wings, an upgrade from the size three ports of the Mark I. Additionally, it has an empty nose mount and a ball mount at the rear, allowing for various weapon configurations. However, the missile armament has been reduced to eight size one missiles compared to the Mark I, which could carry larger missiles.
In terms of combat performance, the Hornet Mark II is described as a durable and hard-hitting fighter, particularly effective in dogfights against smaller ships. The visibility from the cockpit is good, allowing pilots to maneuver effectively during engagements. The ship’s speed is competitive, with a maximum speed of 1,174 m/s, although it is not as fast as lighter fighters. The handling is smooth, and while the turn rate is slightly lower than the Mark I, this difference is not significant in practice.
The operating costs of the Hornet Mark II are relatively low, making it an economical choice for pilots. Refueling and restocking are inexpensive, and the ship can generate more income than it costs through combat contracts, particularly medium risk bounties. However, the review notes that using the cargo pod for trading is not currently worth the effort due to low profit margins. The stock loadout is criticized for having unfilled weapon slots, suggesting that pilots should prioritize upgrades to maximize combat effectiveness.
In summary, the Hornet Mark II is an overall improvement over the Mark I, boasting better weapon hard points and improved fuel efficiency. However, it comes with a significant price increase, now costing $175 compared to the Mark I’s $125. The review raises questions about the rationale behind the separate model for the Mark I and suggests that while the Mark II is a solid choice for both new and experienced players, its higher cost may not justify the upgrades for those who can still purchase the original model in-game. The presenter invites viewers to share their opinions and encourages engagement with the video content.