[ Disclaimer: This author pledged $45 to Star Citizen’s development for the Arena Commander Starter package. This author may or many not pledge more in the future. ]
A couple of days ago, on Saturday, December 13th, good news was bestowed upon Star Citizen backers who have wished to pledge for the game’s Gladiator, as the carrier-based bomber is now officially Hanger ready for backers to gawk and / or stand in awe at.
Before going forward, it’s advisable to note that the Gladiator is only Hanger ready, meaning that all you’ll be able to do with it is look at it and possible sit in it, as the craft is not yet flyable.
The Gladiator is a two-pilot craft that’s typically used as a space-to-ground dive bomber, according to the ship’s official in-lore description. In a nutshell, the rugged craft is suggested to be the bomber equivalent to the Hornet, which is a sturdy fighter that packs a punch as much as it can take one – what with upwards of two pairs of weaponry and then some.
According to Cloud Imperium Games’ official announcement of the matter, it’s implied that the Gladiator that’ll be available will be the civilian model of the craft, which can be operated with either one or both pilot seats filled.
What’s more is that this particular model is also modular, as you’ll be able to switch out for an extra cargo hold or for a bomb bay if you so desire – a customisation option that lends credence to Star Citizen’s recently revealed $65 million stretch goal milestone: ship modularity. As well as an optional bomb bay, the Gladiator can also be armed with a second pair of missiles, too.
In conjunction of the Gladiator’s Hanger readiness, the bomber will now be available to purchase from now up until Monday, December 22nd. You can buy it as a standalone ship or as part of a Game Package. It won’t be, however, available as a Cross-chassis upgrade, as per the aforementioned Hanger readiness only.
“Remember: we are offering this pledge ship to help fund Star Citizen’s development. All of these ships will be available for in-game credits in the final universe, and they are not required to start the game,” Cloud Imperium Games disclaimed in its announcement post.
“Additionally, all decorative ‘flare’ items will also be available to acquire in the finished game world. The goal is to make additional ships available that give players a different experience rather than a particular advantage when the persistent universe launches.“
Currently, the Gladiator’s Game Package and its standalone package will set you back $180 / €144.00 and $165 / €132.00 respectively. Below is a bullet-pointed list of contents for both packages. We’ll bring you more news on Star Citizen should further information reach our ears.
Game Package
- Revel & York Hangar
- 6 Month Insurance
- Starting Money: 5,000 UEC
- Digital Game Soundtrack
- Digital Star Map
- Digital Star Citizen Manual
- Digital Squadron 42 Manual
- Squadron 42 Digital Download
- Star Citizen Digital Download
- Beta Access
Standalone Package
- Gladiator
- 6 Month Insurance
- Revel & York Hangar
[ Source(s): Robert Space Industries ]