Also if one stops @8:13 the door opening up to the engine room clearly has "Engineering Access" on it. Contrast that to Morph's narration about his first expectation of a path leading to the command module. ;) Edit: It's OK I still love you Morph! :)
The Caterpillar does look like it would be right at home in the Star Wars Universe, without looking like a carbon copy of any particular Star Wars ship.
@@MattyP650 Segway is the thing that mall cops ride around with. A segue is a transition of thoughts, like moving from space piracy to internet piracy in the video.
@@fullyarmedbattletoaster8596 so true. And although creators do get a tiny bit of add revenue, even if you join the channel, Google takes 40%! I mean, it’s their system but that still seems a bit steep no?
Haha as an MSR owner, I don't disagree with Morphologis. I'd say the MSR is the Millenium Falcon fresh off the lot (or Ebon Hawk), but the Caterpillar has the cockpit and worn feel of the Falcon.
@@themisterh I have owned a Starfarer since Nov 2014, and I never had any problem getting to or from any part of the ship fairly quickly. I will admit several of my friends HAVE gotten lost in her, tho .....
"There are rumors of a pirate squad still wandering the corridors of this Starfarer, trying to navigate their way to an exit. So there's a tradition to leave food and water in different places of the ship. I don't believe that tail since I have seen mummified bodies in one of the lesser used passages. Or was it a different boarding party?"
Bro lol you hit the nail on the head. I swear it takes me 10-15 mins to get from outside this ship to the pilots seat every time. I swear! But tell me why I can find my way out every time in about 5 mins so weird….
4:30 This landing sequence highlights one of the biggest issues hounding Star Citizen - the perception that ships are "too nimble" or "float about" without "weight." Nearly every ship has this problem, too, not just the caterpillar, not just large ships, but even small ones. CIG have gone about tackling this the wrong way, too, in my mind, since _unladen_ ships will _need_ that comparative level of agility and responsiveness to compensate for the mass and inertia that cargo will add. Instead, I feel that the VFX team really needs to step up their game on thruster plumes in terms of density, brightness, length, and environmental effect. If they can make them morph with surrounding atmospheric pressure as well, all the better. If they can make particularly potent landing thrusters, as might be found on the Caterpillar, Hammerhead, and Starfarer, scorch the ground on unimproved surfaces or even pose a serious and lethal hazard to people and equipment on the ground underneath, even better still.
While this isn’t my most favorite ship, Morphologis has a way of making me see passed the manufacturer’s short comings, and just appreciate the ship for what it is. Side Note: During a session, I remember opening the side panel and singing, “Hello my baby! Hello my honey! Hello my ragtim-“ I never finished because I was shot.
I have been thinking about that "SC's Millennium Falcon" idea, and I have to admit that while I wasn't convinced by the MSR, the Caterpillar didn't even occur to me. And I gotta agree, it's a very strong competitor for the title.
Agreed. In terms of interior look and feel the Caterpillar definitely conveys that feeling. Then again, I kinda view the Mercury as the Millenium Falcon when Lando was still the owner and it being in a more pristine condition. 😃
10:09 I feel like the only reason the stairs take up so much space is so that it's easier to navigate well in 0 G. One thing you leave out of your reviews is how a space may change if the ship losses gravity.
A bigger space is in theory worse for 0G? Unless you're about to use a jump pack inside a ship 0G means you have to grab around surfaces to crawl around. Not to mention that yes, 0G exists, I don't know if magboots are/will be a thing in SC, but given that SE has them, I'd say they're pretty cool, maybe a speed penalty since that's not how we're used to walking would make wanting to fix gravity gens a good thing too
Another episode of the beat SC series on RUclips, thank you Morphologis. I always thought that this ship was more of a millennium falcon, both because of the cockpit on the side and the cargo modules out front because the Corellian YT-1300f light freighter pushes along its cargo in front of itself (like a tugboat). A lot of shots fired at the 600i... Would love to see a "Morphologis fixes the 600i" video.
Love this series. Love this series. Love this series. I have a Cat, and I was looking at the view of the ship from the command module with recent comments made by the developers in mind regarding the new telescoping docking feature they're working on for stations. Some of the most enjoyable "moments" in the game come when you see your ship - your pride and joy - from an interesting perspective (chase cams don't count, fight me). The Cat allows for this very nicely from the command module. It gives a slightly elevated view of the full ship from the rear looking forward. A grand perspective. There aren't many ships that offer that perspective, and it does seem like something to be taken advantage of when cockpit or observation deck positions allow.
this is one of the huge reasons why i love the cat. its gotta be my favorite ship in any universe. its perfect size for one person. but not too cramped with 4. its capable of doing pretty much anything. it flies amazingly. not too slow and lumbering, but not fast and nimble. it just feels good all around. its a no BS ship. but it doesnt fail to impress either
favorite ship in the game. It just feels right. I've flown hundreds of cargo runs in her and the experience and the experience is possibly the most visceral. you feel the mass in the controls. Not overly sloppy, or unwieldy like the Connie's, she feels just the right sort of heavy for her size. She's not the fastest or most maneuverable, but she is probably my favorite ship to fly. she feels real, unlike a lot of the lighter ships that feel very arcade-y.
I have no idea why you don't have over 1m subs Morphologis because the video style and the amount of professionalism you put into your content is bloody amazing!!!
Great review. Nice walk-through. I've been flying one since the HULL C loaner switched from Starfarer to the Cat . . . .and loving it. I *will* cry when I have to give it up. ; ) When that hold is completely full, I love to walk the gangway. As you said, it's definitely due for refresh -- Red Warden, providing Port Olisar's Scrap needs day by day.
I think the staircase up from the engine room to the bridge serves a second function. The stairs themselves look like they can be angled which makes me think that you could take a trolley and get some supplies into the bridge or upper floor easier without carrying everything one by one.
The transition to the ad read was f-ing smooth! Only downside that it's for a "security" company that tried to hide that they had a potentially damning data-leak and got hacked for well over a year.. I don't know if I would trust, for example, a home security system that just deactivated itself for a month and then didn't tell me about it for a year until they got forced to.
Ah dude these chill vibes. Am watching your videos now the second or third time, just to relax, watching beautiful ships, listen to your phenomenal architecture knowledge!
Stoked that you got around to the caterpillar, have had mine since once upon a 2013 and the first time stepping inside her was something else. That feeling of being able to fiddle with every one of her internals, to tweak as needed to whatever shenanigans pilot and crew get up to, and the ability to brick-fit the thing enough to aggravate anyone not willing to expend torpedoes. With that out of the way, she's getting to that point where a second pass is incredibly past due, Deadweight on the RSI forums put out a 'concept pods' for her years ago and the CIG inside the caterpillar where they were playing with module designs almost feels like it happened a lifetime ago. Want to see her done right and the old caterpillar pilots thread was one of the longest running and most hopeful on the forums for an incredibly long time, here's to seeing the cat done right and don well.
Dang...I've wanted a Caterpillar since they first came out. Never could afford one. Here it is several years later and I have a rare opportunity to get a ship in this price range. But, so many new ships, shiney with the latest tech and new features... Cat's not the best cargo ship - C2 holds more and can take on all ground vehicles in the game - I should get the C2. C2 has far more hull strength, it maneuvers better, gets off a planet easier, and the M2 has all that plus some serious firepower, I should get an M2... But, I love the Cat. It has style, personality, it feels good. Years later and it just feels better than any other ship, to me at least 🙂 Morphologis you do an excellent job of videography and a superior job of reviewing ships. Thank you for this. Now I need to go buy a Cat.😬
I love how the Cat is the littlest Large ship, and the Carrack is the largest Large ship, and they are both pretty much built in the same spirit. But are few frills, both are modular and versatile, both do a lot more than their roles presume for them.
@@MattyP650 Exactly what I said. Cat is the smallest ship to use a Large hangar and use Large ship components. Carrack barely fits in a Large Hangar and uses large ship components. But are not luxurious, they are built for purpose. Both are meant to be modular, their cargo bays can be swapped out as the mission dictates. Both can do far more than their listed rolls. Cat is much more than a cargo ship. Carrack is much more than an explorer.
Controversial opinion incoming, but I think Morphologis could do with a script editor. He explains things multiple times over and the way he's going through it sounds like a first read or a spontaneous monologue. If he could tighten up the scripts of his videos I think they would be even better.
I don't think you get the recognition for such Beautiful videos . From the Sound , to voice , to the shots hand selected to use . From going to different takes and Border selection. The choice of planet for lighting and just to show how tough the ship is . To choosing which places to go first and capture the attention of people before it leaves . Thanks for all the hard work , it looks amazing .
I love the utilitarianism of Drake as a whole, which is why they're my favorite ship manufacturer. As for the stairs, I have a feeling they might have issues with player traversal with stairs that are too steep. Which is why you rarely see it in any game.
Drake definitely sits well with me, as bad as the ships are compared to others in their respective classes, I can see them being used as they are cheap, versatile and robust ships. It’s something you’ll see criminals or low levelled players using.
I'm supremely happy that you're continuing this series of videos. My interest in this game could really be graphed out like my heart beat on a relaxed day reading a book by a fire. Large spikes and long breaks. These videos here keep my interest in the game in the back of my mind so I don't forget about it completely as I bounce around with other games. I realize you aren't playing it constantly either as you have videos on EFT and Space Engineers. But, your dedication to this series is admirable and the videos themselves are works of art. Keep at it, Morph! - a forever faithful fan.
Using it as a delivery vehicle for modular homesteads would be awesome, you could have a cargo section fitted for passengers, then a standard cargo section for their belongings and supplies, then another one for their light vehicles, then a few sections where the cargo section is replaced with the homestead buildings. That could be a cool way to establish a lucrative and plausible kind of work for players with these big bastard boats, using them to run little colonies out to wherever they want to settle down. They could even have ongoing module, vehicle, supply, and colonist jobs to keep the player engaged with the living world they had a hand in establishing.
You do such a good job taking your time around the interior! Far too many tours neglect to give the viewer time to truly appreciate the spaces of these ships. Thank you!
A really cool vid would be you discussing the architectural concepts you talk about. Things such as circulation, spatial organization, design strategies or guides, contrast of details, etc. idk much about architecture so these questions may seem stupid or nonsensical but I would love to learn different styles and takes of these kinds of things. How do architects, if given free reign, decide how to plan their floors and where each room goes and when to add hallways and stuff? Are there different styles and principles to that previous question? How do architects properly use contrast without ending up looking tacky? What’s the design strategy in how you pick colors and hues in your interiors? These kinds of things we’d love to hear about from you (or at least I would). Don’t feel you have to indulge this suggestion though In any case, love your videos!
really love this ship, any time a designer can pull off asymmetry it really speaks to me. All the random viewpoints that give clear indications of where you are in the ship I'm sure make it very easy to learn its layout. It just looks and feels like a true sci-fi ship, like one you'd see in a film about a motley crew and their missions with it.
My second favorite ship in Star Citizen after the Constellation Aquilla. Just a perfect blend of asymmetry and work-a-day that I love. Thanks for the fantastic walkthrough!
Something I noted regarding that oversized staircase, it looked like the steps could "fold down" to essentially create a ramp, to make it easier for stuff like wheelchairs
Love the Caterpillar, a mate from my organization has one, and we once crammed in as many buggies as possible to then go for a road trip on Delamar, getting to the top of a hill at the perfect time to watch the sunset, amazing and beautiful experience!
Regarding the versatility of the Drake Caterpillar, it was used in the infamous Kesslering Heist where a miner named Emilie Kesslering found some eriesium in some asteroids in the Tohil System. Up until that point his mining efforts didn't lead to much but upon discovery of the deposit it was the largest quantity of eriesium ever found in UEE space. Kesslering bragged about it and word soon spread around the Empire. On 21/06/2903, while in transport of the eriesium with a security detail, a Caterpillar broke out from heavy traffic, and rammed into the transport using the front sensor array as hooks to latch onto the hull. The front cargo door opened and pirates leapt onto the immobilized transport and cut their way inside while the turret engaged the shocked security detail. Within five minutes, the security detail had been destroyed, the transport breached and the eriesium taken. The Command Module detached from the Caterpillar and the pirates disappeared back into the spacelane with their fighter accomplices. By the time authorities arrived, they found an image that permanently seared itself into the public's consciousness, a Drake Caterpillar attached to the vented husk of a transport. Despite an exhaustive search through all the system, authorities never figured out who was behind the heist. The Caterpillar was forever tied with criminal element to the present after the event, which is probably why there's a dedicated pirate variant Caterpillar on the market.
The asymmetric shape doesn't have to be unrealistic. In the military all new generation Jets aren't really aerodynamic. They wouldn't be flyable without systems stabilizing them constantly. I could imagine the some would apply to this beast
That's how I explain the corsair in my head...it's inherently aerodynamically unstable to achieve extreme maneuverability in atmospheric flight. That theory along with "technology" are what justifies all the ships and their flight models in my mind.
00:51 i made and outfit so similar to that yesterday and today was the first time i got to mess with a caterpillar just a cool coincidence. I love this series and it’s actually helped with my college work work keep up the great video’s
Gotta say I really enjoy the Architect Reviews series and the production on this one was nothing short of fantastic. Excellent job, Morph! But those stairs at 9:59 made my inner engineer shriek. It feels they were designed as a quick escape route for the gunner & engineer to reach the command module without routing through the upper engineer deck + tech room - the steps seem decently sized for two people to walk side by side + no intermediate landing for a quicker ascent - and, in that case, they do that well, IMO. Spacious, sure, but with an important function behind it. What gets me is that there are no handrails whatsoever. What's the crew supposed to hold onto in case of a sudden movement caused by a strong gust of wind or, of course, an explosion? Perhaps the seemingly pressurized pipes or maybe the loosely held electrical wires? Safety hazards a plenty there, man
Great video. I feel there's a missed opportunity for the Caterpillar to have the very foremost ramp angling down to the ground in some way, to allow loading of a vehicle or two. Or maybe that's intentional as it would encroach on other ship designs.
Fantastic job as always, Mr. Morphologist. The point is fairly made by you regarding the stairs but I'm sure it's due to walking metrics, at least at the time the Cat was designed/ implemented. And the pathing of entry issue you addressed: it WOULD make fighting the way to HIJACK the control module a lot trickier.
I agree. The Cat has that lived-in feel. A ship that can be used for so many uses such as a mini HQ, trader, great Pirate ship (with especially with the tracker beam) and of course the modularity sections.
Kinda wonder if you can fit the main battle tanks into the cargo holds. I just imagine this ship rolles up on some mining org mid op, thinking it's one of theirs only to open all bay doors to show a wall of main battle tank cannons or AA to just onload salvo after salvo like a ship of the line.
GREAT VIDEO! On the flow thing, I'm really REALLY hoping when they go back to do the command module that they provide a ladder from the door on the side that you can enter whether it's docked to the body or not.
Great video and superb editing. I really like this series. Makes you appreciate the beauty of Star Citizen even more. I also like that Morphologis doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to obvious design flaws. Keep em coming! 😄
@@nicksiegfried4906 Maybe because CIG designed it to be SC's Millennium Falcon, complete with asymmetry (that's uncommon for Crusader ships), chessboard and smuggling spaces.
Your videos are always so smoothing I love it. and I 100% love the lived-in feeling and looks, while I saw the command's little house under the cockpit I legit wanted to sleep there IRL (sadly it's just a few pixels) Let's hope that I either live long enough to be a space hauler or that I get reincarnated into the full-blown space age.
They've updated the cat and added something back to the empty yellow fenced area (quantum/powerplant thingy). That space used to be vacant. The Cat is a great ship, and my second larger ship purchase after the Connie. My only issues with this ship are the stairs from lower to upper deck going through the engineering, and the toilet in the crew quarters/kitchen area.
Aaaaaand this is why I love your "architect reviews" videos. I've owned a Cat since they first sold it, and I had NO idea there was a gun rack on the lower level of the command module, lol!
Fast way to the cockpit: through te crew quarters to the first cargo section, there is a ladder on your left. Up on the ladder, trough the doors, and there you are :)
I really love the Caterpillar, I'm intrigued by how it can potentially be used as a stealth pirating vessel in the future. Hopefully, the modularity really opens up the options so you can never really trust that incoming cat... A missiles module that adds interior racks of missiles like the constellation or a snub fighter hanger that can hide a single ship in each module would be amazing.
God I love this ship. I'm 2 months into the verse and a random dude in chat showed me this ship as soon as he bought. He even let me fly it. I had such a blast and I'm currently saving up for this beast of a ship! Also I'm saving for an A2 bomber too ;)
10:00 I think it's worth pointing out that it does give you a *very* defensible area in case you're boarded, which could explain why they allow it to take up that much space
I will miss this ship when the Herc C2 releases and i lose access to the Cat, she's a good cargo hauler with a fast quantum drive that makes hopping between planets a breeze for it's size. Awesome transitions and editing Morph, it's a pleasure to watch!
Just bought this a few days ago, it's an impressive ship. It was only today that I found out about the captain's quarters behind the pilots seat and down the ladder, lol. I bought it mainly for the modular design as I'm looking forward to that being implemented.
When they do finally make it modular and can have the command deck a separate ship, I would like to see another pilot seat on the main section of the ship so both could be piloted if separated
I always love these episodes. As an urban planner I come at design from a slightly different angle, but on the whole I wholeheartedly agree with your observations, based on what I learnt when I was studying at university. I think your observation regarding the stairways is particularly astute. If the stairways were shorter I think that would open up possibilities for reconfiguration of the internal layout. Instead of going through the engine room the corridor could do a U turn to the stairs with an airlock type access to the engines, with turret access off that corner. Seems that would be safer, as I feel that those engines aren't particularly safe to be around, they've got that "I'm dangerous" glow. I also agree with you on design principals, that things should not be deceptive, which increases (what I learnt as) the legibility of the design. However, I did have one interesting counterpoint I thought you might find interesting. On old age of sale warships all the officers "rooms" were essentially little spaces defined by canvas screens. They had to be this way as they would "clear the decks" for action and take these rooms down. One thing that was commonly done, was to paint these screens, to give the impression of being in a more substantial room. These would even include painting fake windows, with country scenes, to cheer up the homesick officers. I think something like that could be appropriate on a space ship, and it would be a nice nod to some real historical naval phenomenon in a sci-fi setting.
The Cat really reminds me of a belter ship from The Expanse. Super lived in and looks like you gotta fix something every 10 minutes, it’s perfect. It also has the best engine start sounds
First, love the video and thank you for your great content. The CAT is by far one of my favorite ships, definitely reminds me of my time (23 years) in the Navy. I do wish instead of having to go through the Engine Room to get to the Command Module that the stairs were on the other side of the lift and went strait up to the upper hall. I agree the stairs should be way more vertical to save space as well as a bit more narrow. Final thought / recommendation would be to have the command module door have a ladder for ease of access even when the module is not detached.
I'll likely never play Star Citizen because of rechnology constraint on my end but listening this commentary and breakdown is always a pleasant time. Thanks for doing these Morphologis
Old video but a very good one! I own a Cat and I totally agree with you, the stair should be shorter and not be accessible from the engine room, it could easily be accessible from the Foyer as well as the turret and keep a single door to the engine room.
I love this ship so much. I bought it in-game and I still haven't finished exploring it, I've never been in some of the places you've shown. Yes, it is kinda rough, but if the game let me I would just live in it. As you said, its biggest downfall is the lack of a more direct access to the pilot seat. I think there should be DIRECT ACCESS straight to the command module. Having to go all around the interior, through that engine room, makes trading just a bit more annoying than it should be. You did a tremendous job showing us around, as you always do. Cheers
![An Architect Reviews: The Starfarer [Star Citizen]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/h2vbubcN8d0/mqdefault.jpg)
![An Architect Reviews: The Starfarer [Star Citizen]](/img/tr.png)
Damn that ending shot was easily the best close to an SC video I have ever seen.
Right?
Yeah, I let out an involuntary "NOOOIIICE" at that shot
Glad I saw this comment. Almost missed the view
Yeah that read really well done
truue that was a beauty.. what a vibe
"it'd be real nice to have a label to tell me what this is" ...you mean like those doors saying "power plant access"?
I was thinking exactly the same. xD
"...actually, this might be the quantum drive" while looking at a door that says "Jump drive access"
No like "Juno Starwerk" for the device from "Juno Starwerk" manufacturing power plants...
Also if one stops @8:13 the door opening up to the engine room clearly has "Engineering Access" on it. Contrast that to Morph's narration about his first expectation of a path leading to the command module. ;)
Edit: It's OK I still love you Morph! :)
He's a bit high off that taiwanese weed. I hope he doesn't overlook things when he's working as an architect 😂
The Caterpillar does look like it would be right at home in the Star Wars Universe, without looking like a carbon copy of any particular Star Wars ship.
There’s a similar ship in the force awakens
@@smixen there is?
@@oscardavidson2139 the one used by kanjiklub if I remember correctly
Like the reliant series
Instablaster
I have owned a caterpillar for almost a year now and I only just realised that gun rack was by that ladder due to this video 😂
How do you make that much money??
there are two gun racks on the ship(s), one in the main hull by the elevator entrance and one in the bridge ship
How do you avoid losing your ships in the wipes
2024 checking in, original backer... How the FUCK have I never noticed the gun rack till now...
As much as I hate ad reads, I have to admit that segue was smooth.
Did I not know how to spell segue till now? I’ve always imagined it as ‘Segway’
@@MattyP650 Segway is the thing that mall cops ride around with. A segue is a transition of thoughts, like moving from space piracy to internet piracy in the video.
Tbh I get the hatred of ad reads but I massively prefer them over RUclips ads because they are directly supporting the creator
He even did it twice and it was super smooth. Linus would approve 👌
@@fullyarmedbattletoaster8596 so true. And although creators do get a tiny bit of add revenue, even if you join the channel, Google takes 40%!
I mean, it’s their system but that still seems a bit steep no?
"The caterpillar is the true millennium falcon."
*Several MSR owners are typing*
Cat is the true Serenity
Several Carrack owners are typing
MSR is 100% the Ebon Hawk
Haha as an MSR owner, I don't disagree with Morphologis. I'd say the MSR is the Millenium Falcon fresh off the lot (or Ebon Hawk), but the Caterpillar has the cockpit and worn feel of the Falcon.
@@hexamirofficial what sells it is all the cables and hoses hanging out and plumbed together in away that says " yeah.. thats not our finest work"
Crusader ships are too clean but Drake ships look straight out of the original star wars trilogy
Architect Reviews is litteraly the best series 100%
I think his voice really helps to sell it
Ok that ad transition is smooth af
"At least its not as bad as the Starfarer" This, it took me no joke 10 minutes to get out of that ship, perhaps its a pirate countermeasure :joy:
Ah thank goodness I'm not the only one 🤣
@@themisterh I have owned a Starfarer since Nov 2014, and I never had any problem getting to or from any part of the ship fairly quickly. I will admit several of my friends HAVE gotten lost in her, tho .....
"There are rumors of a pirate squad still wandering the corridors of this Starfarer, trying to navigate their way to an exit. So there's a tradition to leave food and water in different places of the ship. I don't believe that tail since I have seen mummified bodies in one of the lesser used passages. Or was it a different boarding party?"
Bro lol you hit the nail on the head. I swear it takes me 10-15 mins to get from outside this ship to the pilots seat every time. I swear! But tell me why I can find my way out every time in about 5 mins so weird….
Yes finally another episode of An Architect Reviews and it's my favourite ship yesssssss!
You took the words right out of my mouth. I love the Cat
Omg same this is the best ship
Awesome 🙂🙂
Caterpillar best girl
@@custodianvrael6471 she's a tough cookie
"I know someone's going to take that out of context"
Me, who skipped 50 sec straight to the line: tf!?
One does not simply skip any duration of a Morphologis ship review
@@jde-jj1lu lol
4:30 This landing sequence highlights one of the biggest issues hounding Star Citizen - the perception that ships are "too nimble" or "float about" without "weight." Nearly every ship has this problem, too, not just the caterpillar, not just large ships, but even small ones. CIG have gone about tackling this the wrong way, too, in my mind, since _unladen_ ships will _need_ that comparative level of agility and responsiveness to compensate for the mass and inertia that cargo will add.
Instead, I feel that the VFX team really needs to step up their game on thruster plumes in terms of density, brightness, length, and environmental effect. If they can make them morph with surrounding atmospheric pressure as well, all the better. If they can make particularly potent landing thrusters, as might be found on the Caterpillar, Hammerhead, and Starfarer, scorch the ground on unimproved surfaces or even pose a serious and lethal hazard to people and equipment on the ground underneath, even better still.
I can imagine ships with heavy engines like that also shaking or vibrating much more due to the power.
While this isn’t my most favorite ship, Morphologis has a way of making me see passed the manufacturer’s short comings, and just appreciate the ship for what it is.
Side Note: During a session, I remember opening the side panel and singing, “Hello my baby! Hello my honey! Hello my ragtim-“ I never finished because I was shot.
12:12 "Powerplant Access" Labeled on the door. In particular this is the Size 3 Industrial Grade C Powerplant "Ginzel"
I have been thinking about that "SC's Millennium Falcon" idea, and I have to admit that while I wasn't convinced by the MSR, the Caterpillar didn't even occur to me. And I gotta agree, it's a very strong competitor for the title.
Agreed. In terms of interior look and feel the Caterpillar definitely conveys that feeling. Then again, I kinda view the Mercury as the Millenium Falcon when Lando was still the owner and it being in a more pristine condition. 😃
10:09 I feel like the only reason the stairs take up so much space is so that it's easier to navigate well in 0 G. One thing you leave out of your reviews is how a space may change if the ship losses gravity.
thats a valid point I never really thought about over the years of watching these videos. good comment
i mean, if that is the case a simple ladder would have done the trick.
@@Andrew-xu9yr yeah totaly in 0 g a ladder or just a vertical tube is enough lol since you can litterally FLY.
A bigger space is in theory worse for 0G? Unless you're about to use a jump pack inside a ship 0G means you have to grab around surfaces to crawl around. Not to mention that yes, 0G exists, I don't know if magboots are/will be a thing in SC, but given that SE has them, I'd say they're pretty cool, maybe a speed penalty since that's not how we're used to walking would make wanting to fix gravity gens a good thing too
Another episode of the beat SC series on RUclips, thank you Morphologis.
I always thought that this ship was more of a millennium falcon, both because of the cockpit on the side and the cargo modules out front because the Corellian YT-1300f light freighter pushes along its cargo in front of itself (like a tugboat).
A lot of shots fired at the 600i... Would love to see a "Morphologis fixes the 600i" video.
You mean the one right here? ruclips.net/video/Ws_AlHguB8g/видео.html
Great job Morph. I wonder what the next architect review will be
starlifter?
Maybe one of the smaller ships with walkable space? 300-series, Terrapin, or even the rovers.
@@Restilia_ch he already did the 300 series
@@EvelynRoods Oops, must have missed it. Still, lots of smaller ships that could use a look at.
I can personally vouch for you that he has one ... Its why he has so much time with the cat now.
What a stunning video. Your cinamatography is amazing, the commentary is soothing, and your points are awesome! Such a fan!
Morph is the ASMR of Star Citizen.
@@ianmitchell4745 this is sooooo true
Me feels this is in preparation for the Hercules line up coming soon, another big cargo ship to look back at it.
Drake: Use only the amount of space an area requires, no less, no more.
Origin: I felt that
Just wanted to say: thanks for providing content, keep up the good work, and stay safe and healthy!
12:29 powerplant, Juno Starworks don't make QT drives
Love this series. Love this series. Love this series.
I have a Cat, and I was looking at the view of the ship from the command module with recent comments made by the developers in mind regarding the new telescoping docking feature they're working on for stations. Some of the most enjoyable "moments" in the game come when you see your ship - your pride and joy - from an interesting perspective (chase cams don't count, fight me). The Cat allows for this very nicely from the command module. It gives a slightly elevated view of the full ship from the rear looking forward. A grand perspective. There aren't many ships that offer that perspective, and it does seem like something to be taken advantage of when cockpit or observation deck positions allow.
this is one of the huge reasons why i love the cat. its gotta be my favorite ship in any universe. its perfect size for one person. but not too cramped with 4. its capable of doing pretty much anything. it flies amazingly. not too slow and lumbering, but not fast and nimble. it just feels good all around. its a no BS ship. but it doesnt fail to impress either
favorite ship in the game. It just feels right. I've flown hundreds of cargo runs in her and the experience and the experience is possibly the most visceral. you feel the mass in the controls. Not overly sloppy, or unwieldy like the Connie's, she feels just the right sort of heavy for her size. She's not the fastest or most maneuverable, but she is probably my favorite ship to fly. she feels real, unlike a lot of the lighter ships that feel very arcade-y.
Agreed 👍
I have no idea why you don't have over 1m subs Morphologis because the video style and the amount of professionalism you put into your content is bloody amazing!!!
14:24 "I really like the O.D. Greens..." That is not O.D. Green, it is Zinc Chromate anti-corrosion coating as seen on 20th century aircraft.
Great review. Nice walk-through.
I've been flying one since the HULL C loaner switched from Starfarer to the Cat . . . .and loving it. I *will* cry when I have to give it up. ; )
When that hold is completely full, I love to walk the gangway. As you said, it's definitely due for refresh
-- Red Warden, providing Port Olisar's Scrap needs day by day.
I think the staircase up from the engine room to the bridge serves a second function. The stairs themselves look like they can be angled which makes me think that you could take a trolley and get some supplies into the bridge or upper floor easier without carrying everything one by one.
The transition to the ad read was f-ing smooth! Only downside that it's for a "security" company that tried to hide that they had a potentially damning data-leak and got hacked for well over a year..
I don't know if I would trust, for example, a home security system that just deactivated itself for a month and then didn't tell me about it for a year until they got forced to.
Ah dude these chill vibes. Am watching your videos now the second or third time, just to relax, watching beautiful ships, listen to your phenomenal architecture knowledge!
Stoked that you got around to the caterpillar, have had mine since once upon a 2013 and the first time stepping inside her was something else. That feeling of being able to fiddle with every one of her internals, to tweak as needed to whatever shenanigans pilot and crew get up to, and the ability to brick-fit the thing enough to aggravate anyone not willing to expend torpedoes.
With that out of the way, she's getting to that point where a second pass is incredibly past due, Deadweight on the RSI forums put out a 'concept pods' for her years ago and the CIG inside the caterpillar where they were playing with module designs almost feels like it happened a lifetime ago. Want to see her done right and the old caterpillar pilots thread was one of the longest running and most hopeful on the forums for an incredibly long time, here's to seeing the cat done right and don well.
Dang...I've wanted a Caterpillar since they first came out. Never could afford one. Here it is several years later and I have a rare opportunity to get a ship in this price range. But, so many new ships, shiney with the latest tech and new features... Cat's not the best cargo ship - C2 holds more and can take on all ground vehicles in the game - I should get the C2. C2 has far more hull strength, it maneuvers better, gets off a planet easier, and the M2 has all that plus some serious firepower, I should get an M2... But, I love the Cat. It has style, personality, it feels good. Years later and it just feels better than any other ship, to me at least 🙂
Morphologis you do an excellent job of videography and a superior job of reviewing ships. Thank you for this. Now I need to go buy a Cat.😬
Fun fact : the Cat engines actually do look like (irl) Cat engine. Look for the C-175. Coincidence ?
Drake ships in general make me feel like I am walking around The Serenity from the tv show firefly....
my dream ship, currently working on getting this currently in the Drake Rambler 😁 and loving that tough little ship.
6:48 First time I hear the word "hearth" used outside of the TV show Silicon Valley. Great video!
Maybe one day we'll get working tractor beam and side door elevators, detachable command module and swappable main modules.
swappable main modules should arrive in 3.14
@@dolrog8910 Wait, really?
@@chiffmonkey Yep ! Check the roadmap
@@dolrog8910 this didn't age well lmao
I love how the Cat is the littlest Large ship, and the Carrack is the largest Large ship, and they are both pretty much built in the same spirit.
But are few frills, both are modular and versatile, both do a lot more than their roles presume for them.
What the hell are you on about?
@@MattyP650 Exactly what I said.
Cat is the smallest ship to use a Large hangar and use Large ship components.
Carrack barely fits in a Large Hangar and uses large ship components.
But are not luxurious, they are built for purpose.
Both are meant to be modular, their cargo bays can be swapped out as the mission dictates.
Both can do far more than their listed rolls.
Cat is much more than a cargo ship.
Carrack is much more than an explorer.
Awsome review: Your voice and the way you talk about things make your reviews the best in the star citizen comunity
I agree, nobody comes even close
It’s very calming
No space tomato is better. Look him up. The ranking is 1. Bored. 2. Space Tomato. 3. Mike. Morph is low down on the list
Controversial opinion incoming, but I think Morphologis could do with a script editor. He explains things multiple times over and the way he's going through it sounds like a first read or a spontaneous monologue. If he could tighten up the scripts of his videos I think they would be even better.
I don't think you get the recognition for such Beautiful videos . From the Sound , to voice , to the shots hand selected to use . From going to different takes and Border selection. The choice of planet for lighting and just to show how tough the ship is . To choosing which places to go first and capture the attention of people before it leaves . Thanks for all the hard work , it looks amazing .
I love the utilitarianism of Drake as a whole, which is why they're my favorite ship manufacturer. As for the stairs, I have a feeling they might have issues with player traversal with stairs that are too steep. Which is why you rarely see it in any game.
Drake definitely sits well with me, as bad as the ships are compared to others in their respective classes, I can see them being used as they are cheap, versatile and robust ships. It’s something you’ll see criminals or low levelled players using.
I'm supremely happy that you're continuing this series of videos.
My interest in this game could really be graphed out like my heart beat on a relaxed day reading a book by a fire. Large spikes and long breaks. These videos here keep my interest in the game in the back of my mind so I don't forget about it completely as I bounce around with other games. I realize you aren't playing it constantly either as you have videos on EFT and Space Engineers.
But, your dedication to this series is admirable and the videos themselves are works of art.
Keep at it, Morph!
- a forever faithful fan.
Just imagine being able to incorporate modules of the caterpillar into player-homesteads
Using it as a delivery vehicle for modular homesteads would be awesome, you could have a cargo section fitted for passengers, then a standard cargo section for their belongings and supplies, then another one for their light vehicles, then a few sections where the cargo section is replaced with the homestead buildings.
That could be a cool way to establish a lucrative and plausible kind of work for players with these big bastard boats, using them to run little colonies out to wherever they want to settle down.
They could even have ongoing module, vehicle, supply, and colonist jobs to keep the player engaged with the living world they had a hand in establishing.
You do such a good job taking your time around the interior! Far too many tours neglect to give the viewer time to truly appreciate the spaces of these ships. Thank you!
A really cool vid would be you discussing the architectural concepts you talk about. Things such as circulation, spatial organization, design strategies or guides, contrast of details, etc.
idk much about architecture so these questions may seem stupid or nonsensical but I would love to learn different styles and takes of these kinds of things.
How do architects, if given free reign, decide how to plan their floors and where each room goes and when to add hallways and stuff? Are there different styles and principles to that previous question? How do architects properly use contrast without ending up looking tacky? What’s the design strategy in how you pick colors and hues in your interiors?
These kinds of things we’d love to hear about from you (or at least I would). Don’t feel you have to indulge this suggestion though
In any case, love your videos!
Your “An Architect Reviews” series is one of my favorite series of videos on all of RUclips. Thanks for this awesome content!
Such high effort put into these videos, stellar work mate!
really love this ship, any time a designer can pull off asymmetry it really speaks to me. All the random viewpoints that give clear indications of where you are in the ship I'm sure make it very easy to learn its layout. It just looks and feels like a true sci-fi ship, like one you'd see in a film about a motley crew and their missions with it.
EXCELLENT VIDEO MORPH. I haven't seen the lower deck of the command module, nor did I know it was detachable till this video. TYVM for the info.
My second favorite ship in Star Citizen after the Constellation Aquilla. Just a perfect blend of asymmetry and work-a-day that I love. Thanks for the fantastic walkthrough!
Something I noted regarding that oversized staircase, it looked like the steps could "fold down" to essentially create a ramp, to make it easier for stuff like wheelchairs
Love the Caterpillar, a mate from my organization has one, and we once crammed in as many buggies as possible to then go for a road trip on Delamar, getting to the top of a hill at the perfect time to watch the sunset, amazing and beautiful experience!
I really like when you not only focus on the interior of ships but exterior as well. I really love this series.
Regarding the versatility of the Drake Caterpillar, it was used in the infamous Kesslering Heist where a miner named Emilie Kesslering found some eriesium in some asteroids in the Tohil System.
Up until that point his mining efforts didn't lead to much but upon discovery of the deposit it was the largest quantity of eriesium ever found in UEE space. Kesslering bragged about it and word soon spread around the Empire. On 21/06/2903, while in transport of the eriesium with a security detail, a Caterpillar broke out from heavy traffic, and rammed into the transport using the front sensor array as hooks to latch onto the hull. The front cargo door opened and pirates leapt onto the immobilized transport and cut their way inside while the turret engaged the shocked security detail.
Within five minutes, the security detail had been destroyed, the transport breached and the eriesium taken. The Command Module detached from the Caterpillar and the pirates disappeared back into the spacelane with their fighter accomplices. By the time authorities arrived, they found an image that permanently seared itself into the public's consciousness, a Drake Caterpillar attached to the vented husk of a transport.
Despite an exhaustive search through all the system, authorities never figured out who was behind the heist. The Caterpillar was forever tied with criminal element to the present after the event, which is probably why there's a dedicated pirate variant Caterpillar on the market.
the caterpillar is defenitly a ship that is going to make it's way into my collection at some point
The asymmetric shape doesn't have to be unrealistic. In the military all new generation Jets aren't really aerodynamic. They wouldn't be flyable without systems stabilizing them constantly. I could imagine the some would apply to this beast
That's how I explain the corsair in my head...it's inherently aerodynamically unstable to achieve extreme maneuverability in atmospheric flight.
That theory along with "technology" are what justifies all the ships and their flight models in my mind.
00:51 i made and outfit so similar to that yesterday and today was the first time i got to mess with a caterpillar just a cool coincidence.
I love this series and it’s actually helped with my college work work keep up the great video’s
Gotta say I really enjoy the Architect Reviews series and the production on this one was nothing short of fantastic. Excellent job, Morph!
But those stairs at 9:59 made my inner engineer shriek. It feels they were designed as a quick escape route for the gunner & engineer to reach the command module without routing through the upper engineer deck + tech room - the steps seem decently sized for two people to walk side by side + no intermediate landing for a quicker ascent - and, in that case, they do that well, IMO. Spacious, sure, but with an important function behind it.
What gets me is that there are no handrails whatsoever. What's the crew supposed to hold onto in case of a sudden movement caused by a strong gust of wind or, of course, an explosion? Perhaps the seemingly pressurized pipes or maybe the loosely held electrical wires? Safety hazards a plenty there, man
I'm always excited to see your architect reviews videos
Great video. I feel there's a missed opportunity for the Caterpillar to have the very foremost ramp angling down to the ground in some way, to allow loading of a vehicle or two. Or maybe that's intentional as it would encroach on other ship designs.
I believe it's a glitch. That platform is supposed to lower like an elevator just like the port and starboard sides.
Fantastic job as always, Mr. Morphologist. The point is fairly made by you regarding the stairs but I'm sure it's due to walking metrics, at least at the time the Cat was designed/ implemented.
And the pathing of entry issue you addressed: it WOULD make fighting the way to HIJACK the control module a lot trickier.
I agree. The Cat has that lived-in feel. A ship that can be used for so many uses such as a mini HQ, trader, great Pirate ship (with especially with the tracker beam) and of course the modularity sections.
I love the Command Module
I find so much peace watching your reviews. Its so relaxing and enjoyable!
Both the opening shot with it's audio rumble and the ending shot with its audio were phenomenal! I love my blue cat :)
Kinda wonder if you can fit the main battle tanks into the cargo holds. I just imagine this ship rolles up on some mining org mid op, thinking it's one of theirs only to open all bay doors to show a wall of main battle tank cannons or AA to just onload salvo after salvo like a ship of the line.
GREAT VIDEO! On the flow thing, I'm really REALLY hoping when they go back to do the command module that they provide a ladder from the door on the side that you can enter whether it's docked to the body or not.
Great video and superb editing. I really like this series. Makes you appreciate the beauty of Star Citizen even more. I also like that Morphologis doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to obvious design flaws. Keep em coming! 😄
God damn I love Drake ships. Just makes me even more excited for the Corsair haha
The SC Community: The MSR is the Millennium Falcon of SC.
Morph: Hold my beer.
I don't know why people say that, it's nonsense. The command module on this one though, that's remarkably similar
MSR: Falcon by function.
Cat: Falcon by Feel.
Yea the Falcon has the look of a rugged, utilitarian piece of crap. No idea why anyone compares it to the MSR
@@nicksiegfried4906 Maybe because CIG designed it to be SC's Millennium Falcon, complete with asymmetry (that's uncommon for Crusader ships), chessboard and smuggling spaces.
I agree with your sentiment on viewports in ships. Just one window, perhaps in the Rec Room was something I really, really wanted in the MSR.
Your videos are always so smoothing I love it.
and I 100% love the lived-in feeling and looks, while I saw the command's little house under the cockpit I legit wanted to sleep there IRL (sadly it's just a few pixels)
Let's hope that I either live long enough to be a space hauler or that I get reincarnated into the full-blown space age.
They've updated the cat and added something back to the empty yellow fenced area (quantum/powerplant thingy). That space used to be vacant. The Cat is a great ship, and my second larger ship purchase after the Connie. My only issues with this ship are the stairs from lower to upper deck going through the engineering, and the toilet in the crew quarters/kitchen area.
Aaaaaand this is why I love your "architect reviews" videos. I've owned a Cat since they first sold it, and I had NO idea there was a gun rack on the lower level of the command module, lol!
Once you go Drake you never go back ahah, I can't wait for the Corsair to come
I only have Drake ships... Well, I have Prospector since Drake was never into mining... Love them... Cat is amazing...
Fast way to the cockpit: through te crew quarters to the first cargo section, there is a ladder on your left. Up on the ladder, trough the doors, and there you are :)
Great video. Did the pirate swarm yesterday and bought the pirate cat. ☠ can not wait for this ship to get its modules and separation ability
excellent review and you just sold me on getting star citizen, you can't get much better than convincing someone to get the game so well done mate :)
I really love the Caterpillar, I'm intrigued by how it can potentially be used as a stealth pirating vessel in the future. Hopefully, the modularity really opens up the options so you can never really trust that incoming cat...
A missiles module that adds interior racks of missiles like the constellation or a snub fighter hanger that can hide a single ship in each module would be amazing.
God I love this ship. I'm 2 months into the verse and a random dude in chat showed me this ship as soon as he bought. He even let me fly it. I had such a blast and I'm currently saving up for this beast of a ship! Also I'm saving for an A2 bomber too ;)
10:00 I think it's worth pointing out that it does give you a *very* defensible area in case you're boarded, which could explain why they allow it to take up that much space
I will miss this ship when the Herc C2 releases and i lose access to the Cat, she's a good cargo hauler with a fast quantum drive that makes hopping between planets a breeze for it's size.
Awesome transitions and editing Morph, it's a pleasure to watch!
I've had a Cat for quite a while and this video showed me places I haven't been in it before.
Same... can't see myself ever getting rid of the CAT.
Very star trek ending with the ship jumping out 🖖
This vid popped up the day after I upgraded my Freelancer Max to the Cat. Great timing dood! Couldn't be happier with my upgrade.
Just bought this a few days ago, it's an impressive ship. It was only today that I found out about the captain's quarters behind the pilots seat and down the ladder, lol.
I bought it mainly for the modular design as I'm looking forward to that being implemented.
15:12 dude this image is fantastic, really represents the natural beauty of the game contrasted with the utilitarian aesthetics of the ship
When they do finally make it modular and can have the command deck a separate ship, I would like to see another pilot seat on the main section of the ship so both could be piloted if separated
Good idea, my vote is the starboard tractor beam station for that
I always love these episodes. As an urban planner I come at design from a slightly different angle, but on the whole I wholeheartedly agree with your observations, based on what I learnt when I was studying at university.
I think your observation regarding the stairways is particularly astute. If the stairways were shorter I think that would open up possibilities for reconfiguration of the internal layout. Instead of going through the engine room the corridor could do a U turn to the stairs with an airlock type access to the engines, with turret access off that corner. Seems that would be safer, as I feel that those engines aren't particularly safe to be around, they've got that "I'm dangerous" glow.
I also agree with you on design principals, that things should not be deceptive, which increases (what I learnt as) the legibility of the design.
However, I did have one interesting counterpoint I thought you might find interesting. On old age of sale warships all the officers "rooms" were essentially little spaces defined by canvas screens. They had to be this way as they would "clear the decks" for action and take these rooms down. One thing that was commonly done, was to paint these screens, to give the impression of being in a more substantial room. These would even include painting fake windows, with country scenes, to cheer up the homesick officers.
I think something like that could be appropriate on a space ship, and it would be a nice nod to some real historical naval phenomenon in a sci-fi setting.
The Cat really reminds me of a belter ship from The Expanse. Super lived in and looks like you gotta fix something every 10 minutes, it’s perfect. It also has the best engine start sounds
I now have a new appreciation for the Cat!
First, love the video and thank you for your great content. The CAT is by far one of my favorite ships, definitely reminds me of my time (23 years) in the Navy. I do wish instead of having to go through the Engine Room to get to the Command Module that the stairs were on the other side of the lift and went strait up to the upper hall. I agree the stairs should be way more vertical to save space as well as a bit more narrow. Final thought / recommendation would be to have the command module door have a ladder for ease of access even when the module is not detached.
Great video
Big yellow engines is probably referring to Caterpillar engines in real life too.
Love this ship, it's my favorite and I'm so glad I was able to upgrade one of my LTI ships to the Cat during Fleet Week this year
Nice done, you really know how to create a special feeling for a certain ship
I'll likely never play Star Citizen because of rechnology constraint on my end but listening this commentary and breakdown is always a pleasant time. Thanks for doing these Morphologis
Old video but a very good one! I own a Cat and I totally agree with you, the stair should be shorter and not be accessible from the engine room, it could easily be accessible from the Foyer as well as the turret and keep a single door to the engine room.
I love this ship so much. I bought it in-game and I still haven't finished exploring it, I've never been in some of the places you've shown. Yes, it is kinda rough, but if the game let me I would just live in it. As you said, its biggest downfall is the lack of a more direct access to the pilot seat. I think there should be DIRECT ACCESS straight to the command module. Having to go all around the interior, through that engine room, makes trading just a bit more annoying than it should be.
You did a tremendous job showing us around, as you always do. Cheers