Community Event / Creation Imperial Courier redesign
- Thread starter Zaptruder
- Start date
I think FD's new ship looks great, as an Imperial Eagle mk3. It is not really an Imperial Courier though. Zaptruder's version is stunning
Completely agree, such a shame this awesome fan made work has been completely ignored. While I don't mind what they designed it's not the Imperial courier.
This Imperial Courier looks really, really great. Just as good as the original one from Elite2. Since I've got Elite Dangerous I'm waiting for the Courier to release. In Elite2 I was a big fan of that ship (who wasn't? and I really hope that they will create Courier just like the one presented in this topic. It looks classy, deadly and just like a ship to be afraid of.
I will be very disappointed if Courier will end up looking like on current official artwork sketches. It would be like putting a shame on Courier's name.
The hope will never die. I guess.
and I really hope that they will create Courier just like the one presented in this topic. It looks classy, deadly and just like a ship to be afraid of.I will be very disappointed if Courier will end up looking like on current official artwork sketches. It would be like putting a shame on Courier's name.
The hope will never die. I guess.
Have to say there's a whole bunch of ships I don't like in ED.
The designs are almost too grounded in reality, too practical, too boring.
This...
is just so much better than this...
Which looks like a thalidomide version of the original Courier.
I'm consistently being disappointed in ED ship designs. They're dull, where's the imagination, where are the interesting looking ships with character that people might want to fly. =(
The designs are almost too grounded in reality, too practical, too boring.
This...
is just so much better than this...
Which looks like a thalidomide version of the original Courier.
I'm consistently being disappointed in ED ship designs. They're dull, where's the imagination, where are the interesting looking ships with character that people might want to fly. =(
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While I like the new Imperial Courier, I do also wish that ship design would get more adventurous. I'd like to see fewer wedge and speedboat-shaped ships, and more odd-looking designs. Perhaps even asymmetrical ships. Iconic ship designs like the Millenium Falcon (asymmetrical) and Bobba Fett's upright Slave One come to mind. These ships aren't sleek and pretty per se, they're unusual/weird, but they stand out from the crowd and are instantly recognizable. The FDL and Anaconda, on the other hand, look fairly similar to the untrained eye. Could even put the Python in that camp. FD did will with the Clipper and Federal Dropship - they look more unique; more interesting.
Very late into this thread, but I simply missed out on seeing this one completely.
But I have to say that I agree with the statement above. We see alot of safe designs in ED so far. I was very much looking forward to FD tackling the more risque designs of past Elite games and was curious to see how they would bring much of the imperial ships into the current game. Partly because it seemed they were going to stick with the original templates as much as possible, as seen in the Sidewinder, Cobra III and the Anaconda. But although the current Imperial ships are elegant, I was abit underwhelmed when they broke away from the original form factor. The nacelles are not as extravagant as before, and the lines although sleek, are not elaborate as before.
In fact Zaptruder's designs are a fine example of how to faithfully restore the lines and characteristics of previous ships while at the same time breathing new life and detail into the ships. I wish FD struck a clever balance between those points. But we will have to wait and see how they tackle future ships. Katkon is right that we need less speedboats and more daring designs that push the envelope.
Actually Zaptruder's Imperial Courier ironically borrows alot of design principles behind Star Citizen ships. In that there is an insane level of detail and attention payed to such minor intricacies of thrusters and ship lights, which I think is brilliant that Zaptruder implanted this while still paying homage to the original lines and shapes. Simply amazing and worthy of admiration. I hope he can do a series of other ships, like the Imperial Explorer. I would be so happy if FD made a ship design competition for old ships making a return, in the same spirit as Chris Roberts did for SC. Then we could see some truly unique designs for our old favorites.
But I have to say that I agree with the statement above. We see alot of safe designs in ED so far. I was very much looking forward to FD tackling the more risque designs of past Elite games and was curious to see how they would bring much of the imperial ships into the current game. Partly because it seemed they were going to stick with the original templates as much as possible, as seen in the Sidewinder, Cobra III and the Anaconda. But although the current Imperial ships are elegant, I was abit underwhelmed when they broke away from the original form factor. The nacelles are not as extravagant as before, and the lines although sleek, are not elaborate as before.
In fact Zaptruder's designs are a fine example of how to faithfully restore the lines and characteristics of previous ships while at the same time breathing new life and detail into the ships. I wish FD struck a clever balance between those points. But we will have to wait and see how they tackle future ships. Katkon is right that we need less speedboats and more daring designs that push the envelope.
Actually Zaptruder's Imperial Courier ironically borrows alot of design principles behind Star Citizen ships. In that there is an insane level of detail and attention payed to such minor intricacies of thrusters and ship lights, which I think is brilliant that Zaptruder implanted this while still paying homage to the original lines and shapes. Simply amazing and worthy of admiration. I hope he can do a series of other ships, like the Imperial Explorer. I would be so happy if FD made a ship design competition for old ships making a return, in the same spirit as Chris Roberts did for SC. Then we could see some truly unique designs for our old favorites.
What a fantastic design.
This is the REAL Imperial Courier! For me, the Courier of Elite Dangerous does not exist (the Clipper is better but still not satisfactory). The one and only Courier is the ship from Elite 2! And these renderings are perfect.
Speaking of the Courier, some time ago I tried to draw a personal version of this vessel (always inspired at the Frontier - Elite 2 original version), that should have a central role in a science fiction novel I'm writing.
Here a rough sketch of this vessel. Main modifications: the nacelle pylons aren't anymore deployable but fixed, with a wing profile; the engine nacelles are now aligned with the CoG of the spacecraft, fixing the main problem of the original Courier. Overall dimensions are a bit larger.
What do you think?
This is the REAL Imperial Courier! For me, the Courier of Elite Dangerous does not exist (the Clipper is better but still not satisfactory). The one and only Courier is the ship from Elite 2! And these renderings are perfect.
Speaking of the Courier, some time ago I tried to draw a personal version of this vessel (always inspired at the Frontier - Elite 2 original version), that should have a central role in a science fiction novel I'm writing.
Here a rough sketch of this vessel. Main modifications: the nacelle pylons aren't anymore deployable but fixed, with a wing profile; the engine nacelles are now aligned with the CoG of the spacecraft, fixing the main problem of the original Courier. Overall dimensions are a bit larger.
What do you think?
Coming back to Elite, after half year, and so called "Courier" is already in the game. Shame that it has nothing in common with the original one from Elite2/3, except for the name. I really don't understand why devs made Cobra and Sidey almost exactly same as original but Courier is completely different thing. Ofc many people will say silly things like "Clipper is your Courier, so stop complaining" but I guess nobody who's saying that overused phrase never took a look at original Courier or beautiful Zaptruder's artwork.
I still have hope that someday devs will release old Courier, maybe as part of "classic ships" collection. It could be for example found in some forgotten base on some forgotten planet, rusting away and still equipped with old class 5 hyperdrive. Imagine jump in "capital class style" performed by Zaptruder's Imperial Courier. That would be a magnificient sight to see Ofc it would be nearly useless for daily use, but still fun for some ship-shows, rare celebrations etc. Just like classic 30's cars today, not used for everyday driving.
I still have hope that someday devs will release old Courier, maybe as part of "classic ships" collection. It could be for example found in some forgotten base on some forgotten planet, rusting away and still equipped with old class 5 hyperdrive. Imagine jump in "capital class style" performed by Zaptruder's Imperial Courier. That would be a magnificient sight to see
Ofc it would be nearly useless for daily use, but still fun for some ship-shows, rare celebrations etc. Just like classic 30's cars today, not used for everyday driving.As stated above, I'm working on a sci-fi novel. The setting is loosely inspired by the Elite universe, particularly Frontier Elite 2 and First Encounters, but isn't really in the same continuity (if I publish it, will be required a license?). After hard work in the text, I realized that it would be useful to have a representation of the various spacecrafts featured in the novel, to "see" what I write.
The sketch featured above (a fictional "Courier Mk II") is part of this; I drew various other spaceships, more or less detailed, more or less influenced by the FE2, FFE and Dangerous ones.
The level is intended to remain a "sketch", to provide an overall representation of the spacecrafts; no fine details or textures are necessary for my needs.
If you like, I can show you these sketches.
Ciao
Andrea
Italia (sorry for my bad English)
The sketch featured above (a fictional "Courier Mk II") is part of this; I drew various other spaceships, more or less detailed, more or less influenced by the FE2, FFE and Dangerous ones.
The level is intended to remain a "sketch", to provide an overall representation of the spacecrafts; no fine details or textures are necessary for my needs.
If you like, I can show you these sketches.
Ciao
Andrea
Italia (sorry for my bad English)
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Hey, Sir Lancelot, late for a jousting match?
Seriously dude, what's the deal with those lances on the sides of the ship?
You had a really nice thing going on, but you ruined it with those.
That's my opinion anyway.
Seriously dude, what's the deal with those lances on the sides of the ship?
You had a really nice thing going on, but you ruined it with those.
That's my opinion anyway.
I know some people have nostalgic tendencies towards some of the things in this game, however i love the Imperial Courier shape exactly as it is now, its probably my favourite ship along with the FDL.
Nice to see your designs, you show talent, but if for some reason my beloved courier was changed to have giant darts on each wing, i would be violently upset and probably have to hunt you down! Lol.
ED is not '84, its a new game, new imagination.
Just my opinion.
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Speak for yourself mate. I love the new courier.
In a far future sci-fi space sim, i dont want to be flying around in a modern take on something Captain Scarlet might be found piloting thanks. Just because you think something sleek, sexy and cool appears "boring".
Opinions differ, that's life, but please don't comment like you are speaking for the whole game population.
In contrast, i think anyone that doesn't like the new courier must be blind, insane or both.
Nice to see your designs, you show talent, but if for some reason my beloved courier was changed to have giant darts on each wing, i would be violently upset and probably have to hunt you down! Lol.
ED is not '84, its a new game, new imagination.
Just my opinion.
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Speak for yourself mate. I love the new courier.
In a far future sci-fi space sim, i dont want to be flying around in a modern take on something Captain Scarlet might be found piloting thanks. Just because you think something sleek, sexy and cool appears "boring".
Opinions differ, that's life, but please don't comment like you are speaking for the whole game population.
In contrast, i think anyone that doesn't like the new courier must be blind, insane or both.
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The new is a cute ship but isn't the Courier that so many players have loved across the years. It is simply another ship, in the same way as a new car that brings back the name of an old and historic model. Think at the current Ferrari California and the original of the fifties.
No question about which of the two cars is better ;-)
No question about which of the two cars is better ;-)
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Some paintjob and light test on my own reimagined model of the Courier. Not yet texture mapping or fine details...
I've decided to mantain this polished and somewhat retro look. I think that in a real spaceship we have no need for heavy external paneling. As stated by Matt Jeffries (the designer of the original Enterprise of Star Trek) maintenance should be achieved by internal rather than external access, thus reducing the need for external hatches, panels etc.
I've decided to mantain this polished and somewhat retro look. I think that in a real spaceship we have no need for heavy external paneling. As stated by Matt Jeffries (the designer of the original Enterprise of Star Trek) maintenance should be achieved by internal rather than external access, thus reducing the need for external hatches, panels etc.
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