Black Label Mod for Freelancer
Compiled by Acid

Contributions by Firebase, APS Shipworks, Harrer, rsdnt-evle and Konfliction Industries.
Current Version 1.2, released 20040502.

This mod is designed to be a collection of only the very best of ships and equipment built for Freelancer.  The aim is to introduce some fine equipment to the Freelancer universe without it either being a 'total conversion' or a 'bolt-on mod'.  Two things will always be true in this mod.  First is that there will only be a small amount of high quality mods collected together within it, and the second is that the mods will be integrated as tightly as possible with the game.

Ships and equipment will be original designs, not ports from other games and movies, etc.  This is to ensure the integrity of the Freelancer universe.  The changes that are applied to the game world will be designed to enhance the game, not make it easier to win.

With that in mind, there are several changes to the gameplay included.  First is that missiles can now be mounted on Torpedo and Cruise disruptor mounts.  That gives everyone just a little more flexibility and should have been included in the original game.  Secondly, some of the 'missing' shields are now available for purchase on the bases which now sell the additional ships.

At this time, there are three additional ships and one piece of equipment that have been added to the game.  These are all detailed below:

Starviper
The starviper is the first ship to come out of the APS shipyards, and I still think it's the best from that stable.  It is a high quality model which is well appointed and the fact that it bears a faint resemblance to the Civilian ships helps it integrate with the Freelancer universe.  The starviper is available for purchase on the Battleship Hood and Planet Junyo, but it is also the mainstay of the Farmers' Alliance.  Expect to come up against some of these ships if you travel much through Kusari space.

Slipstream
The slipstream is an offering by Firebase which acts as a showcase for good ship design in Freelancer.  It is a well appointed high quality model with a clean look which is not inconsistent with the general design of Freelancer ships.  It can be purchased from the Battleship Hood and Bruschal Base.  As the latter may suggest, the ship is flown by the Bundschuh so expect to see it around Rheinland space, not necessarily on friendly terms.

Camara
The Camara is a heavy freighter fresh from the shipyards of Konfliction Industries, who can be reached at www.konfliction.net for more details of their work.  This ship has been kept true to most of the original specifications however it will handle good sized turrets now and can defend itself well in all but extreme conditions.  If you add the chain guns, the freighter makes a reasonable gunship as well.  It can be puchased from Junyo and from Freeport 9 for those who like a challenge.  The design of the ship fits in well with the Freelancer Universe, and is a good option for hardcore traders.

Komodo Dragon
This addition to the Freelancer universe gives the Kusari Navy a Very Heavy Fighter class of ship.  You will see it in their tougher engagements, but don't expect to see it patrolling in the low risk areas, they are considered way to important for that task.  Thanks to rsdnt-evle for the model and specifications, about the only thing that has been adjusted is the price, which is now more in line with the other ships in this mod.  As a Kusari ship, expect to have your choice of this or the original dragon at any Kusari Battleship.

Chain Gun
Harrier has created an outstanding weapon that comes as a primary weapon and a turret mount.  This is a rapid fire energy weapon which fires hundreds of rounds per second.  One small point of note, this weapon is classified as a class 6 weapon due to the energy draw and damage potential of a single shot.  That having been said, you will probably want to mount this on a ship that can handle extreme weapons and have the power supply to feed them because of the refire rate.  Even ships with an optimal rating of class 6 will probably feel the strain of extended use of these weapons.  They can be purchased at the same locations as the new ships, along with some additional shields which are not generally for sale anywhere else.

Credits
APS Shipyards. Thanks guys for allowing the release of the Starviper, go visit them at www.astralprime.com to see the other two ships in their fleet.  These guys don't know how to make a bad ship model.

FireBase.  This version of the slipstream is one of the earlier 'classic' models.  Go check out his Firebase Shippack from Lancers Reactor for an updated model (called the Death Scythe) along with some other nice looking ships.

Harrier.  The chain gun is the best gun I have ever used in Freelancer.  This weapon has been well thought out and the original model for it is second to none.  The weapon comes from the Epsilon ship pack, check it out some time.

Konfliction Industries.  The Camara is one of the only freighters I have seen which truly matches the Freelancer universe and has been built as a freighter from the ground up.  Check out www.konfliction.net for more work by this modder.  This has been a great effort and I look forward to being able to add more freighters in the future.

Jason (rsdnt_evle).  The Komodo Dragon is a fine model of an original ship based on a Freelancer design.  Personally I think there should be more of it for a game like this, and it is a promising start for a new player to Freelancer.  Keep up the good work Jason.

Finally, if there are any ships or equipment that you think will be worthy additions to this mod let me know.  I can be reached at tjb_au@yahoo.com.au.  Feedback of course is also welcome.