Continuing on from Cygnus X-1 the title track from Hemispheres lasts for the entire first side of the LP (here we go again). It details the reasons for the voyage and culminates with what happens after the end of Cygnus X-1. The second side comprises of two smaller songs and a final, larger instrumental. By all accounts the recording of this album was a bit of a slog. The band had to work far harder for this than they had ever done before, such was the scope of their vision. And it shows. It was released to rave reviews and is regarded as one of the best prog albums of all time. The final instrumental in particular shows off each of the musicians’ prowess.

Hemispheres
Circumstances
The Trees
La Villa Strangiato

Keelback

The Keelback. Essentially a Type 6 with bits on. But a WHOLE lotta more fun! It can even fit a fighter bay, although at the expense of cargo space. I used the Hemispheres for core mining. And never have I had such fun core mining before. This thing was made for it! I felt like wearing a viz vest, a hard hat and steel toe-capped boots! That feeling when you get the payload of seismic charges just right and the asteroid splits revealing the lovely minerals inside. You just don’t get that from any other game.

Core Mining is tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s one of the most satisfying elements of the game!

Python

The Python! Looks kinda badass don’t you think? The best ship for the Robigo run there is. It was time to start making bundles of cash and this sucker, almost single-handedly, got me to a billion credits so I could afford some more of my Rush Fleet. The ships all get quite pricey from here on in. I named her the La Villa Strangiato – a masterpiece of a track. And the Python is a masterpiece herself. As a multipurpose ship she is second to none, apart from maybe the Krait Mk II. But, seeing as I’ll have all the other ships, after I’m done with the Robigo run (making 15-20m credits per trip), I’m not sure I’ll have any other use for her.