What does the text that is blurred out in the left hand corner represent?
As headdie guessed, the directives in the top left and escort list at middle left. I didn't want to start thinking whether there's anything even mildly spoilerific in those so I just blurred them just in case.
Also did I hear correctly, is this going to be standalone or we still need FS2?
Standalone only, no need for FS2.
And is it a closed beta?
Probably yes, although hopefully a short one. I'm not sure what exact plans chief has for it and how it's to be organized, maybe he or anyone else who actually remembers can clarify that.
I like the 6 quadrant shields
Yeah they're wonderful on ships like this. Home One (which won't feature in any of the first-release campaigns) also has 6, the XQ2 and XQ1 stations have 5, and I think the only ship which has (almost) the typical quadrant setup is the YT-1300.