12.3. Player Vehicles

There are three different vehicle models in Star Wars Galaxies; Speeder Bike, Swoop Bike and the X34 Landspeeder. Each can be crafted by a Master Artisan. Similar to houses, vehicles require deeds to be used. If one wishes to purchase a vehicle, he must find a master artisan and acquire the deed after a successful crafting session. The deed can then be selected and, by holding down the left mouse button, can be used to "Generate Vehicle". The vehicle deed will disappear and a system message will inform the new owner that a new option has been entered in his data pad control. Vehicles can be "generated" from the owner's datapad control the same way mounts can be "called", by pressing (CTRL D) to call up the datapad and then by holding down the left mouse button over the vehicle icon. The radial menu will offer the "Generate Vehicle" option which calls the vehicle from the owner's datapad. Once the vehicle has been called, the owner can climb in it by using the radial menu. The controls of a vehicle are similar to those of a mount. By using the arrow keys, the vehicle will move forward and turn depending on what arrows key are used. The speed of the vehicle depends on the model chosen (outlined below).Each vehicle starts slowly, then moves at full speed, careening through the landscape with comfortable ease. Driving a vehicle does not require a certain skill in order to operate it. Anyone can own and drive a vehicle, provided he has enough credits to supply their friendly, local artisan with the funds. The owner can store his vehicle by using the radial menu, enabling it to be stored in the owner's datapad.

The Mounts and Vehicle systems are quite similar in usage, both being stored in the owner's datapad, and movability functions. However, there are a number of differences between the two ridable options. Unlike the mounts, vehicles have no AI. When an owner leaves the seat of his vehicle, the object stays stationary. Mounts, when dismounted, will become a pet and follow its owner. Vehicles will not follow its owner when left out in the open. Additionally, vehicles do not have a "train" option. One cannot "train" a vehicle to do tricks, to follow, or to stay. Vehicles do not have a "burst run" option and can only go as fast as they were made to go. Mounts, on the other hand, have a gallop option, which increases the speed of the pet. However, vehicles provide the fastest mode of transportation. The slowest of the vehicles provides faster travel to that of the quickest mount. Even when under attack, a vehicle grants the owner a faster getaway, versus a mount which will slow when it faces a hostile situation.

On a mount, the owner can use default attacks, defending himself when unwanted creatures become hostile. While riding in a vehicle, even default attacks are disabled, preventing "kiting" (attacking a creature and staying outside of it's attack range). However, like mounts, the vehicle can be targeted and attacked. The vehicle will accumulate damage when a creature, or another humanoid, succeeds in delivering an attack. If the vehicle becomes severely damaged, sparks will light, visually representing the damage the vehicle has received. If not properly repaired, the vehicle will lose its functionality and may possibly be destroyed. A damaged vehicle can be repaired by visiting a Parking Garage in any one of the many cities. To do so, simply get within 64 meters of a Vehicle Garage and use the repair command from your radial menu while targeting your vehicle. If your vehicle becomes damaged to 0, it becomes disabled and cannot be repaired.

The vehicles are compared, in detail, below:

The functionality of the Mounts and Vehicles systems enhances the visual and mechanical game play within Star Wars Galaxies and provides a quicker way of travel for the commoner and wealthy alike.