posted by
Fuego
December 16, 2024
There's something about getting behind the wheel and exploring the vastness of the Star Wars universe, isn't there. At Star Wars Galaxies Restoration, we're thrilled to introduce an entirely new Vehicle Customization System that lets you upgrade your vehicles like never before.
"The initial premise was simply—what if we did reverse engineering, but for vehicles..." -Fuego
Drawing inspiration from the JTL space reverse engineering system, we've expanded vehicle customization to offer a deeper, more engaging experience. This system allows you to extensively modify your ground vehicles, making them true reflections of your character and playstyle.
Upon logging in, you’ll notice a few differences in your vehicles. Let’s go through each one.
First off, Vehicle Control Devices now display each vehicle’s properties.
Properties
“When we looked at vehicles, we found there are actually a LOT of interesting attributes. Unfortunately, for the most part, every vehicle was the same - except for speed.” - Fuego
The second thing you may notice is your vehicle might feel a little different as well. With this update, the turning attribute was activated on vehicles, which means you won’t be able to immediately change directions, but rather your vehicle will actually need to turn. This change, as well as the entire Vehicle Tinkering System, are all brand new so will be looking for community feedback.
"The core mechanic in vehicles that has changed is that vehicles now drive a bit more like an actual vehicle" -Fuego
This may take a bit of getting used to, but vehicles will handle more realistically. Instead of immediately changing directions forward and backwards, there is a small turning radius.
So, your local vehicle garage will be the home base for upgrading your vehicle. Upon radialing your vehicle in the vicinity of a garage, you’ll notice new menu options.
As you install or remove a part, your vehicle will be regenerated with its new properties and your Vehicle Control Device will be updated.
Next, there are now slight advantages to standard vehicles versus premium vehicles. Standard vehicles are going to be your run of the mill crafted speeders, whereas premium vehicles are earned in some way. We wanted to ensure that the hard-earned Jetpacks at Flare-S Swoops had an edge without devaluing non-premium vehicles. For the most part, vehicle speeds are the same - and in fact, many vehicles received base upgrades.
"In theory, any vehicle can reach top speed, but some vehicles and vehicle types will have slight advantages over others in getting there." -Fuego
For example, a Premium vehicle might start with a little more speed or mass off the get go. This doesn’t mean that crafted vehicles are worthless at all. Like the quote says, you can definitely make a high end X-34 Landspeeder, but might be a little more of a challenge.
Lastly, we wanted to add a slight differentiation in the vehicle types. Why would a transport have the same acceleration as a speederbike anyway?
“Oh, it’s like Mario Kart except for swoops!” -CNiper
"I wanted to make a system that really felt like SWG. To me, that means complex, rich, but also rewarding. If you want to get the most out of your upgraded speeder, you’ll want to optimize your primary components as well as ensure you properly synergize each subsystem." -Fuego
To begin customizing, visit the nearest garage—your hub for vehicle enhancements. Here, you can install two primary components:
Provides: Top speed.
Role: Determines your vehicle's maximum speed under normal conditions.
Requirements: Needs support from subsystems to function optimally.
Provides: Booster speed.
Role: Offers temporary speed boosts for quick maneuvers
Requirements: Also relies on subsystems for peak performance.
Now both the Engine and the Booster will provide the capability to go faster than speeders on live. In fact, over 50% faster!
However, if your vehicle's support systems can't handle the new parts, you won’t realize the benefit of your upgraded components.
You’ll notice that the primary components have a draw requirement. They generate heat, draw energy, have mass, and create fluctuation. More on that next.
To ensure your engine and booster operate at their best, you'll need to upgrade four key support systems. Each subsystem provides support attributes (ex. Cooling) and also enhances specific aspects of your vehicle:
The interplay between your vehicle's components is where synergy comes into play. Each subsystem must meet the mass, stability, cooling, and energy demands of the engine and booster. Managing these properties is key to maximizing performance:
If any subsystem falls short—for example, insufficient cooling—the bonuses from that subsystem are reduced by 25% for each unmet requirement. This penalty encourages thoughtful customization and strategic planning.
Yaaaassss! You heard that right. Vehicles can now be equipped with boosters. You’ll find a new icon for Vehicle Booster in your Command Browser.
In order for your booster to function properly, you’ll need to make sure your subsystems are functional. The Booster itself provides the Top Speed, but the Cooling System determines what the duration and cooldown are.
"You should be able to make some cool upgrades to your speeder fairly easily, but if you want a totally tricked-out, top-of-the-line one—it will take some time and help from a Droid Engineer." -Fuego
One feature of the customization system is the continuous reverse engineering mechanic, primarily facilitated by Droid Engineers:
Keep in mind that -different from space- parts can be continually Reverse Engineered to get better (no bonus is applied).
The best attributes of each component will be created on the new part and the consumable modulator will be used up.
Players can venture across adventure planets of Mustafar, Dathomir, Yavin 4, and Endor to find unique components. Mobs with the name “Scrapper” have high drop rates for components they’ve salvaged.
Be on the lookout for clues to quality based on the manufacturer of the component…
The Vehicle Customization System offers a rich, immersive experience that elevates gameplay in Star Wars Galaxies Restoration. By delving into vehicle mechanics and strategically enhancing components, you create a ride that's uniquely yours and perfectly suited to your adventures.
So gear up, pilot! Your ultimate vehicle awaits, ready to carry you into your next adventure.
