"Travelling through hyperspace ain't like dustin' crops, boy..."
Much to the dismay of many a Star Wars Galaxies player, there hasn't been much star in the wars. This Fall, players will finally get the chance to tool around the galaxy in the first expansion to Galaxies, Jump to Lightspeed.
Set between Episodes IV and V, Jump to Lightspeed will allow players to venture through 10 distinct sectors, including corridors in both the Core and Out Rim territories. From the cockpit of their very own ships, players will engage in real-time combat in the vein of the X-Wing vs. TIE series. This takes the emphasis away from character skills and places it more on player skills. Although it might not be the most popular of decisions with some players, Jump to Lightspeed shuns the game's static combat system in favor of a more dynamic, fast-paced system. These skills will be enhanced by special abilities gained through skill trees.
In addition to the expected X-Wing and TIE fighter models, more than 15 different vehicles will be introduced. These will include faction specific ships like Y-Wings and TIE Interceptors. Other recognizable craft from the Star Wars universe, like the YT-1300 (know in some circles as the Millennium Falcon) will also be available. New ships, like the Hutt Fighter, will also be available. Jump to Lightspeed will also introduce new loot, which can be used to repair and enhance your ship. Enhancements will include the option to enhance the handling of your ship as well as its outward appearance. In order to get the more high-powered ships at the start, players should start saving now. However, everyone will have a star fighter from the start so they can jump into the action at launch.
In addition to vehicles, Jump to Lightspeed will also introduce two new species to choose from and four new, space-specific professions, including pilots and starship mechanics.
Star Wars Galaxies: Jump to Lightspeed is set to enter Beta testing soon. LucasArts promises to put the expansion through trials more rigorous than the Kessel Run in order to make sure everything is a go for launch. Players who attend the Galaxies Fanfest and who actively participate in the Test Center (you know... the ones who fill out trouble reports) will have special preference.
Star Wars Galaxies: Jump to Lightspeed is set to jump this Fall.