In a universe featuring hundreds of unique species, powerful Force users, and an epic struggle between good and evil, the science of Star Wars is sometimes overlooked. BioWare indicated for some time now that players might be able to play as characters with cybernetic modifications in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Cyborgs, or cybernetic organisms, are defined in Star Wars as biological entities with mechanical parts. Some might be surprised to hear that two of the most important characters in the films, Luke and Anakin Skywalker, are technically classified as cyborgs.
While they are often classified and treated differently from their creature of birth, cyborgs are not a distinct species. Cybernetic parts could be created for nearly any biological organism, though most known examples indicate use in humanoid species. Individuals who become cyborgs usually do so for one of two reasons: to replace damaged organs or appendages, or to enhance their physical and cognitive abilities. Many cyborgs, such as General Grievous, recover from their injuries more capable than ever before due to the increased ability granted to them by their replacement parts.
Cybernetic parts are developed by companies and scientists and installed by doctors known as cyberneticists. Cybernetics come in various forms, ranging from small internal implants to full-limb replacements. Some improve physical abilities, while others improve mental function.
Physical Implants - Perhaps the most common type of cybernetic enhancement, prosthetic limbs are used to replace arms, legs or other appendages (such as Rianna Saren's lekku). These are sometimes covered with synthflesh, which is an advanced biomaterial that can simulate the appearance and function of real tissue, allowing the user to feel sensation and control their limbs. Cybernetic limbs can also grant greatly increased speed and strength.
Neural Implants - Cybernetic implants serve a variety of functions. In some cases, they amplify one or more functions of the brain, granting abilities such as improved senses or superior reaction times. In some cases, cybernetic implants can act as a conduit between the cyborg and other mechanical devices, similar to the way that droids can interface with computer systems.
It is important to note that these implants are separate from biological augmentations, which use biosynthetic materials to achieve similar results. While the subjects of biological augmentations are altered from their original form, they are not considered cyborgs.
In addition to their status as social outcasts, cyborgs sometimes pay a price for their increased abilities. Cranial implants require intense concentration to use, and the strain of communicating with nearby mechanical devices sometimes leads to anti-social behavior - for example, in the case of Lobot. Additionally, cybernetics suffer the same vulnerabilities to surges of electricity as any other electronic system. This proved fatal for Anakin Skywalker, when his life support systems were shorted out by a blast of Emperor Palpatine's force lightning.
Lumiya, a Dark Jedi, theorized that cybernetics weakened one's connection to the Force, though this claim was never conclusively proven. It is true, however, that Darth Vader did not risk channeling Force lightning due to his mechanical arms.
Cyborgs are present in most pieces of Star Wars fiction, and examples of cyborgs can be found dating all the way back to the time of the Old Republic. Revan and the Exile both traveled with cyborgs, and it seems that they will play a role in the Galactic Cold War as well.
Sources:
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Cyborg
http://www.swtor.com/info/holonet/biographies/mako
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Cybernetics
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Luke_Skywalker
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lumiya
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Anakin_Skywalker
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Grievous
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Borg_Construct_Aj%5E6
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lobot
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Posted 9/28/2011 3:22:45 PM- View User Profile
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Posted 9/28/2011 2:02:44 PMI am also excited to see what the cybernetic options are, as long as it does not look like some cheesy silver spot on a character's face.
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Posted 9/28/2011 5:27:04 PMThis is often continued for important EU and game characters. Ton Phanan and his bacta allergy, Malak and his lost lower jaw, Darth Malgus and his faceplate (over what must be assumed to be a serious destruction of his lower face in the battle with Satele).
Thus I find it not to fit terribly well if the player could just replace bodyparts for no other reason than it would be cool. Internal cognitive implants etc., those I'm cool with, as they more add to the body than replace.
If you want to get into the depth of these things I suggest playing Deus EX: Human Revolution, which by the way is a better setting for such a debate than a universe where these thigns have existed for millenia and are apparently not considered good form.
Charming... yes? http://imgur.com/r6WrI
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Posted 9/28/2011 12:00:45 PM- View User Profile
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Posted 9/28/2011 1:09:10 PM"Hey folks,
Just to clear up any confusion. Implants in SWTOR, much like in KOTOR, are not visible and can be changed out. They are a way to give more loot and stat options to characters without covering them in random art pieces. Except for the flavor name given to them, they function the same as rings or amulets might in a fantasy game.
They are not the same as the visible cybernetics you're occasionally seeing on player characters. Being a cyborg is different and a very specific choice that, as posters have pointed out, is not undertaken lightly nor commonly done in the SW universe.
Hope that helps!"
We've been seeing characters with cybernetic augmentations at various conventions for a couple of years now. They're the ones with various bits of metal sticking out of their face. If I had to guess, I'd say there hasn't been any confirmation because there's a lot of debate in the community as to whether they should be a standalone race, or an option available to all races (like scars or tattoos).
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Posted 9/28/2011 1:27:42 PMI am the light that brings the dawn.
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Posted 9/28/2011 6:54:51 AM- View User Profile
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Posted 9/28/2011 6:32:01 AMCyborg species
As well, the following are known species with cybernetic augmentation.
Entire Gank species - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Gank
Entire Yaka species - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Yaka
Entire Marasan species - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Marasan
Entire Iskalloni species - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Iskalloni
Males of Rokrul Nelvaanians - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Nelvaanians
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Posted 9/28/2011 1:12:53 PM- View User Profile
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Posted 9/28/2011 2:18:02 PM- View User Profile
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Posted 9/28/2011 4:05:16 AM- View User Profile
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Posted 9/28/2011 2:56:51 AM- View User Profile
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Posted 9/28/2011 8:26:03 AMAs a Juggernaut, I would like to be as inhuman as possible. The more of my sith dude i can replace with metal & computers the better.
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Posted 9/28/2011 5:07:53 AM