Yes, Star Wars: The Old Republic is considered canonical within the Star Wars universe. The game is part of the official Star Wars Expanded Universe, which includes books, comics, and other media that are recognized as part of the official Star Wars continuity. The storylines and characters in The Old Republic are considered to be part of the overall Star Wars lore and are recognized as such by Lucasfilm. **

The Old Republic era in Star Wars takes place thousands of years before the events of the original Star Wars trilogy. It is a time of great conflict and expansion in the galaxy, with the Jedi Order at its peak and the Sith Empire vying for power. The Old Republic era is featured in various Star Wars media, including video games, novels, and comics, and is known for its rich lore and history. **

There are several Star Wars books that explore the old Star Wars universe, the Old Republic, and the Sith Wars. Some of these books include the "Darth Bane" trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn, which delves into the origins of the Sith and the Rule of Two. Additionally, there are the "Knights of the Old Republic" comics and novels, which follow the adventures of Jedi and Sith during the Old Republic era. Another notable series is the "Dawn of the Jedi" comics and novels, which explore the early history of the Jedi Order and the Sith. These books provide a rich and detailed look at the ancient history of the Star Wars universe. **

Whether or not it is worth playing Star Wars: The Old Republic depends on your personal preferences. If you are a fan of the Star Wars universe and enjoy story-driven MMORPGs, then you may find the game worth playing. The game offers a rich narrative experience with fully voiced dialogue and a variety of choices that impact the story. However, if you are not a fan of MMORPGs or are looking for more fast-paced gameplay, you may not find it as enjoyable. Ultimately, it is best to try the game for yourself to see if it aligns with your gaming preferences. **

Whether or not you can afford Star Wars: The Old Republic depends on your personal financial situation. The game is free to play, but it also offers subscription options and in-game purchases. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider the free-to-play option and be mindful of any additional costs associated with the game. It's important to assess your own financial priorities and make a decision that aligns with your budget. **

Star Wars: The Old Republic may crash due to various reasons such as outdated graphics drivers, corrupted game files, or conflicts with other programs running on the computer. Additionally, insufficient system resources like RAM or CPU power can also cause the game to crash. It is recommended to ensure that the game and system requirements are met, update drivers, and close any unnecessary programs running in the background to prevent crashes while playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. **

No, the ability system has not disappeared in Star Wars: The Old Republic. The game still features a wide variety of abilities that players can use to customize their characters and enhance their gameplay experience. Players can still choose from different classes and specializations, each with its own unique set of abilities and playstyle. The ability system is an integral part of the game's combat and progression mechanics, allowing players to create diverse and powerful characters. **

In Star Wars: The Old Republic, players have access to a variety of vehicles to traverse the game world. These vehicles include speeder bikes, which are fast and agile for navigating through different terrains, as well as larger vehicles such as starships and speeder mounts. Players can also obtain and customize different types of speeders, ranging from sleek and futuristic designs to more rugged and utilitarian options. These vehicles can be used for both transportation and combat purposes, adding an extra layer of immersion and excitement to the game. **