Every ship featured in a game is owned by a different racing team,[12][13] although the number of teams and ships will vary throughout the games. Each ship has different characteristics: for example, ships will vary in handling, thrust, top speed, shield strength, and occasionally firepower.[14][15][16] Every ship is equipped with a compulsory shield that absorbs damage sustained during a race; energy is lost whenever the player's ship collides or is hit by weapon fire.