When Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace came out in 1999, a lot of games came out with it, including a somewhat lukewarm third-person adventure on PlayStation and a noteworthy pinball machine with a holographic interface. But the game that stood out the most at the time was Episode I Racer, focusing on the podcasting segment from the film and turning it into a full-fledged racer. At the time, it was a big hit on Nintendo 64 before eventually making its way to PC and Sega Dreamcast. We haven’t seen much of it since then, but Aspyr took it upon themselves to bring it roaring back, just over 20 years after its initial debut. And you know what? It still holds up well, despite some parts of the game clearly showing its age.
Pudu!
When it comes to options, Episode I Racer doesn’t have many to speak of, but for a 90s racer, they’re more than enough. There’s a tournament mode where you can challenge some of the best of the worst (including Sebulba) for superiority across a number of planets. The early stages are pretty easygoing, but you’ll need to keep on your toes as you approach the final challenging tracks. Keep an eye out for those shortcuts and keep those boosts handy. Trust me. There’s also a Free Play mode, as well as the option to race against a friend in local split-screen. It’s a shame that the game wasn’t able to include some sort of online mode, but the local racingis still just as good as always. And it’s fun to go up against a friend and pretend you’re both Anakin Skywalker. (Or Sebulba, if you don’t feel like being a whiny little kid.)
There are upgrades available, but they don’t seem to have too big an effect on the game overall. Still, it’s neat to make progress and eventually consider yourself the ruler of the galaxy, if that’s your thing. Just don’t let your Darth Vader-sized ego get to your head. You won’t be able to force choke someone to get gas at the station.
Gameplay That Lasts
One thing I’ve always liked about Episode I Racer is its gameplay. It still handles beautifully after two decades, with your vehicle controlling very well along each track. And what’s more, the conditions on the track plays a part as well. For instance, if there’s ice on the ground, you’ll convincingly slip and slide. What’s more, you can perform little tricks as needed with your podracing vehicle. For example, you can boost if you hold up on the joystick and press the button, but you’ll want to make sure you don’t run the risk of burning out your engine. And if you’re in need of a repair, you can do that on the fly with quick joystick jerks, provided you’re good enough. (You’ll know once your pilot yells out, “It’s workiiiing!”). If anything, the game might be a bit easy for some. But as I said, there’s always two player mode; and you might curse up a storm as you take on the later tracks in the game. Just wait. If anything, the game might be a bit easy for some. But as I said, there’s always two player mode; and you might curse up a storm as you take on the later tracks in the game. Just wait.
“It’s Skywalker!”
Where Aspyr really shows off its talents with Episode I Racer is with the visuals. They’ve been nicely bumped up to 60 fps, just as originally intended, and it looks better than ever. Also, the track design is superb, though, for some reason, the publisher opted to include the original fog effects in the game in some part. Maybe it’s a nostalgia theme, but some people may be confused by this. No matter.
The cinema sequences, however, are a bit rough. These could’ve easily been taken from the original game. But here, they look like they’ve been ported over by Java or Flash. (Remember
those?) Not that you’ll mind when you get into the racing, which runs fast and smooth. But just a quick footnote. As for the audio, John Williams’ music still sounds better than ever here; and the racing effects are superb. The whiny kid voice may be a bit much, but it’s more than made up for with the announcer, especially the one bellowing, “It’s a new lap RECORD!” It’s really fun.
This Game Ain’t Bantha Fodder
While Star Wars: Episode I Racer does show its age in certain parts – particularly with the fog and lack of online options – it’s still just as enjoyable as it’s ever been. The two player option is excellent; and the track design and bumped-up frame rate are awesome. If it’s nostalgia you’re after – or you just live to hear Watto humming the Cantina theme again – this game is for you.