It’s time to podrace like its 1999 again as Aspyr Media has released Star Wars Episode I: Racer for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC. For the first time in over twenty years, the classic racer is now available, thanks to the help and expert porting from the men and women of Aspyr Media. Aspyr Media has been on a roll as of late, with the release of several classic Star Wars video games, which include the release of Star Wars: Jedi Knight Jedi Academy and Star Wars Jedi Academy Jedi Outcast . This release marks a huge moment for Aspyr Media and video gamers with the fondest of memories for one of the most unexpectedly exciting video games to have ever released not he Nintendo 64.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released on May 19th, 1999 to theaters worldwide. The movie marked the very beginning of the Skywalker Saga, ushering in a new era for longtime Star Wars fans and those new to one of the largest and most extravagant scifi sagas of all time. The movie received mixed reviews from critics and fans, but it became an instant box-office success. In this festivity of the film’s release, an assortment of Star Wars video games were released at the time. The Nintendo 64 was on a roll with Star Wars games, with classics such as Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron. In the pandemonium of Star Wars Episode One, a game would emerge that would unexpectedly arrest the attention of all players on the Nintendo 64. Considering that the Nintendo 64 was the home of Mario Kart 64 and Diddy Kong racing, any racing game that could garner more attention then the leading racing game was a game worth paying attention too. This game was Star Wars: Episode One Racer.
Star Wars Episode I: Racer is based upon the large racing segment, featured in the movie. In the movie, a young Anakin Skywalker hope to win the Boonta Eve Classic, a high profile race that can change the very course of his life. The event showcased a high-stakes race, where destiny itself unravels at high speeds. The podracers are a combination of a jet fighter, a Formula One car, and a NASCAR car. Pods come in various shapes and designs, all custom built from the ground up. In the game, players race across many courses from the Star Wars universe. From the jungles of Mandalore to the steel corridors of Oovoo IV, players race at blistering speeds for fame and glory. Each course features alternate paths and shortcuts for the skilled and the wise. Players upgrade their podracer of choice, and gain access to others as they progress. During races, players can suffer damage and even see their jet engines catch fire, due to physical contact with other racers or excessive heat. When this occurs, players initiate repairs during the race, a very different mechanic versus other racing games. There are now weapons in Star Wars Episode I: Racer. Only skill will win races.
Star Wars Episode I: Racer is not a remake but a remastered version of the original release. All of the content featured on the game’s originally release is featured in this new launch, which appears to be based on the Dreamcast or Windows version of the game, with a smoother frame rate and smoother textures. Additionally, the controls have been customized to each platform, which will likely be a welcome sight for racing masters of the N64 version that had to contend with the systems’ infamous control setup. For Switch, owners, there are motion controls to give players a deeper sense of immersion.
Star Wars Episode I: Racer is now available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
