Reviews

Star Wars: Episode I – Racer | PS4 Review

Reviewing a major game from your childhood is a tricky beast. Star Wars: Episode I – Racer was, in many ways, my Mario Kart growing up. So long as I could convince my brothers to play the nerdier racing game, we could lose hours competing on the various circuits across the galaxy. I adore this game, and always will, but how to describe it for new people? I’ve decided that this review, much like the port itself, will be geared towards those who have nostalgia like me.

Episode I - Racer

Now This is Podracing

It’s everything you could want. The full game is here, likely shorter than you remember, but every bit as engaging and fun. Podracing was such a highlight of The Phantom Menace, and is an aspect of Star Wars from which I’ve always wanted to see more stories. It’s a thrill ride, and this game recreates it just as you’d want.

It feels dangerous. Your podracer can get hit with damage that you’ll need to repair mid-race, your engines can catch fire, and you’ll be slamming into opponents regularly. Speeds reach astronomical heights, and hitting those tight turns just right makes you feel like an ace pilot. Turbo boosting as you see a ramp approach and maintaining an insane amount of airtime never ceases to amaze.

Episode I - Racer

It’s Working…It’s Working!

In between races you can purchase parts, upgrades, and pit droids. You can even peruse Watto’s junkyard for cheaper parts, though he’ll be sure to try and swindle you the whole time. It helps to sell that pro racer feel. There are also more racers to unlock than you’ll know what to do with.

Four tournaments round out the main mode of the game, but single races and splitscreen are available as well. I admit being disappointed at the lack of online support, but I’m under no illusion at how much extra work that would’ve been for Aspyr Media.

Episode I - Racer

Yippee!

It’s a crisp, clean port that runs well all of the time. The cheat codes even work in this version of the game, too! Trophies (including a platinum) have been added, and it was a ton of fun to chase down the platinum. If this is your first Star Wars: Episode I – Racer experience, be warned the tournaments will only run you 2-3 hours to finish. For those with fondness of the original, pick up this excellent port straight away.

This review is based on a PS4 copy of Star Wars: Episode I – Racer provided by Aspyr Media for coverage purposes. It is also available on the Nintendo Switch.

Star Wars Episode I - Racer

$14.99
8.5

The Final Verdict

8.5/10

Pros

  • Captures the Star Wars Spirit
  • A Great Port Job
  • Fun Trophy List
  • Just as You Remember It

Cons

  • No Online Play
Share:

Zack Parkerson

Zack is a proud Chicagoan and even prouder gamer. He’s been gaming since his grandpa put an Atari joystick in his hand to play Outlaw. Owning as many consoles as possible since then, he’s never slowed down in playing as many games as he can. He loves his girl, maybe even as much as he loves his PlayStation. When he's not too busy worshipping at the altar of all things Yoko Taro and DrakeNieR, you can find him weekly on The Gaming Outsider's flagship podcast.

One thought on “Star Wars: Episode I – Racer | PS4 Review

  • Caram3l B3ar

    Great review, Zack! I remember playing the living hell out of this game, alongside Mario Kart; however, this game holds a special place in my heart. I still remember coming back from school, finishing my homework, and starting up this game on my n64.

Tell us what you think