Star Wars: Episode I – Racer | PS4 Review

June 30, 2020 Zack Parkerson

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.

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.

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.

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.