Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Remaster

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles was a staple for many gamers’ childhood. Despite the rough nature of the original PlayStation release, the game’s fast-paced, co-op action managed to find a place in many hearts. While it would have been great to see a proper remaster that smoothed out all the game’s rough edges, Aspyr Media has done an admirable job with this port. The studio has managed to preserve the fun, couch co-op beat ‘em up adventure all while modernizing the controls, smoothing out platforming, and unlocking all content from the start. While it would have been nice to get some other modern quality-of-life features (i.e. online co-op, better vehicle controls) and a massive enhancement to the game’s presentation, what we do get is the most accessible, fair, and fun version of Jedi Power Battles ever released.

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a good remaster of a title that has some structural flaws, some evident at the time of its release and others that have emerged over time. There is no point in hiding the problems: the camera management is antiquated, the controls far from the modern standard, the uncertainties in the registration of inputs and in the AI ​​of the enemies are difficult to forgive (also because they were easily resolvable, with a fine work on the game code). On the other hand, however, we have a work of preservation of a much-loved classic in the world of Star Wars, which puts on the table a classic but modernized aesthetic, renewed textures, a nostalgic soundtrack and atmospheres that will surely thrill George Lucas fans. The replayability is high, while the local multiplayer and the additional modes (primarily the one-on-one one) add depth to the game. Recommended, but only for Star Wars fans!

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is still as fun as it was when it was released 25 years ago, but this mediocre and bureaucratic remaster does little to address the aesthetic issues and even less for the original's limitations. While it largely ignores newcomers, it may have its appeal for a few moments for longtime fans, but it does little to reward them for their loyalty.

I can only recommend picking up this version if you grew up with this game and want to relive those memories with a friend at your side. If you’re after slick, modern action or fluid platforming, I would skip this one.

What Jedi Power Battles really needed was a remake, not a remaster, so that the gameplay could be brought up to something worth playing in this decade. If you want to be a Jedi these days there are way, way better options out there.