Star Wars Episode I: Racer

With games like Jedi: Fallen Order and The Old Republic, it’s hard to say that Star Wars: Episode I Racer is one of the best Star Wars games out there, but I’d be hard-pressed to find another licensed racer I enjoyed as much as this one.

With games like Jedi: Fallen Order and The Old Republic, it’s hard to say that Star Wars: Episode I Racer is one of the best Star Wars games out there, but I’d be hard-pressed to find another licensed racer I enjoyed as much as this one.

Those looking to play a Nintendo 64 classic on a modern system will have a great time with Star Wars Episode 1: Racer on Switch. However, those looking for any significant updates will be left wanting. This is a very straightforward port of a game from 1999. Motion controls are its most substantial update and they ultimately fail to impress. That being said, even the most bare bones port leaves us with an amazing racing game with gameplay that has excellently stood the test of time.

The feeling of speed and adrenaline that comes from pod racing have not aged one iota.

With Nintendo still in-explicably hesitant about putting F-Zero games on the Switch, anyone looking to scratch their sci-fi racer itch could do worse than this. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 25]

Quotation forthcoming.

Star Wars Episode I: Racer is still a very exciting game, but the remaster is quite lazy. If you are ready to put up with the outdated visuals, then the race can give you a few hours of fun. Especially if you like Star Wars.

Star Wars Episode I: Racer is more re-release than remaster. A game that admittedly was rushed to market in 1999 to ensure it hit shelves in time for the film’s release. So, the almost-there career mode feels a little undercooked in 2020 and the lack of polish to the AI stands out. But, it’s simple premise – recreating the excitement and thrill of Star Wars Pod Racing is a winning one. For pure high-speed thrills in a galaxy far, far, away, they still don’t get much better than this. And, getting to hear Watto hum the Cantina Theme is probably worth the price of admission alone.

Star Wars Episode I: Racer is a remaster of an incredible game for its time. Clean racing, no slowdown, and a simple customization mode add up to a fun experience. Fans of the original or N64 racing games will find a lot to love here, though modern fans who didn't live through that era might not.

This port is certainly nothing to write home about, but the core game is a classic, priced at just $14.99. Nostalgia, and the ability to play in handheld mode, are enough to recommend STAR WARS Episode I Racer on the Nintendo Switch eShop to fans.

A competent port of a Nintendo 64 classic, Star Wars Episode I: Racer looks great with the added spit-shine, controls tightly, and performs excellently, with no slowdown in frame-rate. Loading screens have also been removed entirely, which was not really an issue in the original versions, but it is something that should be commended here. At a budget price, many will be pleased that this will help them re-live a piece of nostalgia, and for those on the fence, do not hesitate as this is a great quality port in both docked and handheld modes, yet it will leave others wondering what Aspyr could have done by adding in an online multiplayer and improved AI.

As mentioned at the beginning of the review, your appreciation of Star Wars: Episode I: Racer appearing on the Switch will heavily depend on the rose tint of your glasses. On the one hand, the presentation is especially rough, and the lack of difficulty for most of the campaign makes the task of unlocking everything a chore — at least until the final few races become competitive. On the other hand, the sense of speed in races is still present, and the track design isn't bad when you consider how fast things are going. While those who have played the game before might get a kick out of being able to play it again on a modern, portable machine, others may be fine leaving this one alone.

A no-frills, but technically sound reissue of a solid game, that still doesn’t live up to its potential.

Star Wars Episode I: Racer is a remaster of the original game and while the technical work falls below expectations, the gameplay is still as slick and enjoyable as it was over twenty years ago. This release mostly targets players who are already familiar with the original, since it pretty much recreates the experience in a contemporary platform but anyone looking for something new will come out disappointed, as other than motion controls there's nothing new when it comes to gameplay.

The central loop of 'race, win, upgrade, race' is certainly compelling while it lasts, and if you have fond memories of Star Wars Episode I: Racer from your childhood this is as good a way to relive them as possible – just don't expect any huge overhauls from the original game. Star Wars Episode I: Racer sets itself apart from the likes of Wipeout with its earnest take on the popular licence, and it's still fun to relive one of the best scenes in the prequel trilogy, but it's a long way from being one of the best racers on Switch.