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Publisher: Lucas Arts
Category: Racing
Platform: Dreamcast, Game Boy, N64, PC, Mac
ESRB Rating: Everyone Release Date: April 1999
Overall Rating:
2 Stars out of 4
Review by Tom Allen
2 Stars out of 4
(Review of N64 version)
To us, Star Wars Episode I: Racer is an average game. And our opinion has nothing to
do with how we despise the new film. Although this Nintendo 64 game is a likely
nominee for Game of the Year at the Interactive Academy Awards in May 2000, those
of us in the gaming public with half a brain may not be so thrilled with this racer, despite
the fact that this game is in such hot demand.
Star Wars is like a Las Vegas stripper. She may look like fun in the store, but when you
get home and unwrap everything, things go a little too fast and nothing blows your mind
when all is said and done. The game is fast, yes, but it certainly doesn't feel like 600
mph as advertised. Yeah right. Are those dog miles?
The track designs in this game are very disappointing, even if they look cool. One level
has an awesome zero-gravity zone, though… at least I think that's what it is.
The game has great sound, too. The final lap of each race is accompanied by a sudden
rush of suspense-building music that really adds to the experience.
Unlike many racing games, each vehicle actually FEELS different. The variations in
attributes are actually tangible! Imagine that! Also, when you wear out your podracer
from crashes and scrapes, you can buy new parts for repairs. New parts are available
at Watto's shop, and used parts are available in the junkyard. Used parts are much
cheaper but don't last as long. Trouble is, you can't really tell when the parts crap out
on you while racing.
The best racers are Ebe Endocott, Ody Mandrell, and that annoying little terd Anakin
Skywalker. Poor Jake Lloyd. Did anyone like his performance in the movie? It must be
tough being a child actor. If only he acted as well as he does interviews.
If you think we're being unfair in giving this game a C, then listen to this. Two of
Nintendo Power's reviewers scored the game BELOW a 7-out-of-10. One score was
6.9; the other was 6.5. I don't know what they consider average on their number
system, but considering that no game gets lower than a 5 and the best games approach
the 10 mark, I think a 6.5 is definitely about average no matter what they say. Sorry
guys, the force is not strong in this one. It may be pretty, but the track designs don't
hold a candle to Extreme G-2.
To purchase Star Wars Episode 1: Racer from Amazon.com use the button below, or use the
search box at the top of the left column
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