Star Wars Episode 1 Racer
Score: 100% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: LucasArts Developer: LucasArts Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Racing
Graphics & Sound: Now HERE's a version of Pod Racer done RIGHT! The graphics are very much improved over the N64 version for this title, and they display the prowess of the Dreamcast beautifully. It's all one would expect from a Star Wars title and the cinematics and soundtrack really help to immerse the player into the Star Wars realm. The voiceovers were perfect and there is nothing that can compare to being cursed out in some Lucas-esque alien tongue by some guy you just wasted on the track. Lucas Arts earns high praises in this department.
Gameplay: It's not called Star Wars Episode 1 Racer for nothin'. The object of the game is to hop in your pod racer and go speeding down the track in a blinding fashion, all the while wiping the floor with the competition. Well, that's how it's supposed to work, anyway. And it often does. Racer is tremendous fun for any fan of the racing genre, quite frankly. The sense of speed in this game is probably it's best asset. It's faster than fast, as it should be. You'll get the same feeling you did when you saw the movie. And it feels -oh-so-good- to kick Sebulba's ass. Racer has over 25 challenging courses, each with their own unique traits, and your goal is to work your way through the tracks and up the ranks in Tournament mode to be the master pod racer. Then there's where you can race against the clock. Course, if you just want to brush up on your skills or check out a particular course, there's a Free Play mode. All in all, this game is a top notch racer and a welcome addition to anyone's Dreamcast collection.
Difficulty: Excellent! It starts off at a comfortable pace and increases as you progress through the various levels. This is a very good thing. There is nothing worse than being last in place continuously in a race, and I found Star Wars Episode 1: Racer's difficulty to increase at a perfect pace. Don't get me wrong though. There is plenty of challenge here, just not the discouraging and frustrating kind.
Game Mechanics: I found the handling of the pods to be very well done. Tight controls makes this racer pure pleasure. The incredible sense of speed and cinematic environment definitely adds to the overall experience. There is also the ability to upgrade your ship, which is handled in a very cool way. You visit Watta's shop and are able to view the various parts and upgrades as they slide - clothesline style - across the screen. Of course, he has to deride you if you leave without buying something. Typical. There's also a mode where you can view your ship, checking things out from every angle. Another nifty addition. Lucas Arts went all the way with this one. If you ever enjoyed a racer, buy this game. If you are a Star Wars fan, buy this game. You won't be disappointed.
-Psibabe, GameVortex Communications AKA Ashley Perkins
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