
Episode I Racer
Released: May 1999
Systems: Nintendo 64
The Basics
Anakin readies his podracer.
Star Wars: Episode I Racer is the video first game based on events from Episode I, taking its inspiration from the most exciting sequence in the new film: the podrace. Equal parts Ben Hur and Mad Max, podracers are the ultimate thrill ride of the galaxy, reaching speeds of up to 900 miles per hour.
The Details
Lone racer.
The game has four modes: Tournament, Free Play, Time Attack, and Two-Player.
Choosing Tournament puts you in competition on the Galactic Circuit, a series of races ending with the famous Boonta Eve Classic on Tattooine. Free Play lets you race on any track with any number of laps. Time Attack is a race against the clock, and Two-Player lets you race against another human in split-screen mode.
The races take place on eight different worlds, including water world Aquilaris, ice world Ando Prime, and desert world Tatooine, Anakin's home planet.
Just like the movie.
Although there are a total of 23 characters with podracers to choose from, only six are available at the beginning of the game:
Anakin Skywalker
This is a small- to medium-sized racer with above average acceleration, very good handling, and good turning.
Ebe Endocott
This medium-sized racer has average acceleration, very good handling, and slow turning.
Battle on the track.
Dud Bolt
This medium-sized racer has above-average acceleration, below-average handling, and below-average turning.
Gasgano
This medium-sized racer has above-average acceleration, below-average handling, and below-average turning.
Elan Mak
This large-sized racer has excellent acceleration, average handling, and below average turning.
Ody Mandrell
This racer is small- to medium-sized, with above-average acceleration, average handling, and average turning.
By winning races, you can unlock the other 17 podracers. In addition, each win earns you money that can be spent to upgrade your racer's traction, turning, acceleration, top speed, brakes, cooling, and repair speed.
The Verdict
Into the tunnel.
Is it possible that George Lucas had the Nintendo 64 in mind when he thought of podracing? It wouldn't be a surprise, since Star Wars: Episode I Racer is the ultimate example of how movies and video games can complement each other perfectly in a synergistic relationship. LucasArts has done an amazing job of translating the energy and excitement of the movie into a video game that puts you right in the driver's seat (literally). With eye-popping visuals and a true sense of extreme speed, the game stands on its own as an excellent racer, but the seamless connection with Star Wars makes Episode I Racer all the more remarkable.
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