Star Wars Episode 1: Racer

Overall: B-
Violence: C+
Sexual Content: A
Language: A
Drugs/Alcohol: A

Platform reviewed: Nintendo 64
Publisher: LucasArts
ESRB rating: E

Watching the dynamic Podracing sequence on a large theater screen in Star Wars Episode One was like sitting in the cockpit with Anakin as he piloted the powerful twin jet engines around the course. Even in the film these scenes felt like a video game, so the adaptation to an exclusive Nintendo product came as no surprise.

This popular game allows you to take a spin in Anakin's racer (or chose one of 22 others) over 25 different courses on eight planets. Not all the racers and tracks are available when you begin, unless (as is the case with many Nintendo cartridges) you rent the game and someone else has unlocked them for you.

You must enter into a tournament circuit and come in fourth or better in each race to proceed to the next track. Placing will also net you some cash – a needed resource for purchasing performance parts for your racer that will help you compete in the increasingly difficult races ahead. Watto's Shop or the junkyard are good places to find these enhancements. Buying Pit droids will enable you to service your racer more quickly. And if you finish first, you unlock an additional Podracer that you can add to your stable.

LucasArts, as expected, have delivered a polished game in looks and performance. Scenery flies by at over 600 mph and the bigger the playing screen the better you can see what's ahead. Although many of our younger testers seemed to catch onto the steering dynamics, I found the tiny control stick on the N64 too sensitive. At these speeds, the slightest move may cause a collision (accompanied by screaming or other loud reactions from the driver).

As crashes only result in a time penalty, we assume these advanced machines have something better than air bags to protect their occupants. This invincible feeling may encourage experimenting with ramming other racers to get ahead, but such action will put your vehicle at great risk. Only a podracer belonging to Sebulba (which has to be unlocked) has weapons capability -- a flamejet that is able to set his opponents' engines on fire.

Other than aggressive driving habits, this loud and fast paced game has enough twists and turns to keep players hypnotized in their seats for hours. Some rudimentary math skills are used in procuring parts, but it's a stretch to say this is an educational experience. While the main tournament mode is only single player, there is a two-player mode for those seeking some human interaction – and after umpteen hours of play, you and your buddy will truly be two peas in a pod.

Rod Gustafson

©2000 One Voice Communications. All Rights Reserved