Remastering a game that wasn’t exactly a smash hit in its original release must be a tricky task, but here we are with Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles — revived for modern platforms by Aspyr.
Originally released for the PlayStation and later the Dreamcast, this action-packed Star Wars game is set during the events of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. It sounds like the game I dreamed of as a kid but for some reason I never played it.
Fast forward 25 years, I was blessed with an opportunity comprised of nostalgia and fandom. From the moment that classic LucasArts logo flashed on screen, followed by a CGI cutscene that felt delightfully ripped straight from the year 2000, it’s clear this remaster lent heavily on nostalgia. But does it hold up?
Faithful Yet Flawed
Aspyr has done a great job preserving the essence of the original game while introducing gameplay enhancements. Updated controls, limited lightsaber colour customisation, new playable characters, and refined mechanics like enhanced jump and balance systems are welcome additions. Yet, the game still feels very much like a product of its time, and despite the upgrades, some of its quirks haven’t aged gracefully. The menus, for one, are ghastly.
The gameplay is relatively straightforward and gamer-friendly — it’s easy to pick up and put down, making it a good fit for casual players or couch co-op sessions. But its simplicity, coupled with occasional clunky mechanics, might not hold the attention of those seeking a more polished action experience.
While you can play with keyboard controls, I don’t recommend it. They’re inconsistent and messy; use a controller if you’re playing this on PC.
A Prequel Era Nostalgia Trip
With prequel-era Star Wars merchandise making a strong comeback (I recently snagged a Phantom Menace T-shirt from Target), it’s no surprise Aspyr saw an opportunity to resurrect this title.
Following recent remasters of the Tomb Raider trilogy and the original Battlefront games, this remaster is another nod to fans looking to revisit classics with a modern twist.
READ MORE: Review | Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection (PS5)
The game includes several iconic locations, with Theed standing out as a highlight. Exploring the balconies and alleys of Naboo — home to Princess Amidala and the birthplace of Emperor Palpatine — is a standout moment. But does it look good? I wouldn’t say that.
Characters, Combos and Cheats
Star Wars fans will appreciate the expanded roster of playable characters, including the original line up of Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, and Qui-Gon Jinn, alongside new additions like Jar Jar Binks, Tusken Raiders, and even a Pilot Droid.
Combat has been slightly refined, and players can unlock new combos and upgrade their health after missions. Scattered power-ups, like an extended lightsaber blade for tackling larger groups of enemies, also add variety to the gameplay. There’s even a cute little Yoda laugh whenever you pick up an item.
Cheats is a whole other thing. Games don’t offer this sort of thing these days, so it’s nice to have the option to play as a big headed Jedi if I so choose.
“Oh! How do I do that?”, I hear you ask.
- PlayStation: L1 + D-Pad Down + Triangle
- Xbox: LB + D-Pad Down + Y
- Switch: L + D-Pad Down + X
- SteamDeck: L + D-Pad Down + Y
The Final Showdown
*Cue Duel of fates by John Williams*
Like the film, it all comes down to a final duel with Darth Maul. If you’re not prepared, he’ll make short work of you — something I learned the hard way when I skipped ahead to this level early. It’s a fitting end to a game that thrives on the thrill and nostalgia of The Phantom Menace.
Should you buy it?
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a faithful remaster that successfully taps into nostalgia but struggles to fully push the boundaries and offer anything new or exciting past its original release. Sure, they’ve added a new character pack, but it doesn’t do much for me — which, as a Star Wars nerd, says a lot.
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For those who fondly remember the prequel era, you’ll get a little kick out of it. However, its dated mechanics and simplistic gameplay mean it’s likely to appeal more as a curiosity than a must play title.
If you’re looking to relive the late 90s/early 2000s era of Star Wars gaming — or just want to dive into some couch co-op chaos — it’s worth a look. Just don’t expect it to stand the test of time.
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles launches January 23rd on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. It retails for around $30 AUD.
Quest Daily scores Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles:
6.5/10
A copy of the game was supplied to Quest Daily for the purpose of this review.
