The best thing to come out of the first Star Wars episode, Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer, has been made available on digital distribution platform GOG. The game, which originally released 19 years ago in 1999, allows the player to participate in podraces as Anakin Skywalker does in the original movie. Set up exclusively as a sci-fi racing game, the title received generally positive feedback upon its initial release, and still remains the bestselling game in the genre, selling 3.12 million copies.
Originally released for the PC, it was also ported to the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast, as well as a rare release for the Mac OS. Of course, the game in its original format would not run on modern operating systems but GOG.com have successfully altered the game files to allow them to do so, as well as making the game playable for up to 8 people on the same network.
Currently on sale for $8.49, the game features alongside a host of other Star Wars games which are reduced in honor of Star Wars day (May the 4th). Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is priced at $3.39, as is Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, and Star Wars: X-Wing Special Edition comes in at $3.99.
The gameplay holds up brilliantly for a game that came out in the 20th century, retaining that arcade-like feel but it does appear to be somewhat dated in the graphics and textures department. Lastly, the game’s age does necessitate some allowances on the part of the player in the initial setup phase. In order to render the game in 16x9 resolution, the user will have to take advantage of GOG Galaxy’s video options, which are not available in game. As well as this, manual mapping of buttons is required for controller users.
Overall the game is at a very appealing price point for fans of Star Wars, sci-fi racing games and older titles. Also, the fact that this is the first opportunity players will have to play the game on more recent systems will also ensure its popularity.
Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer is available now for PC via GOG.com
