Episode I - Racer

Review By Louis Turfrey

Requires D3D card, 32 M/B ram, 200 Mhz Processor

Firstly, this game was simple to load and configure. Secondly it started off at a playable level. Thirdly, it took me over 120 hours of gameplay to complete. Does it rock? You betcha!

The graphics on this game are excellent, not outstanding, but better than the minimum you would expect from a game of this type. The game can be played with keyboard or joystick and I found the keyboard easier to control.

Playability is good, and the first few levels of the game really ease you in gently. Then it starts to get faster and harder. I managed all firsts on the first series of tracks, mostly seconds or thirds on the rest. There are also some bonus tracks that allow you to earn more "trugguts", which is the main aim of the game. The more money you earn, the better you can upgrade your pod racer. The better your racer, then the more chance you have of winning the races.

The game starts with a couple of options, one of which is multiplayer. I haven't been able to try this yet but will update this review when I have. There is an option to practice or enter the championship. The championship is the more fun and earns you the credits. After entering your choice and selecting your player name, you are treated to the cantina scene where you can go to further menus that allow you to upgrade, change and repair your pod. You can also select which course you want to race.

This game is fun, gets really difficult towards the end, and really immerses you in the gameplay. The last track, the full Boonta Course, is very accurately converted from the film. When driving the pod you get a choice of views, but the most effective is the view where you can see your engines only. It requires a lot of skill towards the later levels and you can feel your self becoming "one with the pod".

Fast, enjoyable and with music and sound directly from the movie, this is a fun buy.