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Nintendo 64

Chances are, if you buy or rent Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer it's because you saw the movie and witnessed the breathtaking speed and maneuvering of the Pod Racing scene. Cut that scene, stick it in a N64 game cartridge and you've got the game in a nutshell.

The control is excellent. The Control Stick responds quickly and with the lightest touch. The Rumble Pak gives the game a nice sense of realism. The graphics are not as good as I would've expected from a combination of Lucas Arts/Nintendo, but I understand that they are outstanding when viewed with the Expansion Pak. Unfortunately I don't have an Expansion Pak and I found the graphics disappointing in some area's.

There's not a lot of music in this game either. As you enter the final lap, however, music will build in the background, which gives the illusion that you are suddenly moving much faster than you are. It's a nice effect. Occasionly the other racers will shout insults at you in their native languages. If you're not racing as Annakin, and your unfortunate enough to be in one of the last places, you'll hear him insult you from time to time as he races past you, too.

The fast pace, large selection of vehicles and awesome control more than make up for what the game lacks in music in graphics. There's a lot of interaction involved, as well. You get to choose how the credits (money) are distributed before the race. If you think you'll do well, you can set the distribution menu at "winner takes all". If you're sure you'll place at least second or third, change the money to be distributed heavily among those places.

Just before you enter a race an Options Menu comes up. You can take this oppurtunity to inspect your vehicle, visit Watto's shop or his Junkyard to upgrade your parts, buy pit droids, change your vehicle or configure the sound and graphics.

Each race you place 4th or better in unlocks the next track. Each race you place 1st in unlocks that tracks boss (favorite). If you finish an entire circuit, placing 3rd or better in the final race, you'll unlock that circuits invitational track.

Summery
Graphics
9
Sound
6
Control
10
Replay Value
10
Overall Rating
8.75
Trader or Keeper?
This game is definitely a Keeper. Although music and graphics are important to any game, most racing game fans are more concerned with a variety of tracks and vehicles and good control. This game gives plenty of that. And although I knock the graphics, they are far from poor. This is still, overall, an awesome racing game. I'm enjoying it a great deal, and I look forward to playing it more than any racing game I've owned so far.


For more information about this game, please visit my Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer Facts and Tips page. It features maps (with shortcuts!) and tips for each circuit and track.

More Reviews:

[Marie's Reviews]
[Mog's Reviews]

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