For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re doing something a little bit different. This time, we’re taking a look at Star Wars Episode 1: Racer, taking the best (non-fighting) scene from the movie, and making it into a game! Race at over 600 mph through dangerous planets, in an all-out race for the win.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8FVL46rZm0[/youtube]
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer was released in 1999 for the PC, Mac, Sega Dreamcast , Nintendo 64, and Gameboy Color. 23 (25 if you include cheat codes) pods are able to be raced, including iconic racers from the movie. Anakin, Sebulba, Gasgano, Ratts Tyerell (may he rest in peace), and even Ben Quadinaros’ pods are at your disposal, and are able to be upgraded to make it the fastest pod in the galaxy.
Eight worlds are able to be visited, making for 25 courses to be raced on. Qui-Gon talked about watching the races at Malastare, and now you get to take part! Some courses feature some truly innovative design, like zero-gravity tunnels or sliding over frozen bodies of water. Four tournaments will take you all throughout the galaxy, where every position matters.
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer is ranked as one of the greatest Star Wars games in a 2004 GMR Magazine article. It also holds the record for the best-selling sci-fi racing game, beating out Wipeout and F-Zero. An arcade game was made in 2000, featuring “realistic” podracer controls.
Did you ever play Star Wars Episode 1: Racer? Let us know in the comments!
Author’s Note: Back in 1999, I used to play this game all the time with my friend, Mark, on the Nintendo 64. Battling head to head, sabotaging the competition by smacking their controller, made for some fun childhood memories!