Star Wars Episode 1: Racer

The game is based on the pod-racing scene from Episode I, which was arguably the best and most exciting segment of the film. Players enter a series of pod races as either Anakin Skywalker or one of his 20 different alien rivals--including Sebulba, once you get far enough into the game to unlock this bonus character. Races are linked in four different circuits, each more difficult than the last. The highest circuit, in fact, can be extremely tough.

Each race is a white-knuckled ride on the wild side, as the game does an excellent job of conveying a feeling of ferocious speed. It helps that Racer utilizes spectacular 3-D graphics to depict the racetracks and their alien surroundings. But racers can't waste time admiring the scenery: tracks are not always well marked, and it's all too easy to get lost and fly off the track.

As with most Star Wars games, the sound effects and music in Racer are top-notch. True, Anakin's cutesy voice can be annoying at times, but the other racers sound great when they complain as you pass them on the track. Watto the shopkeeper, the floating alien guy who sells new parts and upgrades for your pod, is a great character who chatters away humorously as you shop his store.

Overall, Racer is a game that can easily stand on its own merits rather than ride the coattails of Star Wars: Episode I. Intense speed, unique racing action, and excellent 3-D graphics make this one a sure-fire winner. --Michael E. Ryan

Pros:

• Unique, high-speed racing action
• Excellent graphics
• Pod upgrades
• Great sound effects and music

• Becomes extremely difficult at the highest levels
• Tracks can be confusing at times
• The voice of Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker)

There is a wide range of playable characters and pods available, and the choice of upgrading or buying parts for your vehicle. The speed of the racing is incredible; it's a white-knuckle ride across ice and desert and through caves and tunnels. None of the pods come equipped with weapons, but to be honest you just don't need them: the game in no way suffers from the lack of them and the racing is excellent by itself.

There are eight racing worlds and over twenty levels, each at different stages of difficulty. Each is beautifully designed and exciting to play, although later on in the game the tracks set in the same worlds may seem a little similar. The map of each track that appears at the top right of each screen can sometimes be hard to read as not enough of each track is shown and making out competing pods is difficult.

One great thing about the game is that it has great replay value. Even though it's pretty easy to beat, I've played it through several times now and still haven't got bored of it. Overall, four and a half stars. The graphics are excellent but the tracks can get a little repetitive. You don't have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy this game.