Meesa happy this classic is back
By Paul Hunter
Star Wars fans, prepare yourselves for a nostalgic journey through the iconic prequel universe. Aspyr, the game developer known for remastering older Star Wars titles, has breathed new life into the classic 2000 release, Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles, bringing it to the latest consoles and PCs.
Originally launched a year after the film The Phantom Menace, this side-scrolling arcade-style adventure allowed players to step into the shoes of beloved Jedi knights, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu. Now, 25 years later, you can once again wield your lightsaber and harness the power of the Force as you battle through iconic Star Wars locales.
With its modernised controls, updated visuals, and the addition of a New Game+ mode featuring a host of new playable characters, this Jedi Power Battles remaster delivers a thrilling and nostalgic Star Wars adventure for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. So, ignite your lightsaber, channel your inner Jedi, and let's head off to a galaxy far, far away to see what this game has to offer.
This classic action title allows you to step into the shoes of famous Jedi knights as you battle through a variety of memorable settings from the film The Phantom Menace. The narrative of Jedi Power Battles closely follows the events of the first prequel film, offering you the chance to relive the key moments from a fresh perspective. From the towering Trade Federation battleships to the lush landscapes of Naboo, you'll traverse a diverse range of locales, facing off against legions of droids, Tusken Raiders, and other formidable foes.
As you progress through the story, you'll encounter a range of memorable characters and moments from the film, like the iconic duel between Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul on Naboo, or team up with Padmé Amidala to defend the streets of Coruscant. The attention to detail in recreating these pivotal scenes is impressive, and these moments are even better with all the graphical upgrades done by Aspyr.
Beyond the main campaign, Jedi Power Battles also offers a New Game+ mode, which introduces a ton of new playable characters, including the bumbling Jar Jar Binks (whom I personally love!). This addition not only adds to the game's replayability but also allows you to experience the story from fresh perspectives.
Jedi Power Battles offers a nice blend of combat and platforming elements. The core gameplay revolves you navigating through a variety of memorable Star Wars locales and doing battle with a host of jawas, droids, mercenaries and other menacing foes. Each playable Jedi, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, and Adi Gallia, boasts their own distinct combat styles and Force abilities, encouraging you to experiment and find the playstyle that suits you best. Whether you prefer Obi-Wan's elegant swordsmanship or Mace Windu's aggressive Vaapad technique, there's a Jedi in this game for you.
Jedi Power Battles stands out for its satisfying lightsaber combat. Each Jedi can execute a range of devastating lightsaber combos, seamlessly chaining together strikes and Force powers to overwhelm your opponents. What's neat is in this version you have the ability to toggle your lightsaber colour whenever you choose.
Beyond the melee-focused combat, the game also incorporates platforming elements, challenging you to navigate treacherous environments and overcome perilous obstacles. Whether it's jumping through laser fields or climbing the leafy trees of Naboo, there's plenty of platforming moment that'll challenge you.
It's worth noting that as a 25-year-old game, the difficulty level can be quite punishing at times, with some enemies possessing the ability to stun-lock you or other times you'll get overwhelming with a half dozen rushing attackers. Thankfully, with a bit of practice it gets easier and the game also supports two-player couch co-op allowing a buddy to jump in at any time to lend a hand. For seasoned Star Wars players looking for an intense challenge, you'll find this game a true test of your Jedi skills.
The visual presentation of Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles may not impress when compared to current standards, but it's still a nice bump up from the original game and captures the essence of the Star Wars universe. Aspyr has done a commendable job of polishing the visuals, ensuring that the game's environments and character models remain serviceable and visually appealing.
The various locations you'll traverse, from the sandy dunes of Tatooine to the massive sandstone Royal Palace of Theed, are rendered in a vibrant 3D style that faithfully recreates the distinct aesthetic of the prequel trilogy. The attention to detail in these settings is particularly noteworthy, with each level seamlessly blending familiar elements from the films with unique interpretations. Whether you're battling through the bustling streets of Coruscant or navigating the treacherous caverns of Tatooine, the game's environments consistently deliver a strong sense of immersion.
The character animations, while not as fluid or expressive as modern-day titles, still manage to capture the distinctive movements and mannerisms of the Jedi knights. Watching Obi-Wan Kenobi gracefully parry blaster fire or Darth Maul unleash his aggressive double-bladed lightsaber is a true delight for Star Wars fans. The visual feedback during lightsaber combat is especially satisfying, with the iconic blades clashing and deflecting laser bolts with effects and sounds that come straight from the movies.
Complementing the visual presentation is the game's exceptional sound design. The soundtrack, which draws heavily from the iconic score of the prequel trilogy, blends the sweeping orchestral themes with the more intense, action-oriented cues. The familiar sounds of lightsabers humming and blasters firing further enhance the sense of authenticity, transporting you directly into the heart of the Star Wars universe.
Final Score: 7.5/10 - Good
Developer: Aspyr
Publisher: Aspyr
Genre: Action, Platformer
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
A key was provided by the publisher.

By Paul Hunter
Star Wars fans, prepare yourselves for a nostalgic journey through the iconic prequel universe. Aspyr, the game developer known for remastering older Star Wars titles, has breathed new life into the classic 2000 release, Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles, bringing it to the latest consoles and PCs.
Originally launched a year after the film The Phantom Menace, this side-scrolling arcade-style adventure allowed players to step into the shoes of beloved Jedi knights, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu. Now, 25 years later, you can once again wield your lightsaber and harness the power of the Force as you battle through iconic Star Wars locales.
With its modernised controls, updated visuals, and the addition of a New Game+ mode featuring a host of new playable characters, this Jedi Power Battles remaster delivers a thrilling and nostalgic Star Wars adventure for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. So, ignite your lightsaber, channel your inner Jedi, and let's head off to a galaxy far, far away to see what this game has to offer.

This classic action title allows you to step into the shoes of famous Jedi knights as you battle through a variety of memorable settings from the film The Phantom Menace. The narrative of Jedi Power Battles closely follows the events of the first prequel film, offering you the chance to relive the key moments from a fresh perspective. From the towering Trade Federation battleships to the lush landscapes of Naboo, you'll traverse a diverse range of locales, facing off against legions of droids, Tusken Raiders, and other formidable foes.
As you progress through the story, you'll encounter a range of memorable characters and moments from the film, like the iconic duel between Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul on Naboo, or team up with Padmé Amidala to defend the streets of Coruscant. The attention to detail in recreating these pivotal scenes is impressive, and these moments are even better with all the graphical upgrades done by Aspyr.
Beyond the main campaign, Jedi Power Battles also offers a New Game+ mode, which introduces a ton of new playable characters, including the bumbling Jar Jar Binks (whom I personally love!). This addition not only adds to the game's replayability but also allows you to experience the story from fresh perspectives.

Jedi Power Battles offers a nice blend of combat and platforming elements. The core gameplay revolves you navigating through a variety of memorable Star Wars locales and doing battle with a host of jawas, droids, mercenaries and other menacing foes. Each playable Jedi, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, and Adi Gallia, boasts their own distinct combat styles and Force abilities, encouraging you to experiment and find the playstyle that suits you best. Whether you prefer Obi-Wan's elegant swordsmanship or Mace Windu's aggressive Vaapad technique, there's a Jedi in this game for you.
Jedi Power Battles stands out for its satisfying lightsaber combat. Each Jedi can execute a range of devastating lightsaber combos, seamlessly chaining together strikes and Force powers to overwhelm your opponents. What's neat is in this version you have the ability to toggle your lightsaber colour whenever you choose.
Beyond the melee-focused combat, the game also incorporates platforming elements, challenging you to navigate treacherous environments and overcome perilous obstacles. Whether it's jumping through laser fields or climbing the leafy trees of Naboo, there's plenty of platforming moment that'll challenge you.
It's worth noting that as a 25-year-old game, the difficulty level can be quite punishing at times, with some enemies possessing the ability to stun-lock you or other times you'll get overwhelming with a half dozen rushing attackers. Thankfully, with a bit of practice it gets easier and the game also supports two-player couch co-op allowing a buddy to jump in at any time to lend a hand. For seasoned Star Wars players looking for an intense challenge, you'll find this game a true test of your Jedi skills.

The visual presentation of Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles may not impress when compared to current standards, but it's still a nice bump up from the original game and captures the essence of the Star Wars universe. Aspyr has done a commendable job of polishing the visuals, ensuring that the game's environments and character models remain serviceable and visually appealing.
The various locations you'll traverse, from the sandy dunes of Tatooine to the massive sandstone Royal Palace of Theed, are rendered in a vibrant 3D style that faithfully recreates the distinct aesthetic of the prequel trilogy. The attention to detail in these settings is particularly noteworthy, with each level seamlessly blending familiar elements from the films with unique interpretations. Whether you're battling through the bustling streets of Coruscant or navigating the treacherous caverns of Tatooine, the game's environments consistently deliver a strong sense of immersion.
The character animations, while not as fluid or expressive as modern-day titles, still manage to capture the distinctive movements and mannerisms of the Jedi knights. Watching Obi-Wan Kenobi gracefully parry blaster fire or Darth Maul unleash his aggressive double-bladed lightsaber is a true delight for Star Wars fans. The visual feedback during lightsaber combat is especially satisfying, with the iconic blades clashing and deflecting laser bolts with effects and sounds that come straight from the movies.
Complementing the visual presentation is the game's exceptional sound design. The soundtrack, which draws heavily from the iconic score of the prequel trilogy, blends the sweeping orchestral themes with the more intense, action-oriented cues. The familiar sounds of lightsabers humming and blasters firing further enhance the sense of authenticity, transporting you directly into the heart of the Star Wars universe.

The Verdict
As a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles offers a solid experience for long-time fans of the franchise. Aspyr's remastered version successfully captures the essence of the original 2000 release, while modernising the controls, updating the visuals and offering a slew of new features including brand new unlockable playable characters for added replayability. While it may not offer the depth or polish of current gen games, the opportunity to relive the Jedi-centric narrative of The Phantom Menace, coupled with the iconic Star Wars soundtrack, provides an entertaining experience for those willing to overlook its technical shortcomings.Final Score: 7.5/10 - Good

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles details
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PCDeveloper: Aspyr
Publisher: Aspyr
Genre: Action, Platformer
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
A key was provided by the publisher.