STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is back, and it’s ready to rekindle your nostalgia for classic lightsaber-swinging action. Originally released on the Dreamcast and PlayStation in the early 2000s, the game has returned with a few visual upgrades, some minor enhancements, and a fresh opportunity for players to relive the chaotic fun of this old-school beat-‘em-up. However, calling it a “remaster” may be a bit generous. While the game’s core remains as enjoyable (and frustrating) as ever, it’s clear that this release is more of a re-release than a full-scale modernization.
Jedi Action and Co-op Mayhem
For those unfamiliar with Jedi Power Battles, the game takes players through 10 action-packed levels inspired by Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. You’ll battle battle droids, destroyer droids, and alien creatures as you attempt to retake Theed Royal Palace and protect the galaxy. What sets this game apart from other Star Wars titles is its fast-paced, side-scrolling beat-‘em-up style combined with light platforming elements.
You can choose from five main Jedi characters—Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Plo Koon, and Adi Gallia—each with their own unique combat style and abilities. Want to play as a double-bladed lightsaber-wielding Sith? Characters like Darth Maul, Captain Panaka, and Queen Amidala are also available as bonus unlocks, adding some extra replay value.
The co-op mode is one of the game’s highlights, offering a classic couch co-op experience. While the absence of online multiplayer is a missed opportunity, playing with a friend locally still brings back that retro gaming charm, especially when you’re both trying to survive the chaotic platforming sections and unforgiving combat.
What’s New in the Remaster?
Despite being labeled a remaster, Jedi Power Battles has seen only minimal upgrades. The game supports widescreen and higher resolutions, giving it a more polished look, but the underlying graphics remain largely unchanged. Textures appear to have received some AI upscaling, and HUD elements and menus have been refreshed for a more modern appearance.
Cutscenes have also been upscaled, though they still retain their early 2000s charm, and the gameplay’s iconic sound effects remain intact—complete with occasional bugs like missing or repeating sounds. While it’s nice to see these small visual improvements, they don’t dramatically change the experience.
A few gameplay tweaks have been made to smooth out the experience. The addition of auto-targeting and a modern controller setup makes combat feel slightly more intuitive, but beyond these minor changes, the core gameplay remains identical to the original release.
Gameplay: Fun, Frustrating, and Still Janky
Jedi Power Battles has always been a mix of fun and frustration, and that remains true in this version. Combat is satisfying when you’re slicing through droids with a lightsaber, and each character’s unique abilities add some variety. Mace Windu is a powerhouse with a balanced combat style, while Adi Gallia specializes in quick strikes and acrobatics. Plo Koon’s dual-wielding lightsabers bring a distinct flair to battle.
However, the game’s platforming sections are where things get tricky—and not always in a good way. Expect to fall to your death repeatedly due to awkward camera angles and inconsistent jump mechanics. Some areas require near-perfect timing to navigate, which can quickly become frustrating. Classic bugs from the original version are still present, such as being pushed through the floor by a boss or flying off-screen after stepping on the wrong platform.
Certain design choices, like having to restart entire levels if an NPC dies, feel outdated and could have been improved in this release. For example, if the queen dies at the end of level 4, you’ll need to replay the entire level from the start—a frustrating experience that could have been avoided with modern checkpoint systems.
Co-op and Replay Value
Despite its flaws, the game shines in co-op mode. There’s something undeniably fun about teaming up with a friend to take on waves of enemies. The addition of a New Game+ mode and classic cheat codes like Big Head Mode and lightsaber color toggles add some extra replayability.
Unlocking new characters and experimenting with their unique playstyles is a highlight, but some of the bonus characters—like generic NPCs—feel underwhelming compared to fan favorites like Darth Maul. It would have been nice to see more Jedi or Sith options instead of these filler characters.
Graphics and Sound: A Mixed Bag
Visually, Jedi Power Battles holds up reasonably well for a game that’s over 20 years old. The AI upscaling gives the environments a cleaner look, and the updated HUD is a welcome change. That said, don’t expect anything revolutionary—this isn’t on the same level as recent remasters like the Tomb Raider or Crash Bandicoot trilogies.
Sound design is nostalgic but rough around the edges. The lightsaber sound effects are iconic and satisfying, but the low-quality audio and recurring bugs can occasionally pull you out of the experience.
Where the Game Falls Short
For all its nostalgic charm, Jedi Power Battles could have been much more. The lack of significant gameplay improvements or quality-of-life features is disappointing. There’s no option to rebind controls, no preview for gear or cosmetics, and no online co-op—an odd choice in today’s multiplayer-focused gaming landscape. Camera control is another missed opportunity, as many of the game’s platforming frustrations could have been mitigated with better camera angles.
The Good, The Bad, and The Nostalgic
What Keeps It Fun (Strengths)
- Classic Couch Co-op: Still a blast to play with a friend.
- Unique Jedi Characters: Each Jedi has distinct abilities, adding variety to combat.
- High Nostalgia Factor: Fans of the original will enjoy revisiting this cult classic.
- Improved Visuals and HUD: Widescreen support and upscaled textures make it easier on the eyes.
- Replayability: New Game+, bonus characters, and cheat codes add extra fun.
What Could Have Been Better (Weaknesses)
- Minimal Upgrades: Feels more like a port than a true remaster.
- Unchanged Bugs: Classic glitches and frustrating platforming remain.
- No Online Multiplayer: A surprising omission in a co-op-focused game.
- Outdated Checkpoints: Dying at key moments often means restarting entire levels.
- Limited Bonus Characters: Some unlockable characters feel like filler.
STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles: STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a fun but flawed blast from the past. For those who grew up with the original, this re-release offers a chance to relive the chaotic lightsaber battles and platforming mishaps that made the game memorable. However, if you’re expecting a full-fledged remaster with significant improvements, you might be disappointed. For newcomers, the game is still worth a try—especially if you have a friend to play with. Just be prepared for a few frustrating moments along the way. Ultimately, Jedi Power Battles is a game that thrives on its nostalgic charm, and for many players, that’s enough. – Obsidian
