Games

Why Jedi Power Battles Should Stay in the Past: A Remaster’s Flawed Return

BBG News

Although many people view Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles as a cult favorite, I’ve never quite grasped its allure. Given that it’s a scrolling beat ’em up game based on Star Wars, a franchise I adore, and considering I’m not as critical of The Phantom Menace as some are, I should have enjoyed the game more. However, even though I can appreciate that The Phantom Menace is not the best Star Wars film, I still find Jedi Power Battles to be a subpar Star Wars game. Released for PS1 in 2000 and still falling short today, the game had some issues smoothed out in its Dreamcast version. This remastered version by Aspyr brings together the best aspects of both versions and adds new content, but it doesn’t sway those who are indifferent about the original game.

Regarding games that could benefit from a remaster, some might find it surprising that “Jedi Power Battles” is among them. After all, its combat mechanics were not particularly strong, and they remain the same – yet, Aspyr has chosen to bring it out of obscurity, perhaps from where it should have remained buried, lost for a millennium. Still, here it is, reemerging like Boba Fett, given a fresh coat of high-resolution paint, but with few significant alterations to the gameplay experience. If you harbor fond memories of “Jedi Power Battles,” you may not wish for drastic changes, and Aspyr deserves credit for maintaining fidelity to the original and striving to present the game as you recall it, albeit with a more polished and visually appealing look than it had a quarter-century ago.

As a die-hard fan, I must say that Jedi Power Battles seems to have all the right elements – blocking and deflecting blaster fire, crafting lightsaber combos, and even local co-op for two players. However, the execution of the combat leaves much to be desired. It lacks fluidity, and it’s a pity that there’s no option to parry saber attacks. Regrettably, the remaster doesn’t seem to address these issues, so you’re still in for the same rough ride as you might have experienced on the PS1 or Dreamcast. If the combat isn’t an issue for you, then the frustrating platforming segments will surely test your patience. Navigating Theed’s palace exterior and accidentally falling to your doom after missing a jump? Not my idea of fun.

Unfortunately, some levels require exactness, leading to frequent mishaps such as falling into a chasm from an incorrect jump or slipping off a narrow edge into the void. However, if there’s one silver lining, it’s the enjoyment that comes from teaming up with a friend in co-op mode. Sharing the misery, so to speak. Now, I don’t mean to be too critical, but it’s clear LucasArts was striving with Jedi Power Battles. However, this game doesn’t belong in the same legendary Star Wars universe as games like Battlefront, Knights of the Old Republic, Republic Commando, or even Bounty Hunter.

Aspyr’s efforts in preserving games should not be underestimated, but it’s worth noting that this preservation has apparently carried over some annoying glitches and less than polished textures from the original game as well. On several occasions, I got stuck within the environment, requiring me to abandon the level and restart from the beginning. To add insult to injury, after a challenging lightsaber battle against Darth Maul, the game froze, leaving me stunned and speechless before an unresponsive screen.

It’s great news that you can access all ten campaign levels and bonus stages of the game from the start, allowing you to choose any character from the original roster, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui Gon Jinn, Plo Koon, Darth Maul, Padme, Captain Panaka, or Mace Windu. Additionally, thirteen new characters have been introduced, including Jar Jar Binks, a well-known nuisance in the Star Wars universe. Furthermore, you can customize your lightsaber blade’s color, although Master Windu might not be too pleased with anyone altering his signature purple one.

Struggling with technical issues, hindered by slow-paced fighting sequences, and burdened by uncomfortable level design, Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is, at the very least, a peculiar artifact worth exploring. It doesn’t lack all value, and, similar to many cooperative games, playing together can be amusing. However, it’s challenging to endorse a remaster of a game that wasn’t particularly impressive originally. If you’re a dedicated Star Wars collector, my words won’t dissuade you, but I would suggest steering clear of Jedi Power Battles. It offers about as much pleasure as a tranquil drink at the Mos Eisley Cantina – you might find your good time spoiled by an alien outlaw with a death sentence in twelve systems, or an annoying platforming segment.

Read More

2025-01-23 15:12

Previous post Clash of Clans: Complete list of Grand Warden skins released in 2025
Next post BBC reveals impressive first look at reboot of iconic ’90s show