Ethan Carter
Star Wars: Galactic Racer offers an exciting blend of gameplay elements and a dedicated fanbase rooted in the beloved sci-fi saga. Developed by Fuse Games, the team behind Need for Speed and Burnout, this title promises thrilling racing experiences, including dramatic slow-motion podracer crashes and explosive action throughout the game.
I had the opportunity to engage with an extensive demo that showcased various vehicle types and provided a glimpse into the single-player campaign. This campaign features a season-based structure where players race to outpace a well-resourced rival. While my focus was primarily on the campaign mode, the game offers a total of four exciting modes, including the Scenario mode, which challenges players to race under specific conditions, along with Challenge races and Versus mode for head-to-head competition against other players.
The game features three distinct vehicle types, each with unique handling characteristics. I found myself particularly drawn to the Blade, a middleweight vehicle that allows for thrilling drifting and tilting maneuvers, enabling it to race along its side edge. The challenge lies in balancing tighter cornering with lower top speeds, making each race a test of skill.
Another option is the Landspeeder, which boasts a design more akin to traditional cars. This vehicle excels at maintaining speed and can withstand jostling from competitors without losing control. Lastly, the Skimspeeder accelerates rapidly out of tight corners, providing a strategic edge during races.
Players can utilize two types of boosts across all vehicles. The Afterburner boost is a safer option, gradually refilling during the race, while the Ramjet boost offers a powerful but risky speed increase. Engaging the Ramjet raises engine temperature, pushing it to “Redline.” If players remain in this state for too long, their vehicle will explode, regardless of their driving skills.
The racing fundamentals are enriched with features such as shields, hacking abilities, and various status effects that can disrupt boosting capabilities. As players progress through the campaign, they can earn and unlock parts to enhance their vehicles, boosting stats like cornering and top speed or providing additional Ramjet power. Successfully placing in races rewards players with components, but upgrading vehicles will also require credits earned through competition. Each racing season includes solo time trials and stages with unique twists, organized in a flow chart format that allows players to choose the most effective race combinations.
I frequently changed vehicles based on the race environment. With numerous planets featured in Galactic Racer, different terrains influence strategies. Certain tracks feature acidic rivers requiring shields, while icy planets allow for extended use of the Ramjet booster. In stark contrast, races on volcanic planets necessitate careful timing with boosts. Some races impose strict rules against crashing, while most allow three chances. In true Burnout fashion, players return to the track at speed after respawning.
While the inclusion of iconic Star Wars characters, races, and environments adds depth, Galactic Racer remains captivating even for those who may not be fans of the franchise. For dedicated fans, the game offers a narrative set after the fall of the Empire, where the New Republic begins to establish itself. Players take on the role of a mysterious helmeted pilot named Shade throughout the campaign.
To immerse players in the story and its characters, each race is preceded and followed by a brief exploratory walk from the spaceship to the garage. This routine occurs after every race. Occasionally, rival racers might engage in dialogue or invite players to participate in special races. the repetitive nature of walking the same route could benefit from a “skip to next race” option. I did not delve deeply into vehicle customization, but the process appeared intuitive, allowing players to direct upgrades in alignment with their driving preferences.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is set to launch on October 6, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
