Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles was originally released on PlayStation and Dreamcast in 2000 and found plenty of fans thanks to its easy-to-play action. Starting on January 23, 2025, gamers will be able to play an updated version on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. ComingSoon spoke with Aspyr Director of Product Chris Bashaar to learn more about how the remastered version is more than just another port.
“Take back the Theed Palace in this fast and furious lightsaber action game. You will have the power of the Force and your trusty lightsaber to help you ward off legions of battle droids, destroyer droids, assassins, and other creatures from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” says the official description.
Tyler Treese: Nostalgia for the Star Wars prequels are at an all-time high, and Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is hitting a wonderful 25th anniversary. Did that factor into why this was chosen for a remaster?
Chris Bashaar: With Jedi Power Battles celebrating its 25th anniversary, it felt like the perfect time to bring this classic back. The game has always been a fan favorite, and this milestone offered a great opportunity to reintroduce it to both longtime fans and new players.
The Jedi Power Battles remaster is based on the Dreamcast source code, but there are also many gameplay enhancements. What can returning players expect from the gameplay?
Returning players can expect several gameplay enhancements built on the Dreamcast version’s foundation. These include updated controls with a modernized control scheme, a lightsaber toggle for added customization, new playable characters, and refined mechanics like enhanced jump and balance systems. Combined with classic cheats, unlockable progressions, and couch co-op, these updates aim to provide a fresh yet familiar experience.
Previously unlockable characters, such as Darth Maul, are available from the beginning, but 13 new characters are able to be unlocked. How was it handling these additions?
Adding 13 new playable characters was an exciting challenge. We wanted to expand the roster in a way that felt natural to Star Wars while giving players more variety. Balancing their abilities and ensuring they integrated seamlessly with the existing gameplay mechanics required careful attention, as we didn’t want the new characters to feel unauthentic to the original. Characters were tested using force powers and speed in order to ensure that they were appropriately balanced in battle. The result adds a fresh layer of fun and discovery for both new and returning players.
I loved that screen-accurate lightsabers, such as Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber, have been included as a toggle. Those little touches go a long way. Can you speak to choosing your spots when to make a licensed game like this more canon-accurate?
Incorporating details like Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber was about enhancing the authenticity of the experience while respecting the original game. We looked for opportunities where thoughtful updates could align the game more closely with Star Wars galaxy without altering its core gameplay. These touches are meant to deepen immersion for fans and show our dedication to celebrating the galaxy we all love.
