AbstractThere's no question that STAR WARS: Episode I Racer was one of the most intense games ever to hit a home console, but this sequel actually trumps it. Give your PS2 a treat and check out the incredible action of Racer revenge, reaching speeds of over 600 MPH in your pod racer. There are plenty of characters from the STAR WARS saga to choose from including Anakin and Sebulba and there are 18 tracks to put your skills to the test. This might just be the best multiplayer game ever conceived.
ESRB rating
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Mild Violence |
Full descriptionThe sequel to 1999's Star Wars: Episode I: Racer, Star Wars: Racer Revenge brings the fictional sport of Podracing to the PlayStation 2. A cast of 18 characters is available for selection, introducing new racers to the fold as well as welcoming back old favorites like Sebulba and Anakin Skywalker. Thirteen tracks are spread across five planets, including the seldom seen Mon Calamari and Sullust.
Aggressive racing is encouraged, with bonus trugnuts awarded for completely eliminating opponents from the race. Players can then spend this money on upgraded parts in the areas of acceleration, top speed, handling, defense, repair, and cooling. Boosts can also be used during the race, but abuse of this feature will overheat the engines and cause them to explode.
Single, Versus, and Tournament are the three featured modes, with the first allowing players to competitively race on any unlocked track, practice it, or take part in timed runs. Versus mode is a two-player race on any of the available tracks. Tournament makes up the bulk of play, requiring players to take one character through a career on the Podracing circuit.
An alternative control scheme is included in the title, making use of both analog sticks to guide each corresponding engine (the left stick controls the left engine, while the right stick controls the right engine). This setup closely mimics the Podracers seen in the Star Wars movie, Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
It has been eight years since the first spectacular Podracing showdown between Sebulba and the young Anakin Skywalker. Seeking payback for his humiliating loss, Sebulba has a new beefed-up Podracer and lust for revenge. But it's not going to be easy: Anakin has grown into a boldly skilled Podracer pilot. Thus the stage is set for Star Wars? Racer Revenge?, bringing newer, faster, and even more dangerous Podracing to the galaxy-taking you on a one-way ride to ultimate victory. Jockey for position with a tangle of Podracing opponents or leave the pack behind at intense, nerve-jangling, planet-scorching simulated speeds of up to 600 mph. Crash and bash competitors into oblivion as you take them out of the race for good.
Editorial reviewSource:
AmazonOriginally released for the Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo 64,
Star Wars: Episode I, Racer was a decent title with its share of flaws--most notably its control and graphics. The game's PlayStation2 sequel,
Star Wars: Racer Revenge, addresses many of the original's shortcomings and is a vastly superior product. Rainbow Studios--known for its strong racers such as
ATV Offroad Fury and
Motocross Madness--developed this game, unlike the original. The developer's prowess at creating racing games is evident, as this title features much better controls and more compelling races. Furthermore, it receives a nice graphics upgrade that showcases the capabilities of the PS2. This game is superior in every respect to its predecessor.
Game modes include practice, single play, tournament, time trials, and versus. Tournament mode is the bulk of the game. Players can beat it in fewer than three hours and it isn't particularly difficult. Replay value is added by requiring you to beat the tournament mode several times so you can unlock all the game's secrets. Oddly enough, the game's sound--usually LucasArts's forte--is hampered by an unusual effect: at times you'll hear the full Star Wars treatment, as John Williams's score and cool sound effects totally capture the feel of the movies, but other times you'll hear only the sound of your engine. The environmental audio is an interesting choice that wasn't executed very well. Audio and brevity issues aside, this game is one of the strongest Star Wars titles released for a console. --Raymond M. Padilla
Pros:
- Much better gameplay than the original
- Excellent graphics
- Tight controls
Cons: - Extremely short
- Not very challenging
- Music fade-ins and -outs are weird
18 tracks; five planets; plenty of playable characters; incredible graphics; multiplayer action
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