Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles – Enjoyable But Simplistic

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles

When Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace arrived in cinemas, I saw it opening weekend. As a 14-year-old, I enjoyed the movie. Sure, I didn’t possess the ability to ascertain the quality of a film that, let’s face it, probably sits higher in the Star Wars film rankings than we previously thought it would. The Phantom Menace, like all Star Wars movies, saw a flood of merchandise, including nine licensed video games.

Even at the height of prequel trilogy hype, I hardly met anyone else who had played Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles. Even in the decades since its release, it almost felt like I had imagined this game. I suppose it was fate then (or perhaps, duelling fates) that Aspyr would eventually port Jedi Power Battles to modern systems. After all, they’ve already done so with 10 Star Wars games, as both standalone titles and bundles. Even so, this feels like such an odd game to bring back to the modern era, and yet, I’m thankful that it has been.

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles screenshot

Simply put, Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a hack ’n slash game set during the events of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Players choose from a number of characters (each with their own unique fighting combos) and dive into a series of straightforward missions. These missions can have side objectives, such as rescuing Queen Amidala’s handmaidens from danger, but due to the linear level design, these objectives are almost impossible to miss.

This re-release is based on the superior Sega Dreamcast version of the original game, and the roster includes Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Adi Gallia, Plo Koon, and Mace Windu. The unlockable characters from the original are also playable from the start, so there’s no need to finish the game under certain conditions to access Queen Amidala, Captain Quarsh Panaka, and Darth Maul. And now, players can assume control of one of the deadliest combatants in Star Wars history: Jar Jar Binks. That’s right, everyone’s favorite Gungan is available to play.

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles screenshot

Players move from scene to scene, encountering hordes of Episode I baddies. They’ll visit the Trade Federation ship, the swamps of Naboo, the city of Theed, Tatooine, Coruscant, the Royal Palace, and more. Some creative liberties have been taken with the levels to present more action and include platforming sequences, such as the Naboo swamp having raised and lowered areas and pitfalls, or a shortcut through the Royal Palace that takes players underground. Even as a kid playing the original, I enjoyed these detours that shook up the environments from the movie in unexpected ways.

The battle droids that seemed fragile and incapable of combat in The Phantom Menace have been given a significant buff here. They come in various color schemes indicating difficulty and combat style. Some engage in hand-to-hand combat, complete with their own fighting combos, while others shoot blasters, wield rocket launchers, or even flamethrowers. Additional unique opponents, such as droidekas, Tusken raiders, and Gungan warriors, are tied to specific levels. Though these enemies don’t revolutionize the game’s formula, they add variety and flavor to the settings.

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles screenshot

Each level concludes with a boss fight, which is a highlight of the game. Whether facing the giant loader droid, starfighter droid, Slaatik wurk, or Darth Maul himself, each boss presents a fun challenge. Completing levels earns players a score based on their performance, which functions as experience, unlocking health and force upgrades as well as additional fighting combos. Much like the Dynasty Warriors games, there’s satisfaction in starting as a semi-capable fighter and slowly evolving into a Jedi Master. Character differences shine here, with some excelling in force abilities while others, like Mace Windu and Plo Koon, specialize in lightsaber combat. A nice touch in this re-release is the ability to toggle canon and non-canon lightsaber colors.

It goes without saying that the year 2000 was a much simpler time for gaming. Hack ’n slash games in particular all shared a tried-and-true formula: go here, dispatch enemies, fight a boss, and start the next level. How long Jedi Power Battles can hold your attention depends on how much you enjoy or can tolerate repetitive gameplay. For me, I’ve found myself enjoying the game despite its repetitive combat and linear design because it demands far less of me than modern titles. There’s something satisfying about playing a game that’s straightforward in its goals and execution.

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles screenshot

Playing Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles in 2025 feels oddly comforting. Combos are basic and easy to execute, enemies are challenging but fair on higher difficulty levels, bosses are engaging, and levels are enjoyable to traverse. While the visuals are dated, the widescreen format and crisper resolution compared to the original PlayStation version make the game look sharp. However, time hasn’t been kind to the score, which consists of looped sections of Star Wars film music. These loops are often poorly executed, leading to jarring transitions. On the bright side, the game’s menus have received a facelift, replacing the Dreamcast version’s rough Photoshop visuals with polished 3D renders of the playable characters.

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is an engaging little brawler that deserves another chance to shine. Its asking price of $20 USD ($30 AUD) isn’t too steep. Sure, gaming has evolved since its release, but those nostalgic for games and Star Wars films of another time might find this humble adventure worth their time, even if it won’t blow their mind.

“Fans of the original game will enjoy this crisp re-release. It reminds us of simpler times while still remaining engaging. Those new to Jedi Power Battles may want to wait for a sale.”

Player2 reviewed Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles on xxxxx using a code kindly provided by the publisher. 

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