Charge up your power couplings - the Star Wars Episode I Racer Steam release has finally kicked off, bringing podracing to one of the world's biggest digital distribution sites.
If you're not a 90's kid, you missed out on arguably one of the strangest and most interesting racing games ever made. While Star Wars fans rarely have kind words for the prequel movies, Star Wars Episode I Racer was a rare highlight from the era.
Players are able to choose from one of 21 different podracers and race at speeds up to 600 mph (965 kph) on eight different worlds. These races are dangerous and jam-packed with competition - you'll be facing pretty much everyone else in the cast at the same time for each race.
Much like the movie's climatic podracing scenes, the Star Wars Episode I Racer Steam release brings many of the same hazards that we saw in the movie. Meteor showers, methane lakes, and Tusken Raiders are just as likely to take you out as an oncoming wall or an unscrupulous opponent. Sebulba is particularly dangerous, all the more so in the hands of a player - you'll be able to activate his hidden flamethrower by double-tapping a certain button and roast your enemies.
Bear in mind that the game hasn't had much in the way of updates. While it's been made to work on PCs running Windows 7 or later, it's more or less the same game that graced the N64 nearly 20 years ago. You're gonna be waiting quite a while (possibly forever) if you're hoping for some sort of remastered edition.
This wasn't the only LucasArts release to make its way to Steam. The list has grown quite extensive. New titles include world-building simulation Afterlife (also on GOG), Escape from Monkey Island (also on GOG), and Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine (which is, of course, also on GOG).
The Star Wars Episode I Racer Steam release has a 25% launch discount until November 23 - in the meantime, you can grab it for $7.49 or your regional equivalent. If you'd prefer to get a DRM-free version of the game, you can also grab Star Wars Episode I Racer on GOG for $9.99. Be sure to check out our review of the GOG version to see just how well it holds up in the modern era!
Disclosure: GOG works with TechRaptor for affiliate partnership, and TechRaptor earns a small commission off purchases made from links in this article. In addition, GOG provides a monthly giveaway to our Pack Hunter members.
What do you think of the Star Wars Episode I Racer Steam release? Did you get the chance to play the original back in the N64 days? Let us know in the comments below!
