There was a time when Star Wars games were a constant presence in the gaming industry. During the Lucas-led era, new titles appeared regularly, often tied to major film releases. The launch of The Phantom Menace was accompanied by several games, though most were met with disappointment. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Obi-Wan landed among the worst-reviewed titles, while Star Wars: Episode I Racer remained the standout success. Jedi Power Battles fell somewhere in between — critically panned but embraced by younger fans who simply enjoyed the chance to play as Jedi, visit familiar locations, and experience the film’s events firsthand.
However, the game was far from perfect. Players frequently complained about frustrating platforming, uneven difficulty spikes, and awkward level design. The Dreamcast version was an improvement over the PlayStation release (and the Game Boy Advance version is best left unmentioned), but its flaws were undeniable. Now, 25 years later, Jedi Power Battles has made an unexpected return, courtesy of Aspyr, a company known for reviving old Star Wars titles with minimal enhancements. Once again, the question arises: should these re-releases be criticized for their lack of improvements or appreciated for making nostalgic experiences accessible?
To enjoy Jedi Power Battles, players need to meet a few criteria. First and foremost, they should be Star Wars fans — ideally those with a fondness for the prequel era. Second, some level of nostalgia for the original game helps, as newcomers may struggle to overlook its aged mechanics.
At its core, Jedi Power Battles is a late-90s hack-and-slash game. Players choose from a roster of Jedi, including Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, and even non-Jedi characters like Padmé and a battle droid. The game is best experienced in co-op, where the chaotic action and clunky mechanics feel more entertaining than frustrating. The campaign consists of various levels, loosely following the events of The Phantom Menace. Combat primarily involves slicing through waves of droids, but platforming sections and vehicle sequences break up the action.
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The combat in Jedi Power Battles is functional but unremarkable. It works, but it lacks fluidity and polish. However, the platforming remains the game’s weakest element. Even with adjustments in the remaster, such as improved controls and added checkpoints, the experience remains frustrating. The original game’s platforming was notoriously bad, and while some refinements have been made, they only slightly mitigate the problem.
Visually, the remaster holds up better than expected. The graphical improvements bring the game closer to how fans may remember it rather than how it actually looked. The animations and effects still feel dated, but that’s part of the charm for those revisiting the game.
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Despite its flaws, Jedi Power Battles manages to be an entertaining relic of its time. The awkward mechanics, occasional bugs, and outdated design create a strangely enjoyable experience. The game’s unintentional humor — whether through stiff animations or exaggerated sound effects — adds to its nostalgic appeal.
It’s difficult to call Jedi Power Battles a good game, even by the standards of its original release. In 2025, it feels even more out of place. However, Aspyr seems to understand the niche audience for this re-release. Small but meaningful updates, such as Mace Windu’s now-iconic purple lightsaber (which was blue in the original) and the inclusion of new characters like Jar Jar Binks, cater directly to returning fans. Even the classic cheat codes remain intact.
Verdict
Should you buy Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles? If you’re looking for a genuinely great Star Wars game, there are far better options. But for those who have fond memories of this flawed yet charming title, the remaster delivers exactly what it promises — a faithful return to a game that many remember fondly, despite its shortcomings.
