Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles

"Deflect. Defeat. Destroy!"

Star Wars Episode 1 Jedi Power Battles is one of the coolest Star Wars games on PSX to date. While most of the games contain flying and shooting, this is strictly light saber. Yes folks you duel it out in fast and furious action with your trust light saber. While you handle one of Star Wars coolest and most impressive weapons, other cooler aspects of the game really show through as well. Keep in mind that there are just a few minor flaws that will die your saber out but if you can get past them, the game is just brilliant.

The story follows events from the movie Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Your main obligation is to neutralize the threat of Trade Federation Ascendancy and protect the interest of the Republic.

The gameplay will make your eyes open realy wide when you first start to play this game. You get to choose between 5 Jedi before you start your game. These Jedi consist of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, or Jedi Council members Mace Windu, Plo Koon or Adi Gallia. Each Jedi warrior has their own strengths and weaknesses so you must play as them all to experience with them. Also they come equipped with different combos and colored light sabers which gives the game much more variety. The game is sort of like a slightly tilted view hack'n'slash. Your path is already set and the levels which you traverse are pretty vast. Challenging gameplay kicks it up a notch when you find yourself warding off tons of destroyer droids at the pace of your own skill and saber. Mission objectives make the game far more interesting other than hack and slash your way to the end. The graphics are a bit choppy and makes that last jump on to a platform a huge pain sometimes but it doesn't take a Jedi to master it. Power Ups and enhanced abilities await you. The game keeps track of score so the higher your score the better you benefit. The main flaw in this game which made me bring down my score was the controls. The lock on system is really helpful so using it would be wise. Trying to hit your target sometimes gets frustrating and takes a bit more practice to master. The controls also make platform jumping even harder despite the graphics which aren't all that bad when it comes down to it. All in all this game is super fun. The perfect simulation when it comes to being a Jedi.

The graphics and sounds are good, out of the two I would say the graphics are nothing but average. The sounds are fantastic however. The sounds of destroyer droids blasting away as you swing your saber like the Jedi warrior you are sound just like in the movies! The visuals of the saber are pretty neat also. Sometimes the graphics get a bit jumpy and choppy which really isn't all that bad considering the great gameplay. The perfectly orchestrated Star Wars music will send chills of nostalgia down your spine.

When it comes down to replay value, this game is gold. 5 Jedi to choose from and lots of different goodies and combos to master. Trying to master your score each time you play. Also with 2 difficulties to choose from, Easy, or Jedi...the replay value is endless. This is a classic game and playtime will never be a factor, although it is long and challenging, this is a game you will always want to play when you get that sudden Jedi urge. Keeping in mind the flaws, this game is one of my personal favorites among the Star Wars series.

Yes folks this game is a classic. Any Star Wars fans should get this game because if you don't I would be ashamed of you. You can't miss out on an adventure such as this one. The game is well worth the time and money, do to the 8 I gave it, if you can deal with the minor flaws in this title, like I said...this game is brilliant.

Out you go and this game you get. Miss out not on this adventure you will. (-imitation of Yoda) MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

-Happy Gaming!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/25/03, Updated 05/25/03