Prepare to relive the prequels, but with a dash of nostalgia and a sprinkle of…questionable choices. Aspyr Media, known for its Star Wars remasters, has announced the return of Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles, originally released back in 2000. This action-packed adventure, set in the world of The Phantom Menace, will be hitting PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam on January 23, 2025.
While the trailer showcases the game’s classic visuals, Aspyr has thrown in some modern touches. Instead of the initial five playable Jedi, the remaster unlocks all characters, including Darth Maul and Queen Amidala. Even better, 13 new playable characters can be unlocked after completing your first playthrough. Now you can finally live out your wildest fantasies of playing as a nameless Rifle Droid or Tusken Raider.
Aspyr has also added modern features for a more polished experience. Switch between classic and newer control schemes, experiment with different lightsaber colors, and explore gameplay modes from later releases, including a training mode. And just like the original, you can enjoy couch co-op for a blast from the past.
Despite the visual upgrade, the game retains a purposeful jankiness that harkens back to its 2000 roots. This choice has sparked debate among Star Wars fans. While Jedi Power Battles isn’t exactly fondly remembered, it’s not actively hated either. Some fans argue there were more deserving Star Wars titles for a remaster, like the classic Rogue Squadron from 1998.
Regardless of your stance on the choice, Jedi Power Battles will be available for a budget-friendly $20 when it launches early next year. Preorders are open now on your preferred platform.
Aspyr’s track record with remasters is a mixed bag. While some, like Republic Commando, have been well-received, others like the Battlefront Classic Collection fell short, facing severe online issues at launch.
This remaster also comes amidst Aspyr’s development woes. The studio was initially set to develop a remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, a critically acclaimed title. However, the project was handed off to Saber Interactive, the former parent company of Aspyr, following development delays. Despite being sold by Embracer Group earlier this year, Saber Interactive continues to work on the Knights of the Old Republic remake.
So, will Jedi Power Battles be a worthy return to the Star Wars galaxy? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Aspyr continues to tread a tricky path in the world of remasters.
