Summary
- New playable characters for Jedi Power Battles remaster: Rifle Droid, Staff Tusken Raider, Ishi Tib, Mercenary.
- Remaster includes updated graphics, controls, all levels unlocked, based on Dreamcast version.
- More characters to be revealed closer to release, with unique properties distinct from iconic characters.
Aspyr and Lucasfilm Games confirmed four new playable characters for the upcoming Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles remaster: Rifle Droid, Staff Tusken Raider, Ishi Tib, and Mercenary. Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles was originally released back in 2000, and is set in the same time frame as The Phantom Menace. It was originally developed by LucasArts and released for the original PlayStation and later the Dreamcast. It is a mixture of a platformer and beat-em-up, featuring two-player co-op multiplayer as well.
Following up on the other re-releases the studio has previously done, Aspyr announced a remaster of Jedi Power Battles earlier this October, bringing the classic game to modern hardware, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. The remaster will sport updated graphics, modernized controls, and all levels unlocked. This remaster will also be based on the Sega Dreamcast version, which includes training and versus modes, and will release in January 2025. The 2025 version of Jedi Power Battles will also feature several playable characters that weren't in the original release.
As detailed by ComicBook.com, these four characters weren't originally in the playable roster of Jedi Power Battles. Jedi Power Battles allows players to choose between several iconic Phantom Menace characters, like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu among many others. These four characters, Rifle Droid, Staff Tusken Raider, Ishi Tib, and Mercenary are far less iconic, being more like faceless pawns, but they each have their own unique properties.
Aspyr Reveals Four More Characters for Jedi Power Battles
- Rifle Droid
- Staff Tusken Raider
- Ishi Tib
- Mercenary
While the player normally fights Rifle Droids in Jedi Power Battles, the playable droid is on the player's side, being able to use long-range attacks. Staff Tusken Raiders are close-combat fighters, using their signature staff. The Ishi Tib character, unlike the other two aforementioned characters, is focused on being a melee fighter. The last character revealed so far is the Mercenary, an enemy first created for the 1999 Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace game adaptation, who then made an appearance as an enemy in Jedi Power Battles. The remaster marks the first time this enemy will be a playable character in a Star Wars game.
Aspyr notes these are not the only new playable characters in the upcoming Jedi Power Battles remaster, with more characters being revealed as the release date gets closer. Based on previous members of the game's roster, the Rifle Droid will likely play similarly to Queen Amidala and Captain Panaka, who both wielded rifles. The Tusken Raider similarly might be based on the Jedi fighters, while both Ishi Tib and Mercenary will likely be more unique.
WHERE TO PLAY
Take back the Theed Palace in this fast and furious lightsaber action game. You will have the power of the Force and your trusty lightsaber to help you ward off legions of battle droids, destroyer droids, assassins, and other creatures from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
Jump into Side-Scrolling Arcade Action in the Star Wars Galaxy
Play as Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, or Qui-Gon Jinn facing off against droids and other familiar foes from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
Or, play as one of the previously locked characters such as Darth Maul, Captain Panaka, Queen Amidala, Ki-Adi Mundi, and the Battle Droid, now available from the start!
Bring a Friend in Classic Couch Co-op
Battle side-by-side with a companion in 2-player couch co-op for the entire 10-level campaign and bonus mini-games
Classic & New Game+
Use classic or modern control schemes, toggle your Lightsaber colors to match the films, enjoy new playable characters such as the Tusken Raider, enter classic cheat codes like Big Head Mode, and discover more surprises in this 25th anniversary celebration of Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles
- Franchise
- Star Wars
- PC Release Date
- January 23, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- January 23, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- January 23, 2025
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- January 23, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
