Developer Aspyr confirmed that the PlayStation 4 and Switch versions of the pod racing title Star Wars Episode 1: Racer will be delayed until further notice.
The Star Wars franchise spawned all kinds of video games from pinball to arena fighters and even a couple of racing titles. Star Wars Episode 1: Racer was a racing game that featured the famous podracers from Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.
The Switch version was scheduled for release on May 12 while the PlayStation 4 counterpart was initially pushed back to May 26. Since then, both versions have been placed on indefinitely delayed status after an announcement on Twitter.
Developer Aspyr expressed their excitement to share the game with fans, as well as regret over the delay which arose due to industry-wide work from home requirements. They promised gamers an update as soon as they’re able.
We are so excited to share Star Wars Episode l: Racer with you soon! Unfortunately, due to the ongoing work from home requirements across the industry, the game will be further delayed on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. We’ll be back with an update as soon as possible.
— Aspyr (@AspyrMedia) May 11, 2020
Star Wars Racer’s original release
At the time of its release, The Phantom Menace movie wasn’t particularly well-received by both critics and fans. One thing people did enjoy, however, was seeing a young Anakin Skywalker zooming around in a podracer at breakneck speeds.
Since fans seemed to love the film’s podracing sequence, developers LucasArts decided to try their hand at crafting a racing game based on just that.
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer made its debut on the PC and Nintendo 64 on May 18, 1999, just a day behind the screening of the film in the United States. The game would later receive Game Boy Color and Dreamcast versions in the succeeding months.
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The Star Wars-themed racing game was met with generally favorable reviews, with most gamers agreeing that the game was fast and fun. Some critics did show concerns over Racer not standing out if it weren’t for the powerhouse Star Wars license.
Several gaming publications ranked the racing title as one of the best Star Wars games of all time. At one point, the game even beat out racing juggernauts F-Zero and Wipeout to hold the Guinness world record for best-selling sci-fi racing game.
Switch-exclusive extra feature
Aside from the fresh coat of paint and updated controls, the PlayStation 4 and Switch versions of Star Wars Episode 1: Racer is set to feature everything fans know and love about the original release.
Gamers can expect all 25 racers, eight worlds, podracer upgrades, and local split-screen multiplayer. The Switch edition gets a little something extra by allowing for Local Area Network multiplayer with other consoles.
Aspyr has yet to provide an updated release date, so expectant fans will just have to sit tight a little longer before diving into some Star Wars Episode 1 nostalgia.
Image courtesy of Star Wars/Twitter