Review of Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles on PlayStation 5

Aspyr Media has breathed new life into Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles, bringing this classic action game to the PS5 with a fresh appearance and updated features. Dive into our review to explore what this revamped version has to offer!

Originally released in 2000 for Sony’s PlayStation, and soon after on the Dreamcast and Game Boy Advance, Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles finally arrives in 2025 with a definitive edition. It’s packed with new characters, enhanced graphics, and a modernized control scheme. It’s worth noting, this game follows the storyline of Episode 1 in the Star Wars saga, so your enjoyment might be influenced by your opinion of the film and its sequels.

Enter the familiar galaxy far, far away, where unrest has gripped the Galactic Republic. The Trade Federation’s blockade against Naboo has sparked a crisis, leading the Jedi Knights to step in as guardians of peace.

The revamped game doesn’t limit you to the original characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn. Now, you can also play as 13 additional characters, including notable figures and foes like Darth Maul, Queen Amidala, and even Jar Jar Binks.

Set during the timeline of “The Phantom Menace,” the game delivers an engaging story that takes you through 10 main levels and some mini-game adventures. You’ll explore locations like the Trade Federation Battleship, the Swamps of Naboo, and even the Palace of Theed. Prepare for intense challenges in “Droidekas!” and have fun with “Gungan Roundup!” and other exciting sequences.

To navigate the game, you’ll use the left stick or D-Pad for movement, jump with X, and block with L1. Mastering combat means getting familiar with your attacks on Triangle, Square, and Circle buttons. Force Powers are crucial, utilizing L2 with other buttons to vary your capabilities. Items can be activated with a combination of L2 and Square.

The game offers a robust trophy list split into different tiers: 26 Bronze, 13 Silver, and 3 Gold. Achievements range from deflecting blaster shots, collecting lightsaber power-ups, to completing the game in Jedi difficulty mode.

This upgraded version gives you a nostalgic trip into an arcade-paced adventure, with the added bonus of modern flair. It’s available today for $19.99 as a Cross-Buy title, letting you enjoy both PS4 and PS5 versions at no additional cost. Each version comes with a separate Platinum trophy list too. Don’t forget to check out the Concept Art section for a glimpse into the game’s creative process.

In conclusion, Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles on PS5 combines classic gameplay with contemporary enhancements, making it a must-experience for fans and newcomers alike. Special thanks to Aspyr for providing the PlayStation 5 copy for this review.