Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Remaster Revives Classic Lightsaber Action on Nintendo Switch

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Remaster Revives Classic Lightsaber Action on Nintendo Switch Fans of the Star Wars franchise and classic action games have reason to celebrate as Aspyr brings Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles to the Nintendo Switch, revitalizing a beloved PlayStation-era title from 2000.

The remastered release, available now via the Nintendo eShop, introduces improved visuals, enhanced framerate, and a trove of secret content fully unlocked from the outset, ensuring both longtime fans and newcomers can jump straight into the chaotically fun combat. Originally developed by LucasArts, the game was known for its high-octane, lightsaber-swinging action, capturing the excitement of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

Players navigate through a 10-level campaign that traces key locations from the film, including daring missions to protect Jar Jar Binks in the swamps of Naboo, storming Theed Palace to rescue Queen Amidala, and whizzing along the Streets of Theed atop a Single Trooper Aerial Platform (STAP).

Rather than retelling the movie’s story, the game delivers an arcade-infused journey packed with challenging objectives and frenetic battles against droids and mercenaries. Aspyr’s remaster retains the original’s accessible, if occasionally dated, control scheme—a familiar setup now mapped to the Nintendo Switch buttons.

Combat essentials include timed jumps, multiple attack types, blocking, and a variety of force moves.

Strategic deflection of blaster shots, a hallmark of Star Wars gaming, is supported, alongside a robust combo system that rewards players reaching point-based milestones with bonuses such as new moves, increased health, and random temporary boosts.

While some controls and platforming challenges echo the original’s quirks, they provide a faithful nod to classic action game design. The playable roster, one of the main charms of Jedi Power Battles, features iconic Jedi such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Mace Windu, Adi Gallia, and Plo Koon.

In this remastered edition, previously secret characters like Darth Maul, Queen Amidala, Captain Panaka, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Battle Droid, and even Jar Jar Binks, are available from the start, offering further variety and replayability.

Each character is defined by unique attributes—speed, attack strength, and health—allowing players to select favorites that match their gameplay style. Additional content includes four engaging minigame levels: Droidekas, Kaadu Race, Gungan Roundup, and Survival Challenge.

These side modes offer light-hearted, frantic fun, ranging from droid rampages to high-stakes races and survival gauntlets against waves of enemies, enriching the overall package. Aspyr’s attention to detail extends to the aesthetic improvements, including a smoother framerate that ensures more responsive action.

While the graphical upgrade is moderate due to the age of the source material, the inclusion of John Williams’ acclaimed orchestral soundtrack—featuring the unforgettable "Duel of the Fates"—maintains the epic atmosphere that has made Star Wars a cultural milestone. Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles may not dethrone the best entries in the Star Wars games library, but its return on Nintendo Switch provides accessible, chaotic arcade action that remains satisfying in both solo and local multiplayer.

For those looking to revisit a distinctive slice of Star Wars gaming history—or simply to enjoy some straightforward lightsaber combat with friends—Aspyr’s remaster is a welcome addition to the Switch’s ever-expanding library. Version Tested: Nintendo Switch.

Review copy provided by Aspyr.

Final Score: 7/10

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