Originally released in 2000 for PlayStation and Dreamcast, Jedi Power Battles was a side‑scrolling action‑platformer based on The Phantom Menace. This PS5 “remaster” by Aspyr re‑releases it largely intact with updated visuals, DualSense support, and modern console compatibility. It’s available digitally for both PS4 and PS5 as of 23 January 2025
So what is it?
The structure is simple and nostalgic: ten core levels plus bonus minigames, featuring a roster of iconic Jedi including Obi‑Wan, Qui‑Gon, Mace Windu, and unlockable characters like Darth Maul, Queen Amidala, Jar Jar Binks, and Ki‑Adi‑Mundi. Each character has distinct lightsaber combos and Force moves, adding variety – though many remain fairly similar in function.
If you have fond memories of the original, this is a love letter first and foremost. The game has a strong nostalgic vibe, tapping into iconic moments like Theed Palace battles and Jedi duels against waves of battle droids. The 25th‑anniversary edition celebrates this by offering toggles like lightsaber colour customisation, modern/classic control schemes, and cheat code support like Big Head mode.
One area where the game truly shines is local couch co‑op. Playing alongside a friend brings back the joy of split‑screen multiplayer, softening the blow of harsh mechanics. Bonus modes and unlockables, now accessible from the start.
How does it fare in 2025?
The core loop is hack‑and‑slash combat with occasional platforming distractions. Some may praise the nostalgic “viscerally addictive” feel, but I have to describe it as repetitive button‑masher with flimsy combo design. The hit detection and responsiveness are inconsistent; blocks and parries don’t always register, and timings can feel off. Which I can understand for the original released 25 years ago, but not for a Indie priced release now.
Platforming fares worse: jump arcs are floaty, collision detection is glitchy, feedback is poor, and players often die to blind jumps or hidden pitfalls. Checkpoints are sparse, lives limited, and cheap deaths frequent. One might describe it as: “frustrating as hell”, and surviving a difficult level that would usually end in satisfaction will sometimes only end in a sigh of relief.
Visually, the remaster modestly enhances textures and lighting, offering sharper character models and more vibrant environments. That said, it retains much of the original’s polygonal, Dreamcast-era aesthetic, blocky models and stiff animations still punctuate the experience. Audio is a mixed bag. Iconic John Williams music and faithful lightsaber & blaster SFX evoke that Star Wars atmosphere. But repetitive clips, like Jar Jar’s looping lines, and tinny effects sometimes undermine immersion.
My conclusion
Aspyr introduced modern options: modern/classic controls, lightsaber colour toggle, cheat codes, and all characters are available upfront. Frame rates are solid, loading is fast, and DualSense haptics are supported . However, there’s no option to remap buttons. Menus lack polish, UI is clunky, and vehicle sections receive little to no improvement. This is not a ‘remake’ , it is simply a dream-cast game ported onto a modern console.
Star Wars: Episode I – Jedi Power Battles on PS5 is a nostalgic gem wrapped in a dated package. Aspyr’s remaster is faithful, charming in parts (especially for the nostalgic crowd), and technically competent. However, sluggish combat, punishing platforming, and an absence of modern refinements tarnish its shine.
I can only recommend picking up this version if you grew up with this game and want to relive those memories with a friend at your side. If you’re after slick, modern action or fluid platforming, I would skip this one.
