24 years ago, LucasArts released the cooperative action gameStar Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battlesfor the PlayStation 1. In coordination with the game’s 25th anniversary, Lucasfilm Games is working with Aspyr to remasterJedi Power Battleson January 23rd, 2025 for modern consoles and PC platforms. Here, gamers who played throughStar Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battlesas kids will be able to relive their childhood memories in the game and even introduce their own children to the game for the first time. However, new players who have never triedJedi Power Battlesbefore may be unsure who how to or even who to play as since the game offers a wide variety of iconic prequel characters for gamers to embody.
Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles Characters Explained
WhileStar Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battlesinitially allowed players to choose from nine characters to play as, Aspyr has added 13 new characters to the roster for the remaster. A few of the new playable characters have been revealed, with more expected to be announced before the game’s January release. The complete roster ofplayable characters inJedi Power Battlesrevealed so far includes:
Most of these characters will be unlocked from the start, such asJedi Power Battles' original roster. Originally, Queen Amidala, Captain Panaka, Darth Maul and Ki-Adi Mundi had to be unlocked by completing the game and other milestones. These original characters will also display optional cosmetic differences from their 2000s counterparts, such as Mace Windu wielding his iconic purple lightsaber instead of a blue one. SinceJedi Power Battleswas released beforeAttack of the Clones, Windu, Koon, and Gallia all used lightsaber colors based on their Dark Horse Comics appearances of the time. The 13 new characters (such as the Weequay) will have to be unlocked in-game, while the Loader Droid can be unlocked via a cheat code.
Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles New Characters
Most of the new playable characters are based on species that can be seen inThe Phantom Menacefilm. Tusken Raiders are the native, often hostile inhabitants of Tatooine seen shooting at podracers in the Boonta Eve race. Weequays are leathery skinned humanoids that are often seen working as pirates or as members and guards for criminal organizations such as the Hutt Cartel orthe Hondo Ohnaka Gang. Ishi Tibs are a parrot-like amphibian humanoid species also commonly seen among criminal organizations like the Ohnaka Gang. Rodians are a fly-like, reptilian humanoid species that are also seen in criminal organizations. Despite their common association with criminals, Weequays, Ishi Tibs, and Rodians have all been seen serving the Rebel Alliance and the Jedi Order.
Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi was originally exclusive to the Sega Dreamcast version ofStar Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles.
The Gameplay of Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles
Based on theStar Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battlesremaster announcement trailer, Aspyr’s modern adaption of the game appears to keepJedi Power Battles' tough but fun core gameplay intact. Gamers will still be able to instantly choose from various members of the Jedi Council and join a friend to help defeatthe invading Trade Federation droid armyon Naboo. While playing as Jedi may be the easiest route to play the game, players can still choose to play as the blaster-wielding Queen Amidala and Captain Panaka if they so choose.
Most of the new playable characters inStar Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battlesappear to be simple reskins of the Jedi and blaster-wielding characters based on their brief gameplay shown in the trailer. The Tusken Raider and Rodian appear to use their staffs just as the Jedi would use their lightsabers, though it’s unknown if they’ll still be able to block blaster bolts. Meanwhile,the B1 Battle Droidsappear to play exactly like the citizens of Naboo by using their blasers and fists.
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (2025)
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 GalaxyPlay 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-opBattle side-by-side with a companion in 2-player couch co-op for the entire 10-level campaign and bonus mini-gamesClassic & 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
