Prepare to unleash your inner Jedi! STAR WARS™: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles™ is making a comeback, and we sat down with Aspyr to uncover some exclusive details.
In this interview with Chris Bashaar, Director of Product at Aspyr, we delve into the remastered classic, exploring its updated features, expanded roster, and the enduring appeal of this action-packed adventure.
With Aspyr also behind the upcoming launch of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, it should well be a great time for gamers looking to drag up some old memories.
Can you please introduce yourself and your role in the development of STAR WARS™: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles™?
I’m Chris Bashaar, the Director of Product at Aspyr.
Overseeing the product division of the company, I work closely with our development teams to ensure that everything we do aligns with the legacy of the Star Wars™ galaxy and resonates with fans old and new.
It’s been nearly 25 years since Jedi Power Battles made its debut. What’s the reason behind remastering this title? And why now?
The timing felt perfect. With the game’s 25th anniversary, it’s a great opportunity to reintroduce a fan-favorite title to a new generation of players while celebrating the original with its long-time fans.
Which characters are playable this time around in Jedi Power Battles? Are there any new additions to the roster you can tell us about?
The original characters like Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Mace Windu are, of course, returning, and all previously unlockable characters are available from the start. We’ve also added 13 newly playable characters, including fan favorites like the Rifle Droid and Ishi Tib, to expand the roster in exciting ways.
The original game came in for some criticism for its control scheme at the time. How does this remaster of Jedi Power Battles seek to address this?
We’ve introduced a modern control scheme to make gameplay feel more natural and enjoyable for players old and new, while still offering the option to use the original controls for those who want a nostalgic experience. This ensures a flexible experience for all gamers.
What has the reaction been from the Star Wars community since the announcement?
The reaction has been incredibly positive. Fans have expressed excitement not only about revisiting a nostalgic favorite but also about the improvements and additions we’ve made, like the lightsaber toggle and expanded roster. It’s clear there’s a lot of love for this game.
And finally, sticking with the ever growing size of the Star Wars galaxy, can you give any insight as to what you and the team are working on next?
Right now, we’re just focused on bringing Jedi Power Battles to players – we can’t wait for the fans to jump, and we’ll be playing right alongside them when the game launches on Jan 23rd!
With a revitalised control scheme, new playable characters, and the same classic Star Wars action, STAR WARS™: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles™ Remastered is set to reignite the Force within fans both old and new.
May the Force be with you when it releases on January 23rd 2025! You’ll find it landing on Xbox Series X|S (the Xbox Store page is up), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam. Keep an eye out for our review.
Huge thanks go out to Chris at Aspyr for allowing us some time in the build up to the release of this remastering.
