As the gaming world gears up for an exciting year, few titles are generating as much buzz as Star Wars: Galactic Racer. This project, helmed by former Burnout developers, promises to be a spiritual successor to the beloved Episode I: Racer, a game that has left a lasting impression on racing enthusiasts. At the recent Summer Game Fest, we had the opportunity to speak with Kieran Crimmins, the Creative Director at Fuse Games, who shared insights into the studio’s vision for this thrilling new installment and the importance of capturing the essence of podracing.
Dynamic Vehicle Styles
In Galactic Racer, players will experience a diverse array of vehicles, each with its own unique strengths. The lineup includes landspeeders, skim speeders, and speeder bikes, each designed to offer a distinct racing experience. Landspeeders are known for their durability and drifting capabilities, while speeder bikes can utilize a ‘kinetic burst’ to navigate tricky terrains. Skim speeders, on the other hand, provide unparalleled maneuverability. Crimmins acknowledges the challenge of balancing these vehicles, aiming to replicate the exhilarating interactions seen in the films.
“We wanted to balance them all together,” Crimmins explains. “Imagine being in a tiny speeder bike trying to take a shortcut while a skim speeder zips past you.” The inclusion of podracers adds another layer of complexity. “Balancing pods against the skimmers is so hard,” he laughs, noting that podracers occupy a league of their own, akin to Formula 1 cars in the Star Wars universe. Their presence in the game was never in doubt, as Crimmins emphasizes, “You cannot have a Star Wars racing game without podracing in it.”
Embracing the Legacy
Fuse Games is well-equipped to deliver this experience, drawing from a rich history in arcade racing. With roots in the acclaimed Burnout series and contributions to iconic titles like Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit and Most Wanted, the studio’s pedigree shines through in every aspect of Galactic Racer. “It’s kind of part of the DNA of the studio,” Crimmins shares. “We love arcade racers; we live and breathe them.” The game promises the same high-octane action and cinematic moments that fans have come to expect.
Reflecting on the original podracing scene from Episode I, Crimmins notes the aggressive dynamics between racers, suggesting that this influence played a significant role in shaping the development of Burnout. “It’s a marriage made in heaven,” he says, highlighting how the studio’s expertise aligns perfectly with the thrilling world of Star Wars racing.
Building Rivalries and Character Depth
Another critical aspect of the game is the emphasis on rivalries. Crimmins believes that knowing your opponents enhances the racing experience, adding a layer of satisfaction when players triumph over their rivals. “If those people don’t have personalities, the satisfaction of beating them is lost,” he explains. Fans can look forward to familiar faces like Sebulba, alongside a “rich cast of new characters” that will bring their own unique racing styles and personalities to the campaign. In multiplayer mode, players will have the chance to embody these characters themselves.
As we wrapped up our conversation, we inquired about the studio’s plans post-launch. Crimmins expressed a desire to focus on delivering a complete and satisfying game experience first. “We’ve thought of many places we can be, but we’re focused on making the game,” he stated. While future developments remain uncertain, he assures fans that they should “watch this space” for potential updates based on community feedback.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is set to be released on Tuesday, October 6, and eager players can wishlist the game now to stay informed. As anticipation builds, many are already preparing for the exhilarating competition that awaits on the starting grid.
Additional Reporting by Tom Hopkins for PCGamesN at Summer Game Fest.
