I recently had the opportunity to experience the upcoming racing game, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, developed by Fuse Games, a studio comprised of former Burnout developers. While the single-player campaign’s roguelike elements piqued my curiosity, it was the online multiplayer mode that truly captured my attention with its unexpected twist: a MOBA-like structure.
Innovative Multiplayer Mechanics
In this unique multiplayer mode, players engage in races across six different planets, with options for 12-player races or eight-player podracing. The character selection screen introduces various racers, each equipped with distinct loadouts. For example, a racer with a Survivor loadout begins with a shield and a speed bonus that diminishes upon crashing, alongside a boost that activates when the shield breaks.
The round-by-round structure enhances the gameplay experience. After each race, players can upgrade their vehicle’s base stats and choose from a selection of parts inspired by the roguelike elements of the single-player campaign. This allows for a creative build process throughout the race, enabling players to tailor their strategies dynamically.
During my playthrough, I experimented with a ramjet build that provided a long-lasting boost, albeit at the cost of control. By combining abilities that synergized well, I found myself bouncing back and forth between boosts, enhancing my racing experience. Players can also acquire various abilities, such as shields and offensive weapons, which can be strategically chosen based on the planets visited during the tour.
Player Agency and Strategic Depth
Creative director Kieran Crimmins emphasizes the importance of player agency in the game. He explains, “Every choice that you make, whether it be the vehicle that you pick, the upgrade that you pick, or the play style that you choose, all those things have to make an actual difference to whether you can win or lose.” This design philosophy instills a sense of accountability in players, making victories feel earned and mistakes personal.
Crimmins also highlights the balance between accessibility and depth, stating, “The game needs to be easy to pick up so that you can play and enjoy yourself straight away. But then all those systems have to have a physical depth, a mechanical depth.” With a plethora of modifiers and parts available, players will likely find ample opportunities for mastery.
Lucasfilm Games executive producer Craig Derrick adds that while competitive play is integral, the game also caters to those who simply wish to enjoy a fun experience with friends. “It’s inherent in the DNA of the game,” he notes, underscoring the importance of social play alongside competition.
Chaotic Yet Engaging Gameplay
The gameplay itself is undeniably chaotic, yet it remains engaging. My primary concern, aside from being consistently outpaced, was the environmental hazards present in certain races. Acid pits and cold status effects created unexpected challenges, leading to hilarious moments of chaos, especially during pod racing. However, these elements sometimes conflicted with the competitive nature of the game, particularly for those of us struggling to keep up.
Notably, the absence of a catch-up mechanic became apparent as I found myself frequently at the back of the pack. While many of my defeats were self-inflicted, a way to re-enter the race after an unexpected setback would enhance the overall experience. Nonetheless, these balance issues are not uncommon in racing games and can be addressed in future updates.
As the release date approaches on October 6, the tour mode’s chaotic yet captivating nature leaves me eager to delve deeper into its systems and explore the full potential of Star Wars: Galactic Racer.
