Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles

by Dreamcast

Product Features

• 1 or 2 player co-op

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004W4S2
• Item Weight: 8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: October 10, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,765 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The battle that pits the noble Jedi Knights against the nasty Trade Federation continues in Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles in its triumphant form on the Dreamcast. For fans of very basic arcade beat-'em-ups, this is quite possibly the most improved translation of a bad PlayStation game ever made for the Dreamcast. Saber-swinging action on a console never has looked better.

Yes, the game has bright and shiny graphics that take advantage of the Dreamcast's extra processing muscle. The music and sound effects also are excellent, and probably are the elements that capture the atmosphere of the films most effectively. But the game relies heavily on the basic walk-from-left-to-right-and-chop-up-the-baddies formula. Jedi Power Battles really hasn't moved this style of gameplay forward from the now-ancient Double Dragon and Final Fight games of yore.

Fortunately, LucasArts made quite a few wise tweaks for this new version. In addition to the original playable characters (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu), the Dreamcast version adds the speedy Ki-Adi-Mundi. In addition to distinctive speed, strength, and personal style of saber attack, each character has special Force powers that get stronger as the game progresses. Of course, using your lightsaber like a Louisville Slugger to hit laser blasts into line drives is the coolest Jedi trick in the game.

The Dreamcast version runs very quickly and smoothly (supposedly at 60 frames per second), no matter how much action is taking place on the screen. New to this version are training levels for up-and-coming Jedis and a cool mano a mano fighting mode (think Street Fighter with lightsabers) that's good for a few laughs.

Without the Star Wars name, this game could've been considered rather ordinary. But Jedi Power Battles delivers the fun for all who ever wanted a chance to go toe-to-toe with Darth Maul and all of his friends from the Dark Side. Neither original nor deep in gameplay, Jedi Power Battles does show that the Force is still strong in the Dreamcast. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• Very good graphics, music, and sound
• Nice extras like hidden characters, training mode, and one-on-one fight mode add to its value

Cons:

• It's basically yet another mindless beat-'em-up with lots of jumping
• Could've been a bit longer

Product Description

Take back the Theed Royal Palace in this fast and furious lightsaber action game. You will have the power of the Force and your trusty Jedi saber to help you ward off legions of battle droids, destroyer droids, assassins, and other creatures from the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace worlds. Your connection to the Force grows with each battle, adding much needed power boosts, new moves, and enhanced Jedi abilities for your journeys within the various worlds. Choose to fight as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, or Jedi Council members Mace Windu, Plo Koon, or Adi Gallia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Force is With the Dreamcast, October 16, 2000

By 

"seankk" (Carlsbad, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (Video Game)

While it took me a couple of days to break down and buy this game, I am so glad I did. After reading mixed reviews on the game, I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I do.

Jedi Power Battles is one of the most entertaining games I have bought for the Dreamcast in the last couple of months. The gameplay is addictive and keeps you coming back for more. While I am not the biggest Star Wars fan out there, I have always wanted a Star Wars game where you actually play as a character and not a ship.

The graphics in the game, minus a few noticible glitches (in appearance, don't affect gameplay at all) in the first level, are very sharp and crisp. Texture detail makes you feel like you are wondering around the actual sets and locations of the movie. The special effects used for the Jedi powers and explosions look amazing...very clear and stand out. Character model designs and animations are great, but the lack of character animations make it difficult to tell if you have accomplished a combo move. Aside from that, all of this graphic goodness runs at a constant 60fps.

On the sound side, the music, voice, and sound effects are terrific. The audio totally pulls you into the game even more. The music is very clear and powerfull, and was pulled right out of the movie.

Overall, this is a great game that even when you have completed it, you still find enjoyment when playing it over and over again. The 10 levels, the 5 main characters, and the bonus characters you can earn, make this a game that should last a long time and stay enjoyable, unlike many other games on the market that once you finish, you have no interest in comming back. This is a great game, I recommend it to everyone. Even if you are like me, someone who isn't a big Star Wars fan, it's still a great game to play.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mmmm Platformy goodness from LucasArts, October 13, 2000

By 

P. Webb "Trajedi" (Bozeman, MT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (Video Game)

So often the videogames made from wonderful films or tv shows just don't get much right at all, gameplay, atmosphere etc. However when said film is Star Wars and the franchise is handled with respect a game like this can be achieved. The dreamcast version of this platform adventure game simply shines. The seven training missions are fun and they get you ready for the main event. You control one of five Jedi (more unlockable including the master of menace Darth Maul) through 10 levels of droid bashing, laser deflecting, and general Jedi mayhem. There is a versus mode in the DC version that allows players to use JPB as a fighter also, or you can take the main adventure with two Jedi side by side. The game really feels like a classic old platform game on steroids which is part of its appeal. Once you see the glowing graphics and hear the swing of your light saber you will not be able to resist the power of the force.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awsome game, June 24, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (Video Game)

this game was hard at first to master the controls but when you got the hang of it, it was an awsome game. If you dont buy this game then at least rent it or something. This game doesnt match to Shenmue or Shenmue2 but its a really good game. It's as if the game pulls you in with it and you are the jedi master. Get this game before its to late.