Key information
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is an anti-gravity racing game developed by Fuse Games, a studio founded by veterans of Criterion Games known for Burnout. Available for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC, the title was reviewed on the PS5. The game blends high-speed racing, weapons, and abilities with an unexpected and heavy focus on a narrative campaign designed around roguelite mechanics.
Set after Episode 6: Return of the Jedi, the story follows the Galactic Racing League managed by Darius Pax, who enlists the player character Shade to stop rival racer Kestal Bool. The campaign features tracks and characters across locations such as Tatooine, Lantaana, Jakku, Ando Prime, and Sentinel One, depicting the galaxy following the fall of the Empire.
The roguelite campaign requires multiple playthroughs, where losing can mean restarting from the first race while unlocking permanent upgrades, abilities, and vehicle speed improvements for podracers, landspeeders, or speeder bikes. Alongside the campaign, players can experience Arcade, Scenario, and Multiplayer modes for extended longevity.
Gameplay features demanding mechanics such as the Ramjet mode for increased speed and damage alongside hazards on various planets, including extreme heat, freezing cold, lava, acid, and strong winds that directly impact vehicle handling and performance.
