Fan Remakes Star Wars Episode I: Racer in Unreal Engine 4

A fan has made a remake of the Star Wars game Episode I: Racer. Originally released in 1999, this game has been recreated by mod maker RobJin in Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 4.

The creator created a demo version of Star Wars Episode I: Racer, which he says he worked on for ten months in his spare time. He says that at first the project was mainly an exercise to master the basics of the Unreal Engine, but that he ‘went a little too far’.

It is not yet a version that is completely finished and the maker calls the current version ‘far from perfect’. For example, there is still a lot to be done in the field of animations and optimizations and RobJin says he also has a lot of things to learn.

Nevertheless, the game is now playable and it is possible to maneuver Anakin’s podracer through the Mos Espa map on Tatooine. The creator has shared a link where the current version can be downloaded, although it may not work due to its popularity. RobJin also has a page that shows some of his recreations.

The new version of Star Wars Episode I: Racer includes a boost function, a choice of third- and first-person perspectives, heavily modernized physics and the ability to engage AI-controlled opponents. The sound is still the same as the original.

Eurogamer, among others, reports that there are still some issues with the fps on an average PC system, especially in the cave part of the race. This framerate problem can be largely solved by setting the graphics settings to low or medium. Other than that, there’s only a single track available and the AI ​​opponents are “ridiculously fast” on all settings except “easy,” according to the editor, but he calls it an impressive experience for a fangame.

There’s also a good chance that this remake of the game will not last long, as the intellectual property of the original Star Wars game is not in the hands of the fan. This means that a so-called cease and desist letter will probably not be long in coming.