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Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Review: A Nostalgic Co-op Return

The 2025 reissue adds local co-op, control options and easier access to characters, but keeps the retro platforming that may frustrate newcomers.
Length4 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a faithful-feeling reissue of a sometimes-frustrating side-scrolling action game, not a full remake. Its best reasons to return are couch co-op, newly accessible characters and options to use either classic or modern controls. Players looking for contemporary, polished platforming should temper expectations: the available critical assessment describes the combat and platforming as frustrating, while the publisher’s improvements are specific rather than a wholesale redesign.

What is Jedi Power Battles?

The 2025 release brings back the arcade-style, side-scrolling action game based on Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace. It launched on January 23, 2025 for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S and PC; check your regional store for current availability. The PlayStation listing describes a 10-level campaign, bonus mini-games and New Game+.

The adventure begins aboard a Trade Federation ship and moves through Tatooine, Naboo and Coruscant. You fight battle droids, mercenaries and Tusken Raiders, with Darth Maul among the threats. StarWars.com’s announcement names Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Plo Koon and Adi Gallia among the playable favorites.

Does it feel like a remake?

No. StarWars.com says the release uses the original Sega Dreamcast source code, with gameplay enhancements it describes as smoother jumps and better balance. Those are the publisher’s descriptions, not independent performance measurements. The pitch is a more accommodating version of the classic experience, not a ground-up reconstruction or a promise that its platforming has been modernized throughout.

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The central appeal and basic game remain familiar. In Gaming.net’s review, Evans Karanja found the combat and platforming frustrating and judged nostalgia to be the main draw. That is one reviewer’s assessment, not a consensus verdict; the same review notes that co-op can make enemy waves more enjoyable.

What has been added or made easier to access?

  • More characters up front: Characters that were unlockable in the original are available from the beginning, while additional characters remain unlockable.
  • Lightsaber customization: You can toggle lightsaber colors.
  • Extra modes and practice: The release includes seven Training Rooms, VS mode, cheat codes and bonus mini-games.
  • Two control layouts: Choose between classic controls and a modern layout. The PlayStation Blog’s control and cheat-code guide says the modern option is intended to feel more intuitive to new players.

These additions widen the ways to revisit the game, but they do not change its identity as a retro action-platformer.

Rank #2
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch
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  • Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
  • Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only

Can you play Jedi Power Battles with a friend?

Yes. The official listings describe two-player local co-op for the campaign, and StarWars.com says a second player can join to assist. That makes couch play a natural fit if you want to tackle enemy groups together. The sources reviewed do not confirm online co-op, so do not assume you can play together over the internet.

On PC, Steam states that a controller is required for local multiplayer. This is a setup note for local co-op, not evidence that every PC player needs to buy a new controller. Steam does not establish a particular controller model in the cited listing.

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Rank #3
Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII Remastered - Twin Pack (Nintendo Switch)
  • Final Fantasy VI - The following extra features are included:
  • 3X speed mode
  • ability to turn battle encounters off
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  • final FANTASY VIII remastered - The following extra features are included.battle assist options (HP, ATB gauge, and limit break boosts).game speed boost (X3.no random encounters

Solo or co-op, classic or modern controls?

Choice Better fit if you want What to expect
Solo A nostalgia-driven run at your own pace You can play alone through the campaign; the available review found the combat and platforming frustrating.
Local co-op Shared couch play and help against enemy waves Two players can play locally. Online co-op is not confirmed by the sources reviewed.
Classic controls The remembered control layout The game offers a classic option alongside the modern layout.
Modern controls A layout the publisher positions as more intuitive for newcomers It is an alternative control scheme, not a redesign of the game’s platforming.

If you are unsure, try the modern layout first if you are new to the game; choose classic if familiarity matters more. The game’s inclusion of both options is useful, but the available sources do not establish that either layout fixes every control or platforming frustration.

What do the patch notes say about bugs?

Aspyr’s post-launch patch notes, dated April 17, 2025, document fixes for crashes, soft locks, save-data loss, audio problems, combo display and update issues, boss and level problems, and a trophy issue. Specific examples include a level-six Coruscant elevator crash, player-two soft locks and problems after controller reconnection.

Rank #4
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Yoshi's Crafted World - Nintendo Switch
  • Explore each stage and then find even more secrets by making your way through the stage backwards on the flip side
  • Overcome varied enemies and obstacles, like Zombie Guys, Skelesaurus, Ukiki, and Monty Mole as you seek out hidden collectables; ESRB Content: Mild Cartoon Violence; Genre: Action, Platformer
  • Pass a Joy Con controller to a friend for 2 player cooperative exploration
  • Clad Yoshi in collectable, protective, handicraft costumes as he makes his way through each stage

Patch notes show what Aspyr said it fixed in that update; they do not establish that every issue is resolved on every platform or in every later build. If you encounter a problem, check the patch information and version for your platform rather than assuming that the listed fixes guarantee a trouble-free run.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Should you play it?

Consider it if revisiting the original sounds appealing, especially if you have someone to join you locally or want to try the newly accessible characters and extra modes. The choice of control layouts and the publisher-described gameplay adjustments make this reissue more flexible than a bare re-release.

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Best Value
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
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Skip or wait for a sale if you want a modernized action-platformer with consistently refined movement. The game retains its old-school feel, and the critical evidence available here points to frustrating combat and platforming. Its strongest case is nostalgia with practical extras—not a transformation of the underlying game.

Quick Recap

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Bestseller No. 5
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
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Pick up and play anywhere exclusively on the Nintendo Switch system, even on the go.​
$39.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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