Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a nostalgia-focused reissue of the side-scrolling action game, not a full remake. It adds useful options—including modern controls, readily available characters and local co-op—but the original game’s combat and platforming remain the main attraction and the main obstacle. If you want a couch co-op trip through The Phantom Menace, it has a clear appeal; if you expect contemporary platforming, temper that expectation.
What is Jedi Power Battles?
This is a side-scrolling action game based on Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. The campaign starts aboard a Trade Federation ship and travels through Tatooine, Naboo and Coruscant, where players fight battle droids, mercenaries, Tusken Raiders and Darth Maul. The PlayStation Store describes a 10-level campaign with bonus mini-games. PlayStation Store listing
The reissue launched January 23, 2025, for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S and PC, according to StarWars.com. Check your regional storefront for current platform availability. StarWars.com announcement
What has changed in the reissue?
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 reissue preserves the classic game’s feel rather than rebuilding it as a modern platformer. StarWars.com announcement
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- Classic and modern controls: You can choose the remembered layout or the modern option. PlayStation Blog says the latter is intended to feel more intuitive to new players. PlayStation Blog control and cheat-code guide
- More characters available: StarWars.com names Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Plo Koon and Adi Gallia among the returning playable characters, and says characters that were unlockable in the original are available from the beginning. Additional characters remain unlockable.
- Extras: The official announcement lists lightsaber color selection, cheat codes, seven Training Rooms and VS mode. The PlayStation Store also lists New Game+.
Is local co-op a good reason to play?
Yes, if you want to share the campaign on the same screen. The PlayStation Store lists two-player couch co-op, and StarWars.com says a second player can join in to help. The official listings also describe bonus mini-games. Gaming.net’s reviewer found co-op helpful against enemy waves, while still criticizing the underlying combat and platforming. That is one reviewer’s impression, not a broad critical consensus. PlayStation Store listing · Gaming.net review
For PC local multiplayer, Steam states that a controller is required. Its listing does not establish that online co-op is available, so treat the documented option as local play rather than assuming you can join a friend remotely. Steam listing
Rank #2
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
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- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
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- 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
Classic or modern controls—and solo or co-op?
| Choice | Best fit | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Classic controls | Players seeking the original control feel | The classic layout is offered as an option; the source does not provide a detailed control-by-control comparison. |
| Modern controls | Players who want to try the alternate layout | PlayStation Blog describes it as intended to be more intuitive for new players; that is an aim, not a guarantee that it will suit everyone. |
| Solo | A focused nostalgia run | The official announcement lists solo play. You can take on the campaign without a second player. |
| Local co-op | Friends or family playing together in person | Two-player couch co-op is listed for the campaign; Steam requires a controller for local multiplayer on PC. |
How does it play, and who is it for?
The strongest reason to return is recognition: familiar characters, locations and action from the prequel-era game, now accompanied by convenience features that reduce some barriers to replaying it. The additions broaden how you can approach the game, but they do not change its basic identity as a side-scrolling action title.
The critical evidence available here is mixed. Gaming.net’s Evans Karanja says the story and core gameplay remain the same, calls the combat and platforming frustrating, and sees nostalgia as the primary draw. The reviewer also notes that co-op can make enemy waves more manageable. That is a single critic’s assessment, not an objective measurement or a consensus verdict. Gaming.net review
Rank #3
- Final Fantasy VI - The following extra features are included:
- 3X speed mode
- ability to turn battle encounters off
- battle enhancement mode
- 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
Consider it if you remember the original, want to revisit its Phantom Menace levels, or value local co-op and a choice of control layouts. Be more cautious if your main priority is polished, contemporary platforming or a substantially reworked campaign.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the post-launch patch address?
Aspyr’s patch notes, updated April 17, 2025, document fixes for crashes, soft locks, save data, audio and gameplay issues. Listed examples include a crash involving the Coruscant elevator in level six, soft locks affecting player two and controller reconnection, save-data loss, audio problems, combo display and update issues, boss and level problems, and a trophy issue. The notes record fixes made; they do not establish that every issue is resolved on every platform or in every later build. Aspyr post-launch patch notes
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Mario & Rabbids universes collide in this new adventure that combines the best of these two worlds!
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Rank #4
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