We’re squeezing it in before Ocarina of Time is out. Star Wars Galactic Racer was too tempting to miss out on. We had to choose between this and Pragmata, and the potential of multiplayer races with the boys helped us go this way.
Star Wars games are hitting a high-bar this year, with the incredible Star Wars Zero Company only out a couple of months ago, too. We love to see it, and it’s incredibly apparent that Galactic Racer is on par in terms of fun and quality.
We’re literally squeezing this one in, so can’t give it the full review treatment just yet. That feels like it might be next year, at this rate. But it’s all we’re interested in playing for the next week and will likely do some related content, too.
So, here’s our (very) “Quick Look” take on Star Wars Galactic Racer.
Star Wars Galactic Racer
Five hours in, Star Wars Galactic Racer captures the visceral, white-knuckle speed that fans of high-octane sci-fi racing have been craving for years.
Sliding into the cockpit feels immediate, aggressive, and immaculately polished, blending classic high-speed pod racing nostalgia with modern arcade mechanics.
Early track layouts showcase a remarkable sense of scale, forcing split-second decisions as you weave through hazardous terrain and rival racers at dizzying velocities.
The start of each race is a chance to flip all the switches and engage the features in your speeder. Helping to give you an advantage, but also feeling like you’re actually in control from the get-go. This layer of immersion just works so well, you own and control your speeder.
The roguelike nature of Star Wars Galactic Racer means that you’re always progressing and upgrading. Your speeder will permanently get upgrades, but during each run, you can work on a build to get better and better.
It works so well in a racing game, and the application of that Star Wars theming is just top-tier.
Visual Splendour and Audio Design
Visually, the game is an absolute showstopper on modern hardware.
Track environments range from sun-scorched desert canyons to neon-drenched industrial orbital yards, each popping with vivid colour, intricate particle effects, and dynamic weather conditions.
The sound landscape is equally stunning, complementing the roar of repulsor engines with the iconic whines, hums, and metallic thrumming native to the wider Star Wars universe.
The sound design delivers a satisfying tactile punch every time you engage a speed boost or scrape against a rock face.
It’s amazing how much the audio applies to the the moment-to-moment gameplay. You’re responding to audio cues almost subconsciously after a very short time with Star Wars Galactic Racer.
Handling and Early Progression
Handling feels wonderfully responsive, striking a balance between approachable arcade controls and high-skill drifting mechanics.
Managing engine temperature while chaining speed pads together adds a layer of tactical depth that keeps every lap engaging.
While early progression feels rewarding with steady unlocks for chassis upgrades, cosmetic liveries, and customised thrusters, the true test will be whether the career structure maintains this momentum over the long haul.
We finished act one pretty quickly, but have a feeling that we might not be so effective in act 2, already. The challenge is definitely there, and it was a mistake to think changing vehicle type would be a good idea.
The Burnout-style takedowns are the icing on the cake, too. Successfully knocking a cocky, mouthy competitor into a wall and into an explosion, is never not satisfying. Star Wars Galactic Racer shows it’s developers’ pedigree, for sure.
Early Verdict
Though it is still early days at just over five hours played, Star Wars Galactic Racer makes a stellar first impression.
It delivers pure, unadulterated speed coupled with authentic atmospheric flair that leaves a lingering desire for just one more lap. Fuse Games just understands good racing, and Star Wars. It’s a match, made in heaven.
If the track variety and upgrading depth remain this strong across the remainder of the campaign, this could easily rank among the finest arcade racers in recent memory.
Another genuine contender of Game of the Year, that’s a Star Wars game, and a racing game? There’s so much going for it, and it’s become the only thing we can think of since initially booting it up.
Star Wars Galactic Racer is off to an amazing start with us, and it’s likely going to see another 10/20 hours before we get into the back stretch of the year and those two massive releases on the horizon. The timing is perfect, and it feels like the game isn’t far off, either.
