Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battlesis receiving a remaster in 2025 that will introduce a sizable chunk of new content. In addition to a few bells and whistles, those who grab the remasteredJedi Power Battleswill have access to an impressive 13 new playable characters.
A remaster ofJedi Power Battles, a 25-year-old action platformer released shortly afterThe Phantom Menace, was announced in October last year. The remaster of this PS1 and Dreamcast classic will be handled by Aspyr, the studio behind a smorgasbord ofStar Warsvideogame remasters. While the studio is focused on minor touch-ups that preserve the original’s integrity, 13 new is quite an addition. Game Rant learned more about these new characters in an interview with Aspyr director of product Chris Bashaar.
Jedi Power Battles' New Characters Explained
The Nine New Jedi Power Battles Characters Revealed So Far
While 13new characters are coming withJedi Power Battles, only nine have been revealed. The known characters lined up for the title are as follows:
• Weequay
• Mercenary
These characters in addition to the other four newJedi Power Battlescharactersback up the base game roster that will be made unlockable from the start. Moreover, characters previously exclusive to certain platforms, such as Ki-Adi-Mundi, will be available in this definitive remaster. Bashaar went into detail about how new characters were chosen, and how prospective characters were assessed:
“The new roster members were selected to bring more diversity and variety to the gameplay while staying true to theStar Warsgalaxy. We looked for characters that could offer unique playstyles and enrich the experience for both new and returning players. The Tusken Raiders are a great example of this, as Staff Tusken Raider offers combat through his staff and the Rifle Tusken shoots his enemies. There are now many more ways to play than with only a lightsaber.”
While it may have seemed limiting to only include new characters with basis in the game, rather than entirely off-the-wall picks, there’s no denying that allowing players to engage in new mechanics will be a big plus. The base game already includes some variety in its cast, but characters like Flame Droid and Destroyer Droid will certainly switch things up. Droidekas are perhaps one of the most beloved droids introduced intheStar Warsprequel trilogy, and having the chance to play as these deadly foes will be a big asset forJedi Power Battles.
New Playable Characters Will Be The Meat Of New Jedi Power Battles Content
The approach toJedi Power Battlesis similar toAspyr’s otherStar Warsgame remastersthat gently touched on visuals and quality-of-life, without drastically overhauling the gameplay or artistic vision. New characters to unlock and play is a welcome bonus, but players shouldn’t expect much brand-new content. Bashaar went on to confirm as much, emphasizing the remaster’s preservationist philosophy:
“The game includes 13 newly playable characters, updated visual and gameplay features like the lightsaber toggle, and refined mechanics. While the core experience remains faithful to the original, these additions enhance and expand the game for today’s audience.”
Bashaar has made it clear that Aspyr is sticking to the goal of a remaster that offers just enough value to make a definitive edition re-release, not something on the level oftheDead Spaceremake. Many new characters on top of Aspry’s visual upgrades are a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.
