Star Wars games in 2026 have been an interesting thing. First, we had the brilliant XCOM-styled Star Wars Zero Company, and now we have the equally interesting Star Wars: Galactic Racer.
But it’s worth saying right off the bat that when it comes to racing in a galaxy far, far away, few games have managed to capture the magic of 1999’s Star Wars Episode I: Racer on the N64.
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Well, developer Fuse Games is looking to change that with Star Wars: Galactic Racer, a high-speed adventure aiming to take the spotlight away from the Jedi and put it back on interstellar racing.
Pod Sim
Set after the fall of the Empire, the game sees the galaxy looking for new ways to entertain itself, and what better way to do that than with an underground racing league where fortunes can be won and lost in a heartbeat?
You step into the boots of Shade, a lone racer looking to make a name for themselves while settling a personal score with the ruthless Galactic League champion Kestar Bool. It’s a tale of revenge, rivalries and plenty of high-speed action, giving the racing a little more purpose than simply crossing the finish line first.
Starcade
But let’s be honest, you don’t come to a Star Wars racing game for the story alone. You come for the chance to put your foot down and leave your rivals eating space dust.
Well, Galactic Racer delivers on that front, offering a range of craft to get behind the controls of, including landspeeders, speeder bikes, skim speeders and, of course, podracers. Each class has its own handling, meaning you need to adapt your driving style depending on what you are racing.
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Racing can be summed up in one word: chaotic. Which makes a lot of sense when you look at the people behind Fuse Games. Some worked on the Burnout series, while others worked on Need for Speed.
Knowing this, you can see the bloodline running through the game, only with a Star Wars theme. There is something wonderfully chaotic about hurtling around a track at scary speeds while trying to avoid obstacles and rival landspeeders, speeder bikes and skim speeders that seem just as determined to knock you into oblivion in an oh-so-Burnout takedown slow-motion style.
Ion MotorStorm
There is a real feeling of the PS3 classic racer MotorStorm at its core, as bikes battle to survive against weightier speeders, all while trying to avoid being smashed by skimmers. This mixed-grid approach really adds to the excitement of a race.
This is not simply a case of finding the racing line and keeping your foot down. You need to know when to take risks, when to attack and when to play it safe.
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Different planets also help keep things interesting, with races taking place across familiar locations such as Jakku, alongside some new worlds. From dusty wastelands to icy plains and more unusual alien environments, there is a nice variety to the settings. All of them help make the Galactic League feel like a proper intergalactic sporting event.
Progression is another big part of the game, with a run-based campaign that encourages you to learn from your mistakes. Each attempt gives you the chance to earn upgrades, unlock new abilities and improve your craft, while certain rewards carry over between runs.
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It adds a welcome level of strategy. However, those who prefer a more traditional racing campaign may take a little time to get used to the system, as there is no rewind or do-overs here. There is also plenty of customisation, allowing you to build a craft that suits your racing style, while multiplayer gives you the chance to take on other players.
Rei Tracer
Visually, Star Wars: Galactic Racer is stunning, from the smallest details on the craft to the ever-changing backdrops. The game feels alive with character from moment to moment. The combination of recognisable vehicles, alien worlds and the sheer spectacle of racing at breakneck speeds just makes you smile.
Of course, no Star Wars game would be complete without the sights and sounds of the galaxy, and Galactic Racer has plenty of familiar ingredients to draw upon.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a welcome and refreshing change of pace for the series, delivering a racing adventure that puts skill and speed ahead of lightsabers and Force powers. Fuse Games has found a truly entertaining way to bring the galaxy’s need for speed to life.
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