Star Wars: Galactic Racer's podracing meets Burnout had me on the edge of my seat

August 20, 2026 - 03:07

I just got back from a hands-on session with the new Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and I have to say, it caught me off guard. The game takes the classic podracing formula and throws in a heavy dose of roguelite mechanics, plus a healthy serving of arcade-style aggression that reminds me a lot of the Burnout series. The result is something that feels fresh, frantic, and surprisingly deep.

The core loop is simple. You pick a racer, strap into a pod, and hit the track. But every run is different. The track layouts shift, hazards pop up in new places, and the upgrade choices you get after each lap are random. You might grab a boost that drains your shields, or a repair kit that also increases your engine heat. It forces you to adapt on the fly and make risky calls.

What really sold me was the combat. You are not just racing. You are actively ramming opponents into canyon walls, using your thrusters to shove them into debris fields, and even triggering small EMP blasts that stun nearby pods. It is chaotic and loud, and the sense of speed is intense. The screen shakes, the engines roar, and when you barely dodge a rock spire while shoving a rival into it, you feel like a total ace.

The roguelite part means death is always around the corner. One bad turn or a well-aimed missile from a rival can end your run. But that just made me want to go again. Each attempt teaches you something new about the track layouts or the upgrade synergies. It is the kind of game that rewards practice and punishes hesitation.

I was skeptical at first, but after about an hour with it, I was leaning forward in my seat, gripping the controller. It is not trying to be a serious simulation. It is pure, adrenaline-fueled fun that understands what made the podrace in Episode I so exciting. If you ever wanted to feel like you are actually flying through the Boonta Eve Classic with a grudge, this is the game for you. It is fast, it is mean, and it is a lot smarter than it looks.