Get ready for hyperspace! Star Wars: Galactic Racer, the upcoming arcade racer from Fuse Games (a studio brimming with Burnout veterans), isn’t just another kart racer. While the single-player campaign boasts roguelike elements, it’s the online multiplayer “tour” mode that truly sets it apart – and by “sets it apart,” I mean it throws a whole heap of MOBA mechanics into the mix. The result? A chaotic, exhilarating experience that somehow works brilliantly.
A Galactic Mashup: Racing Meets MOBA
Fuse Games isn’t shy about its inspiration. This mode is a Frankensteinian creation, splicing together elements from buildcrafting, match-specific progression, and even a personal player economy (the more credits you earn, the faster you scale). Think Overwatch’s Stadium mode, but with karts instead of heroes and no lanes or towers. It’s a bold move, but one that pays off handsomely.
During my preview, I had the chance to dive into this unique mode, which Fuse Games is clearly excited about showcasing. And for good reason: it’s genuinely unlike anything else in the racing genre. The “tour” mode offers a structured experience with 12 players (or eight in podracing), battling across six planets. The character selection screen sets the stage – each racer comes equipped with different loadouts, offering immediate strategic choices.
Racer selection is key to success.
The round-by-round structure adds another layer of depth. After each race, players can upgrade their ride’s stats and choose from a selection of parts – borrowed from the single-player campaign’s roguelike nature – allowing for diverse builds throughout the race. I personally experimented with a “ramjet” build, combining abilities that synergized perfectly. In one race, I had an ability that significantly reduced my ramjet’s cooldown and another that instantly refilled my non-ramjet boost whenever I used it, creating a powerful offensive strategy.
Furthermore, players can snag abilities like shields, torpedoes, and flamethrowers on this screen. These abilities also include parts that grant elemental resistances, which might be crucial depending on the planets visited during the tour. To acquire these upgrades, credits are essential, earned through placement in races or by betting on yourself – predicting whether you’ll finish within the top nine, six, or three positions.
Strategic use of abilities is crucial for victory.
Creative director Kieran Crimmins emphasizes player agency: “Every choice you make—from your vehicle and upgrades to the character you pick in multiplayer—should have a real impact on whether you win or lose. That’s what creates that sense of control, knowing that mistakes are your own fault, but also allowing you to strategize and be competitive.” He also highlights the importance of balance: “The game needs to be easy to pick up so you can enjoy it right away, but all those systems need to have depth and mechanical complexity.”
Lucasfilm Games executive producer Craig Derrick adds: “I think some people want to come in and just play with their friends. It’s inherent in the DNA of the game, and that’s just as important as being able to have a fun experience against one another and see who comes out on top.”
The chaotic nature of the races is part of the fun.
The result is undeniably chaotic, but incredibly fun. My only real complaint was the environmental hazards – certain races featured acid pits that could ruin your race instantly. In another planet, a “cold” status effect could be removed by dipping into a narrow heat vent, often leading to hilarious (but frustrating) pod racer pile-ups.
As someone who spent a fair amount of time at the back of the pack (a skill issue, I admit), these hazards sometimes felt at odds with the competitive design. The fast-paced arcade racing feel occasionally clashed with the elements that urged me to be strategic. A catch-up mechanic would also be welcome, as getting instagibbed without warning can be frustrating.
However, these are minor issues that can likely be addressed before the full game launches on October 6th. The tour mode itself felt polished and engaging, and I’m eager to dive deeper into its systems. It’s a bold experiment that pays off handsomely, offering a unique blend of arcade racing and MOBA strategy.
The game features a wide variety of characters and vehicles.
Whether you’re looking for a casual experience with friends or a competitive challenge, Star Wars: Galactic Racer’s tour mode offers something for everyone. It’s a must-try for fans of both racing games and the Star Wars universe.
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Source: PC Gamer
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