Roguelike Racing

Star Wars: Galactic Racer surprised me most from the games I saw at Summer Game Fest. It has much more depth than I expected from a licensed racing game. While it features standard fare like arcade modes, time trials, and online multiplayer, its single-player experience takes a sharp, unexpected turn into roguelike sensibilities. Founded by ex-Criterion developers in 2023, Fuse Games is leveraging its staff’s experience working on Burnout and Need for Speed to create a fresh racing title seemingly full of choice, strategy, and, of course, memorable archetypes from across the Star Wars universe.

Galactic Racer’s campaign takes place during the 30 years after Return of the Jedi’s Battle of Endor, wherein The Empire has collapsed, and the victorious Rebel Alliance has formed The New Republic. Set within the lawless Outer Rim, an illegal racing circuit called The Galactic League has emerged, attracting pilots from across the star system, including the game’s mysterious protagonist, Shade. While details surrounding his backstory are sparse, the masked pilot seeks two prizes from the league: fame and payback. Shortly after meeting a benefactor named Darius Pax, a Besalisk with a grudge against the current podracing champion, Shade gains his credentials, and my first run begins.