Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Wars: Episode I – Obi-Wan’s Adventures delivers a straightforward action-adventure formula where you step into the boots of a young Obi-Wan Kenobi. From the outset, you face wave after wave of battle droids, forcing you to master a mix of lightsaber combat, blaster shots, and Force powers. The controls are responsive, and Obi-Wan’s attacks flow naturally into each other; a quick press of the attack button yields basic combos while holding it allows you to unleash stronger strikes.

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The ability to switch between lightsaber, blaster, and Force mechanics adds a welcome layer of strategy. Certain enemy formations respond better to ranged blaster fire, while other tougher units crumble only under the pressure of saber slashes. Periodic Force puzzles break up the melee, requiring you to use telekinesis or a push/pull maneuver to clear obstacles or activate switches.

Boss encounters, culminating in the climactic duel against Darth Maul, demand precision timing and reading enemy patterns. Earlier levels feel reminiscent of Jedi Power Battles in their structure, but Obi-Wan’s Adventures often ramps up the difficulty by throwing swarms of droids at you from multiple angles. The weapon-switching mechanic keeps combat fresh, yet veteran action fans may notice some repetitive wave-based skirmishes as the game progresses.

Graphics

Visually, Obi-Wan’s Adventures embraces the late-’90s PlayStation aesthetic with polygonal character models and pre-rendered backgrounds. While textures can feel blocky by today’s standards, the environments—ranging from the sandy dunes of Tatooine to the sleek corridors of the Naboo starship—are rich in Star Wars flavor. Explosions and blaster bolts light up the screen in splashes of green and red, creating a satisfying visual payoff during heated firefights.

Character animations are serviceable but occasionally stiff: Obi-Wan performs his signature flip with flair, yet some idle or hit reactions lack polish. Enemies animate in repetitive loops, making it clear when a droid patrol is about to strike and allowing attentive players to time their defenses. Atmospheric effects such as Force pulses or lightsaber glows help sell the sci-fi setting and give combat moments a cinematic edge.

Cutscenes that advance key story beats are rendered in higher detail, providing a brief respite from in-game graphics and showcasing close-ups of Obi-Wan and his allies. These sequences, though limited in motion, benefit from carefully framed shots and classic John Williams cues. Overall, the visuals strike a balance between technical limitations and faithful Star Wars presentation.

Story

Although Obi-Wan’s Adventures doesn’t retell every moment of Episode I, it captures the essence of the film’s narrative arc. You witness Obi-Wan’s journey from Padawan to Jedi Knight, accompanied by mentor Qui-Gon Jinn, as they thwart a nefarious plot threatening the Trade Federation. Key scenes like navigating Neimoidian ships feel familiar, though often streamlined for gameplay purposes.

Dialogue exchanges between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and returning friends provide connective tissue between levels, but the story largely unfolds through environmental cues and mission objectives. This approach keeps the pacing brisk, though players seeking deep character development might find it light on emotional depth. Still, the build-up to the final standoff with Darth Maul delivers genuine excitement for fans eager to reenact the iconic duel.

The game adds a few original side missions—such as escorting NPCs through landspeeders or defusing bombs hidden in cargo holds—that expand upon the Episode I universe. While these detours don’t drastically alter the main plot, they offer varied objectives and encourage exploration. Overall, the storyline succeeds in giving context to each battle, keeping you invested as you progress through familiar locales.

Overall Experience

Star Wars: Episode I – Obi-Wan’s Adventures caters primarily to fans who want hands-on lightsaber action outside the movie theater. Its blend of melee combat, shooting segments, and Force-powered puzzles keeps the gameplay loop engaging, though some level designs feel formulaic after extended play sessions. The difficulty curve is manageable, with options to adjust health and enemy strength for newcomers or seasoned players.

Replay value rests in mastering each discipline—perfecting lightsaber combos, landing critical blaster headshots, or creatively using the Force to overcome environmental challenges. Speedrunners and completionists will appreciate hidden collectibles scattered throughout levels, encouraging a more methodical approach to exploration. However, casual gamers may find the game’s length modest, wrapping up in under a dozen hours on average.

Ultimately, Obi-Wan’s Adventures stands as a solid tie-in title that delivers satisfying Star Wars thrills. While it doesn’t revolutionize action-adventure gaming, it faithfully channels the spirit of the prequel trilogy and lets you experience Obi-Wan’s growth firsthand. If you’re seeking a nostalgic PS1-style adventure with lightsaber duels and droid battles aplenty, this title offers a fun ride through the galaxy far, far away.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10