Star Wars: Galactic Racer is an arcade-style racing game from developer Fuse Games, blending speedy ships, underhanded on-track action and a refreshingly self-contained story. Described as F-Zero meets Burnout, it arrives as one of the most compelling entries in a genre that the franchise has not revisited in earnest since the 1999 podracing title Star Wars Episode 1: Racer.
While the wider Star Wars brand has faced mixed fortunes across recent television and cinema releases, its video games have maintained a consistently strong run. The soulslike Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor titles, alongside the turn-based Star Wars: Zero Company, prioritised engaging gameplay above all else, and Galactic Racer continues that pattern across a very different genre.
A classic underdog story with Star Wars set dressing
The game is set between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, during a period when a small corner of the galaxy is coming to terms with a new normal following the downfall of the Galactic Empire. With entire worlds rebuilding after years of oppression, speeder racing has to be reassembled from the ground up.
Racing promoter Darius Pax, driven by a passion for high-speed sport, sets out to secure sponsors for a new league by recruiting some of the finest talent across the galaxy. The roster includes shady figures such as ex-TIE Fighter pilot Griff Halloran and good-natured thrillseekers like the veteran Soren Zaks. The most gifted competitor is Kestar Bool, who uses his family’s wealth to fund top-tier racing machines and attempt a hostile takeover of Pax’s assets.
To counter the threat of Bool seizing control of the league, Pax enlists main character Shade and their upbeat mechanic Hibi to win the championship and keep the sport honest. Shade brings a devil-may-care attitude and a mysterious grudge against the egotistical antagonist, making them a willing recruit.
Vehicles and gameplay variety
Rather than a high-stakes, galaxy-level threat, the narrative centres on outperforming a single rival across a series of dangerous courses. This narrower focus gives the underdog sports story a clear, personal stake throughout.
Players can choose from several vehicle types to suit different racing styles. Options include agile skim speeders, bulkier landspeeders and nimble speeder bikes, each offering a distinct feel across the galaxy’s hazardous tracks. The combination of fast racing, combative tactics and a contained plot gives the title a tightly structured experience.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer takes place between the original and sequel trilogies, with daring drivers racing hot rods on dangerous courses across the galaxy.
