The new title from Fuse Games, a studio founded by veterans of Need for Speed and Burnout, promises to combine the adrenaline of podracing with the destructive physics that made Burnout famous. During a hands-on session with an extended demo, we tested three vehicle types, a taste of the single-player campaign, and the boost mechanics that require skill and courage.
Three vehicle types with unique handling styles
The game offers three distinct craft. The blade is a middleweight vehicle capable of tilting sideways until it rides on its edge, allowing tight turns at the cost of lower top speed. The landspeeder has a classic car shape, stable and resistant to collisions, ideal for maintaining speed. The skimspeeder gains a speed burst when accelerating out of tight corners, rewarding an aggressive driving style.
Boost and risk: Afterburner vs. Ramjet
There are two types of speed boosts. The Afterburner is safe and gradually recharges; the Ramjet is more powerful but overheats the engine until it reaches "Redline." Exceeding this limit causes the vehicle to explode, regardless of pilot skill. This system requires timing and heat management, increasing race tension.
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Campaign, modes and customization
The main mode is a season-based campaign where you race against a well-funded antagonist. Besides the campaign, there are Scenario (specific conditions), Challenge, and Versus multiplayer modes. Completing races earns parts to upgrade your vehicle, installed using credits earned on the track. The structure is a flow chart, allowing you to choose the optimal path between races and bonuses.
Planetary environments that affect driving
Each planet imposes different rules. On icy worlds, the Ramjet can be used longer; on planets with acidic rivers, shields must be activated. Volcanic worlds with molten lava require very judicious boosting. Some races forbid crashing; others allow three attempts, returning you to the track in Burnout style.
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A dive into the post-Empire universe
The story is set after the fall of the Empire, with the New Republic rising. The protagonist is Shade, a mysterious helmeted pilot. Each race is bookended by a short walk from ship to garage, which can become repetitive but adds narrative context and occasional rival interactions.
Release date and final thoughts
Star Wars Galactic Racer will be released on October 6, 2026 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. For players looking for hardware deals, Sony has launched summer promotions with discounts up to 45% on Bravia TVs and headphones. Despite minor repetitiveness, the game is already fun and promises to appeal to both Star Wars fans and arcade racing enthusiasts. For more on the original concept, check the Wikipedia page on podracing.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/2199602/star-wars-galactic-racer-hands-on
