LucasArts reveal PC/N64 space race

Details of the eagerly awaited “Pod Racer” have finally been announced by LucasArts. The game will be released on the PC and N64 in May, coinciding with the film’s US release. The game is to be simply entitled Star Wars: Episode I Racer, and will recreate one of the most exciting scenes in the movie.

You’ll get to choose from 18 different racers, with extra ones needing to be unlocked to bring the total to over 20. Races will take place on Tatooine as well as ice planets, urban planets and jungle planets (Endor maybe?) and will feature bosses who will do anything to win.

Track hazards include lava pools, ice, pools of water and a methane lake. The latter being particularly impressive – put on your afterburners and the lake behind will be ignited.

Money earned by placing well in the races can be spent on upgrading your racer. Add new fins for extra stability or maybe a beefy new engine, among others.

PC players will be able to enjoy eight-player action across a LAN or the Internet. N64 owners will have to settle for two-player split-screen fun.

A Macintosh version is expected to appear towards the end of the year.