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| Star Wars: Galactic Racer is earning strong early review scores – with its fast-paced racing and roguelite campaign receiving particular praise. |
The wait is almost over for racing fans. Star Wars: Galactic Racer hits shelves on October 6, launching across PC (via Steam and Epic Games), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. But if you're still on the fence about picking it up, the early reviews might just push you over the edge – because critics are loving what Fuse Games has delivered.
At the time of writing, the game holds a solid Metascore of 88 based on 58 critic reviews. Several outlets, including IGN Germany and Eurogamer, have even handed out perfect scores of 100. Not bad for a licensed racing game, right?
Pictured: A gameplay screenshot from STAR WARS: Galactic Racer.
Speed, Controls, and a Roguelite Twist That Works
So what's got everyone so hyped? According to reviewers, it all comes down to three things: blistering speed, tight controls, and a roguelite campaign that actually adds something meaningful to the experience.
The sense of velocity is apparently off the charts. Comparisons to classics like Episode I: Racer, Burnout, and WipeOut keep popping up in reviews. IGN Germany's Manuel Fritsch was particularly blown away, writing: "The sense of speed is probably the best it's been since the first WipEout." That's high praise, especially for a genre where nailing that feeling of raw momentum is everything.
Then there's the roguelite structure. Each run lets you unlock new upgrades and abilities for your vehicle, but if you crash out, those upgrades are gone. What carries over, though, is permanent progression – so every attempt feels like it's building toward something. GameSpot, which gave the game a 9/10, noted that even a failed run makes you want to dive straight back in.
Visually, the game is no slouch either. Sammy Barker of Push Square (also 9/10) put it simply: "The excellent handling and breathtaking presentation alone would be enough to recommend the game."
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| Pictured: A gameplay screenshot from Star Wars: Galactic Racer. |
Where the Game Falls Short
Of course, no game is perfect, and Galactic Racer has its share of criticisms. The most common complaint? A limited selection of planets and tracks. IGN gave the game an 8/10 and pointed out that the campaign can start to feel repetitive since you keep returning to the same worlds.
Some reviewers also mentioned issues with clarity during chaotic races, balancing problems, and a story that doesn't quite keep up with the action. And if you were hoping for split-screen multiplayer, you're out of luck – that feature is absent.
Reddit Is Hyped, Too
Over on Reddit, the excitement is real. A thread discussing the reviews has users reminiscing about Episode I: Racer on the N64 and getting genuinely hyped for what looks like a mix between podracing and Burnout.
Some are even saying they're putting their gaming backlogs on hold to buy the game at launch. A few users admitted that the lack of split-screen and the limited track variety dampened their enthusiasm slightly, but overall, the vibe is overwhelmingly positive.
For more details on the game's critical reception, you can check out the Metacritic page here. And if you want to see what the community is saying, the Reddit discussion thread is worth a look.
The Verdict? Looks Like a Winner
With strong scores across the board, Star Wars: Galactic Racer seems poised to become one of the standout racing games of the year. The blend of high-speed action, roguelite progression, and that unmistakable Star Wars flair has clearly struck a chord with critics.
Sure, there are some rough edges – limited tracks, no split-screen, occasional repetition – but when the core experience is this thrilling, those issues feel like minor bumps in an otherwise smooth ride.
If you're a fan of arcade racers or just looking for something fresh in the Star Wars universe, October 6 might be the day you clear your schedule.