Star Wars fans have been burned before by games that promise the galaxy and deliver a buggy mess. So when a new title comes along that actually sticks the landing, it's worth paying attention. Star Wars: Galactic Racer, the upcoming racer from developer Fuse Games and publisher Secret Mode, has just debuted its first batch of review scores—and the Force is strong with this one.
Metacritic Scores Paint a Promising Picture
According to Metacritic, Galactic Racer has opened with an 88 on PlayStation 5, an 86 on Xbox Series X|S, and an 83 on PC. Those numbers come from 72 critic reviews across all platforms, giving the game a solid foundation ahead of its October 6 release. While scores can shift as more reviews roll in, all three versions have landed in positive territory—a reassuring sign for anyone worried that Star Wars racing might be a one-trick pony.
For context, that puts Galactic Racer ahead of other recent Star Wars releases like Maul: Shadow Lord and Zero Company on the aggregator. Not bad for a game that trades lightsabers for handlebars.
Why the Racing Feels So Good
Collider's review cut straight to the chase: "The racing feels fantastic." That's the make-or-break element for any racing game, and it sounds like Fuse Games nailed it. Recognizable Star Wars vehicles might get you in the cockpit, but it's the moment-to-moment thrill of hugging a corner at breakneck speed that keeps you coming back. If you've ever replayed the podracing scene from The Phantom Menace in your head, this is the game that finally does it justice.
For a deeper dive into why the mechanics click, check out our full review of Galactic Racer.
Story, Structure, and Stakes
The campaign follows Shade, a racer with a bone to pick with the Bool family. She enters the Galactic League with one goal: dethrone the corrupt champion, Kestar Bool. Along the way, an Ardennian mechanic named Hibi helps you tune your vehicle, with different parts offering stat boosts and special abilities. Building your racer becomes a strategic layer that adds depth beyond just holding down the accelerator.
What's more, Galactic Racer uses a run-based structure. You pick events as you progress through a tour, but too many crashes ends your attempt. Certain perks and unlocks carry over to the next run, which means every mistake carries weight. It's a clever twist that keeps the pressure high and makes each victory feel earned.
The Verdict So Far
With an 88 on PS5 and similarly strong scores elsewhere, Star Wars: Galactic Racer is shaping up to be one of the better Star Wars games in recent memory. It may not have Jedi or Sith, but it proves the galaxy has plenty of room for stories that don't revolve around the Force. If you're a fan of high-speed competition or just want to revisit the thrill of podracing, this one looks like a winner.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer launches October 6 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
