Star Wars Racer Multiplayer: Split-Screen & Online
Star Wars: Episode I Racer supports split-screen multiplayer for up to four players locally, but it has no online multiplayer mode on any platform. The game’s multiplayer is exclusively local, meaning you can race against friends on the same screen, but you cannot play against others over the internet.
Background: The Game and Its Multiplayer History
Released in 1999 to coincide with Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode I Racer was developed by LucasArts and became a cult classic for its fast-paced podracing gameplay. The game was released on Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and PC, and later ported to modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in 2020. Across all these versions, the multiplayer offering has remained consistent: local split-screen only. The 2020 re-release, handled by Aspyr, also includes split-screen multiplayer, but like the original, it does not feature any online play. This is a notable omission for modern players, especially given that the game’s competitive racing format would translate well to online matchmaking.
How Split-Screen Multiplayer Works
Split-screen multiplayer in Star Wars: Episode I Racer allows two to four players to race on the same console. The screen divides into horizontal or vertical sections depending on the number of players and the orientation of the television. In the Nintendo 64 version, the game supports up to four players, while the Dreamcast version also supports four. The PC version also supports split-screen, but it requires a gamepad for each player, as the keyboard can only control one racer. On the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 re-release, split-screen is available with up to four players, and each player needs a compatible controller. The game offers a selection of tracks and characters that are unlocked through single-player progression, and players can choose their preferred podracer and race against each other in a standard race or a tournament-style cup.
How to Set Up Split-Screen
Setting up split-screen is straightforward on most platforms. Here are the general steps:
- Connect all controllers to the console or PC before launching the game.
- From the main menu, select “Multiplayer� or “2-4 Player� mode.
- Each player must press a button on their controller to join the lobby.
- Choose the number of players, then select a track and racer.
- Start the race. The screen will automatically split into the appropriate number of segments.
On PC, you may need to configure each controller in the game’s settings. If a controller is not recognized, check that it is properly installed and that the game is set to “Controllerâ€� input for that player. Note that the PC version does not support keyboard and controller simultaneously for multiple players; each player must use a separate controller.
Common Problems and Workarounds
Players often encounter a few issues when trying to play split-screen. One common problem is that the game does not detect more than one controller. This can be resolved by ensuring all controllers are connected before launching the game and, on PC, by using a program like JoyToKey or Steam’s controller configuration to map each controller to a separate player. Another issue is that the screen split is not visible or the game appears to be in single-player mode. This usually happens when the wrong menu option is selected; make sure to choose “Multiplayerâ€� from the main menu, not “Single Race.â€� Finally, some players report that the game lags during split-screen on older hardware. Lowering the graphics settings or reducing the number of players to two can help improve performance.
Comparison with Other Racing Games of the Era
In the late 1990s, split-screen multiplayer was the standard for console racing games, and Star Wars: Episode I Racer was no exception. Games like Mario Kart 64 and Diddy Kong Racing also relied on split-screen, with no online component. However, by the early 2000s, online multiplayer was becoming more common on PC and consoles, and many racing games began to offer online play. Star Wars: Episode I Racer never received an online update, even after its re-release. This puts it behind games like F-Zero GX (which had online via the GameCube’s broadband adapter in Japan) and Burnout Paradise (which had full online multiplayer). For fans of the game, the lack of online play is a significant limitation, but it also preserves the classic couch-competitive experience that many players fondly remember.
Alternatives for Online Play
If you want to race against others online in a podracing-style game, there are a few alternatives. First, you can use a local network emulator like Parsec or Steam Remote Play Together to simulate online play with split-screen. These tools allow you to share your screen with friends over the internet, and they can control one of the local players. This works well for games that only support local multiplayer, but it requires a stable internet connection and low latency. Second, you can look for fan-made mods or community servers for the PC version. Some mods have attempted to add online functionality, but they are not official and may be unreliable. Third, consider other racing games that offer online podracing-like experiences, such as Redout or Pacer, which have online multiplayer and similar high-speed anti-gravity racing. However, none of these are Star Wars-themed, so they may not fully satisfy your craving for podracing.
Cost and Availability
The original Star Wars: Episode I Racer is available on multiple platforms. The Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast versions are available secondhand, with prices varying based on condition and completeness. The PC version is available on GOG.com for a low price, often around $5-10. The modern re-release for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 is available on their respective digital stores for around $15. The re-release includes all the original content and supports split-screen, but it does not add any new features. Given that the game is over two decades old, the re-release is a budget-friendly way to experience the game on modern hardware, especially if you have friends to play with locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Star Wars: Episode I Racer online with friends? No, the game does not have any online multiplayer mode. The only way to play with others is via local split-screen on the same console or PC.
Does the Nintendo Switch version support split-screen? Yes, the Nintendo Switch version supports split-screen for up to four players. Each player needs a separate controller, such as Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller.
Can I play split-screen on PC with one keyboard and one controller? No, the PC version requires each player to use a separate controller. The keyboard can only control one racer, and you cannot mix keyboard and controller for different players.
Is there a way to play online using mods? There are unofficial mods that attempt to add online functionality, but they are not stable and are not recommended. A more reliable method is to use Parsec or Steam Remote Play Together to share your screen and allow friends to play as local players.
How many players can play split-screen on the original Nintendo 64 version? The Nintendo 64 version supports up to four players with the use of a four-player adapter, which was standard for the console.
Does the re-release add any new multiplayer features? No, the 2020 re-release is a direct port and does not add online play or any new multiplayer modes. It retains the original split-screen functionality.
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