Developer: Factor 5, LucasArts Publisher: LucasArts

Released: December 15, 2000 Rated: T 8/10

It feels like a backhanded compliment, sure, but Star Wars – Episode I: Battle For Naboo is very much in the running for the best thing to come out of The Phantom Menace. Aside from Episode I Racer and Darth Maul’s sweet double-saber, I’m hard-pressed to think of something cooler and more likable than Battle For Naboo, not to mention its technical proficiencies and even its ambition to keep stretching the limitations of the Nintendo 64 in its last days. It doesn’t take much to understand why, of course: developed by the compression wizards and Star Wars experts at Factor 5 Entertainment, Battle For Naboo is pretty straightforward and foolproof in concept, as it’s quite literally a prequel-ized version of the masterful Star Wars: Rogue Squadron.

In a rare example of something being essentially just as good on paper as it is in execution, Battle For Naboo is exactly how it sounds, in that it’s almost as good as Rogue Squadron, but not as enjoyable as it would be if it were still based on the beloved original trilogy. Like its predecessor, players will take control of a smattering of iconic Star Wars vehicles, only with the Naboo Starfighter in place of the classic X-Wing, and original character Gavyn Sykes as your protagonist instead of Luke. Similar in length and presentation to Rogue Squadron, Battle For Naboo actually makes an impressive effort to improve wherever possible on ideas and execution that made Rogue Squadron such a stunning evolution in the tradition of Star Wars flight simulators. 

Probably the most notable concept expanded on in this prequel title is the variety of vehicles the player will pilot across the course of the game. Instead of simply having a few ships that, while all fairly iconic and interesting in their different applications, largely maintain a similar scope across the campaign, Battle For Naboo employs missions based around gunboats, heavy STAPs, and landspeeders, as well as off-planet missions in the memorable yet dorky N-1 Naboo Starfighter. There are even a handful of times you’ll be able to change to a different vehicle in the middle of a level, but about half of them are just a transition to the next level anyway. The fact that most missions will still take place on Naboo in one way or another is one of the only real drawbacks the game has on a conceptual level, even if it is suggested right in the title. That being said, the pace and style of these levels may claw back some of the appeal lost due to the setting, though these less-established gameplay styles can feel a bit inconsistent compared to the constantly exciting and clean air combat. The true balance of the trade-off between variety and setting will vary from player to player, but I personally felt myself craving the unique floatiness and maneuverability of a Snow Speeder whether I was in a Landspeeder, STAP, or Naboo Police Cruiser, so from that perspective it’s all somewhat moot.

As is to be expected from Factor 5, however, the sound, graphics, and control on offer in Battle For Naboo are still top-tier. Practically a test run for their jaw-dropping debut on the GameCube with Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, Battle For Naboo looks and sounds brilliant. Their MusyX compression magic is as impressive as ever, once again offering fully voiced dialogue and chatter from your wingmen, and some of the highest quality music on the system. This isn’t just “be grateful it’s voiced at all” VO either, as the acting is quite good for the standards of the time, something LucasArts could often pride themselves on by this point. Ship models are crisp and aside from that ever-present distance fog, it runs as smooth as ever. All placed on the same sturdy bones of the Rogue Squadron engine, it’s a joy to play save for a few hiccups in some less familiar territory like the tight city streets of Theed and the unwieldy artillery of a stolen Trade Federation Gunboat.

Unless you’re completely prequel-averse, any appreciation for the flight sims of ‘90s Star Wars titles implores you to give Star Wars – Episode I: Battle For Naboo its fair shake. It’s just unfortunate that it was practically sent out to die, even while just barely making the cut for the final holiday season of the N64’s lifetime. Finally hitting the shelves well after everyone finally got the chance to realize that, well, Phantom Menace was actually kind of lame, Battle For Naboo is largely unknown compared to the other three Star Wars titles on the system, but shines or at leasts keeps things interesting in every area not related directly to its license.

Additional Information

Saves: Cartridge

Players: 1

Compatible With: Rumble Pak, Expansion Pak

Print Guides: None

Aggregate Critical Reception (GameRankings): 81.66%, based on 14 reviews

Other Releases: EU, March 30, 2001

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