#Mars Guo's podracer

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Anakin in Hot Pursuit

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace - Deleted Scene: Extended Podrace Lap Two 02:07

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This week: No Humans Allowed!

Anakin was, of course, the only human with reflexes fast enough to podrace. So apparently these freaky little guys all have a natural advantage over us clumsy, non-Chosen-One humans!

I wish other media about Anakin, especially The Clone Wars cartoon, would show more of his superhuman ability and zeal for racing. I think it’s really endearing and fun, and a cool reference to George Lucas’ first love, cars. The closest the cartoon gets to this theme is the very first arc, Malevolence, in which Anakin can pilot more skillfully than anyone else, and Ahsoka has to advise him to quit for the sake of everyone else’s safety. There are a couple comics where Ahsoka and Luke get to podrace, and Anakin/Vader gets to react to them in charming and ridiculous ways. I’ll write about these comics later, because they are my absolute weakness! 

The flags featured in the adorable illustration above are:

the shark who says “Ni!” of Clegg Holdfast, a Nosaurian from New Plympto. New Plympto’s tragic fate is shown in the grimdark (by Star Wars standards) Dark Times comics: the planet and its poor little dinosaur population are neglected by the Republic, manipulated by the Separatists, and looted by the Empire. I’m uncertain if Clegg lived to see this destruction, as his pod crashed in the second lap.

the red flag with blue pennants of Dud Bolt (great name!), a Vulptereen from Vulpter. He must have survived, as he is the racer who you can see on the TV at the bar in Attack of the Clones. I think he is a very cute piggy-crocodile.

the matching green flag with red pennants of Gasgano, a Xexto from Troiken. I think this guy is genuinely ugly, but he did come in second place after Ani, so I must respect him. 

the lobster claw on a green field of Mars Guo, who is, hilariously, a Phuii from Phu. Similar to beloved character Hera Syndulla, Mars is named after a Greco-Roman god. Did that ancient empire somehow reach this distant galaxy?

the red hook of Teemto Pagalies, a Veknoid from Moonus Mandel. A Veknoid closer to my heart is the wise, mysterious Master Zao. But Teemto is the original goofy pig-lizard-man.

In the illustration, the podracers bear their own flags, but this is not the case in the movie; in fact, it looks the actual flagbearers mostly appear to be human. The only exception is Anakin’s flagbearer, his loyal creation, C-3PO.

“English-Japanese Dictionary for Jedi Knights,” entry for “Flag.” 2015. Illustrators: Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano, aka Gurihiru.

[chongoblog]

Podracer Tier List

S Tier: MARS GUO

A Tier: Gasgano

Whatever Tier: All The Other dudes

[gamex2020]

N64 Games

                N64 Star Wars Games Ranked

Just like The Simpsons video games we mentioned in our last article, Star Wars games have found their way onto almost every game console for all generations. Four Star Wars games were released on the Nintendo 64, which is more than its predecessors (3 on SNES and 2 on NES). Of the four Star Wars N64 Games, two revolved around Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, one around the original trilogy, and one around Star Wars Legends.

Here are the Star Wars N64 games ranked:

4. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

Release Year: 1996UPC:

045496870133

Current Value: $10-$12

Are you shocked that this game is ranked lowest? Although Shadows of the Empire is the most popular and well-known Star Wars game on the Nintendo 64, it was rated the lowest out of the four Star Wars games released, with an average rating of 6.5/10 across reputable review sites.

The game has a great story that’s divided into 4 chapters. The first chapter takes place at the beginning of the fifth Star Wars film – Empire Strikes Back. The second chapter involves a face-off against Boba Fett to save Han Solo. The third chapter has players protecting Luke Skywalker while recovering the secret plans for the second Death Star. And finally, the fourth chapter requires players to rescue Princess Leia from Prince Xizor in order to beat the game.

Unfortunately, the game received its low reviews due to poor controls, awkward camera angles, and mediocre level designs after The Battle of Hoth.

3. Star Wars Episode I: Racer

Release Year: 1999UPC:

045496870416

Current Value: $6-$8

The first Phantom Menace video game released on the N64 with an average rating of 7.5/10. Based on the pod race movie scene, players must race around different circuits, each set becoming progressively more difficult (think Mario Kart 64). Players can earn money by winning races and can spend this on upgrades for their podracer at Watto’s shop.

The game has 23 playable characters, 17 of which need to be unlocked. Competitive players should note that the best Star Wars Racer character is Ben Quadinaros. Not only is his podracer huge, he also has the strongest and most effective boost in the game.

Star Wars Episode I Racer Tier List

S-Tier

Ben Quadinaros

A-Tier‘

Bullseye’ Navior

Mars Guo

Ebe Endocott

Boles Roor

Elan Mak

Mawhonic

Aldar Beedo

B-Tier

Anakin Skywalker

Sebulba

C-Tier & Lower

Dud Bolt

Gasgano

Ody Mandrell

Ark “Bumpy” Roose

Bozzie Baranta

Clegg Holdfast

Fud Sang

Neva Kee

Ratts Tyerell

Slide Paramita

Teemto Pagalies

Toy Dampner

Wan Sandage

Fun Fact: Star Wars Episode I: Racer had its own limited edition bundle for the N64!

2. Star Wars Episode I: Battle for Naboo

Release Year: 2000UPC:

023272656591

Current Value: $19-$21

The follow-up to Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, Battle for Naboo follows the events of the film Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The game offers 15 levels for players to complete with the following available aircraft: Naboo N-1 Starfighter, the Naboo Bomber, and Police Cruiser. Land and watercraft are also playable on various levels.

The game received positive reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. It’s commonly praised for it crisp controls, addition of ground vehicles (which Rogue Squadron didn’t have), and story line.

1. Star Wars Rogue Squadron

Release Year: 1998UPC:

045496870379

Current Value: $10-$12

The first installment of the popular Rogue Squadron trilogy, which was concluded on the Nintendo Gamecube. Rogue Squadron was the 2nd Nintendo 64 game to support the Expansion Pak (after Donkey Kong 64).

The story takes place between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, and revolves around the missions of Luke Skywalker and Wedge Anitlles to form the Rogue Squadron. Similar to Shadows of the Empire, the game is divided into four chapters. The final chapter takes place six years after the Battle of Endor with Wedge Antilles battling the remnants of the empire; this was the first post Return of the Jedi content in a video game!

The game received great reception with an average rating of 8.5/10 and holds a special place in the heart’s of Star Wars fans. We highly recommend playing this game if you haven’t!

[ogradyfilm]

Random Thought Before Bed: The Immaculate World-Building of The Phantom Menace

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: one of Star Wars’ greatest strengths is that it feels so much bigger than the immediate narrative. Lucas and his cohorts populated their galaxy far, far away with hundreds of vibrant incidental characters; the colorful creatures inhabiting Mos Eisley's cantina alone inspired enough Expanded Universe material to fill several libraries.

I’ve often found myself drawn to the franchise's peripheral figures (see: Wedge Antilles), and the much-maligned, highly underrated Episode I: The Phantom Menace is no exception—in fact, it might just be the most fruitful source of good, old fashioned Deep Lore in the entire series.

Who could forget, for example, Aks Moe, the representative of The Congress of Malastare who concurs with the honorable delegate from the Trade Federation?

Or Mars Guo, the skinny, long-necked podracer who shouts “Blaaaaaaauuuuuurrrggghhh!” when his engine explodes in his (extremely pointy) face?

How about Yarael Poof, the skinny, long-necked member of the Jedi Council that always wears the same vacant, goofy expression (o_o)?

Then there’s Arven Wendik. Don’t remember him? He’s that one random pilot that exclaims, “Look! One of ours, out of the main hold!” during the (admittedly lackluster) climactic space battle.

But my personal favorite has to be Jira, the sweet old grandma that says, “Oh, my bones are aching. Storm’s coming up, Annie. You’d better get home quick!” in the most adorable little English accent.

She should definitely feature in the next Star Wars Story spinoff. As a reformed Tatooine drug lord.

[sw5w]

Beggar's Canyon

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 01:01:07

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Sebulba Leads the Pack

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 01:01:05

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Dud Bolt Powers Up His Podracer

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 00:58:33

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May the Force Be With You

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 00:57:55

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You What?

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 00:53:03

This is a quick diagram I put together to show (as far as I can tell from shots from the movie and behind the scenes and production stills) as to the lineup of Podracers in the Pit Hangar.

Some of these, such as the duplicate (but backwards-facing) Plug-2 Behemoth may be backups for the racers. Especially since the other one shares Sebulba's racing colors. (Seen here in this photo from Episode I snapshot from StarWars.com on 10/15/99)

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Sebulba Watches His Opponents Gain on Him

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace - Deleted Scene: Extended Podrace Lap Two 02:09

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Mars Guo Speeds Past the Salvage Droids

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace - Deleted Scene: Extended Podrace Lap Two 00:29

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Anakin Puts on His Racing Helmet

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace - Deleted Scene: Complete Podrace Grid Sequence 04:12

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Woah!

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace - Deleted Scene: Complete Podrace Grid Sequence 03:52

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[ Grunting ]

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace - Deleted Scene: Complete Podrace Grid Sequence 02:58

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Leading the Eopie Past the Racers

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace - Deleted Scene: Complete Podrace Grid Sequence 02:43