If you think that the "Star Wars Episode 1: Racer" is an effort to cash in on the _Phantom Menace_ hype, you vastly underestimate the  talent at Lucasarts.  As usual, they top expectations and deliver something  far beyond a merchandising tie-in.  This is a product which pushes the  boundaries of the racing genre. Take this feature-rich game out of the Star  Wars Universe and you still have a thrilling, easily-networkable ride.