Kids of all ages (i.e. including plenty of parents and grandparents) are getting excited about the forthcoming Star Wars movies. It looks like apps will be playing a role in building even more buzz.

Here’s one example: a new iPhone and iPad app called Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace. It was released by Disney – the new owner of everything Star Wars – earlier this week

Although not just a children’s app, we think it’ll be perfect for parents and children who share a love of the sci-fi space epics. In this case, it’s a mixture of story and gameplay.

“Unlock hidden secrets in each interactive scene and race your anti-gravity podracer across the galaxy at explosive speeds,” explains its App Store listing. “Discover original art and interactive technology using amazing 180-degree parallax.”

Plenty for geeks like us to, well, geek out about then. The app gets fans to customise your own podracer, and take part in various tournaments and time trials to see how your racing skills shape up.

Count us excited, too, about the prospect of more Star Wars apps to come. “Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace is the first release of an episodic series of apps set in the world of the legendary saga,” explains Disney. “Star Wars Journeys: Attack of the Clones is coming very soon!”

Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace costs £4.99 for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store.

Read about more Star Wars apps for kids on Apps Playground, and check out our 100 Best iPad Apps of 2013 e-book – £1.99 from Apple’s iBooks Store