Rival Stars Horse Racing: Desktop Edition
" Immersive horse racing simulation with deep breeding and varied modes but repetitive gameplay "
Rival Stars Horse Racing: Desktop Edition Review
Rival Stars Horse Racing: Desktop Edition is a comprehensive horse racing simulation that combines management, strategy, and real-time racing mechanics. Originally a mobile game, its PC version offers enhanced graphics, smoother animations, and an immersive experience on a larger screen. Players engage in breeding, training, and racing horses, with a detailed system emphasizing bloodlines, traits, and customization.
The gameplay loop focuses on strategic preparation and decision-making during races, while the breeding system adds long-term depth by enabling creation of improved generations. The game features a career mode with championships and challenges, alongside multiplayer and leaderboard components. While the game is praised for its realistic horse models, engaging races, and accessible controls, some players find the pacing slow and the content limited after completing main quests. Occasional bugs, delayed desktop updates compared to mobile, and microtransactions on mobile versions are noted. Overall, it is well-received by horse enthusiasts and simulation fans, especially when purchased on discount.
Highlights
Players highly praise the game's detailed and realistic horse models and animations, which bring races to life with smooth, fluid motion.
The breeding and customization mechanics receive strong acclaim for their depth and strategic appeal, allowing players to create unique horses and manage bloodlines.
The career mode and race variety, including cross-country and steeplechase, provide engaging challenges and progression.
Graphics and sound design are considered crisp and immersive, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
The PC version's lack of microtransactions compared to mobile is appreciated, making progression feel more rewarding.
Criticisms
Several players mention that the game can feel grindy and slow-paced, especially when progressing through early stages or after main quests are completed.
The desktop version receives criticism for delayed updates and fewer events compared to the mobile version, leading to less content and replayability.
Some find the menus and management screens unintuitive, with occasional loading times disrupting gameplay.
Multiplayer modes are described as inactive or underdeveloped.
Price is considered high by some, especially without frequent discounts.
Breeding genetics lack transparency, and certain gameplay elements like jumping animations can feel unrealistic or frustrating.
Pros
- • Detailed and realistic horse models with smooth animations enhance immersion.
- • Deep breeding system adds satisfying long-term progression and strategy.
- • Engaging career mode with varied race types and challenges.
- • Accessible controls make the game easy to learn and play.
- • Customization options allow creation of unique horses and stables.
- • No microtransactions in desktop version improve fairness and enjoyment.
- • Graphics and sound design effectively capture the atmosphere of horse racing.
Cons
- • Gameplay can become grindy and repetitive after initial progression.
- • Desktop updates and new content lag behind the mobile version.
- • Menus and management screens can be unintuitive and clunky.
- • Loading times occasionally disrupt game flow.
- • Multiplayer mode is underpopulated and lacks engagement.
- • Price is considered high without frequent discounts.
- • Breeding genetics system lacks clear explanation or transparency.
Rating Criteria
With stunning, realistic horses, an in-depth breeding system, and a range of exciting game modes, Rival Stars Horse Racing offers horse fans the ultimate racing and riding experience. Take the reins and become an equestrian legend!