Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room. The horse racing scene in the video game world looks like an empty desert. Yes, there are a handful of games, but that’s nothing compared to other gaming genres.
But why? Why there aren’t many horse racing games? Well, the best guess is to blame demand. There aren’t many people who would want to play horse racing games, making it unprofitable for game-developing companies. Horse racing as a sport might have a lot of fans, but most of them are older, and not really interested in video games.
Let’s spring some positivity back just because I feel like we started the article on the wrong foot. The lack of horse racing games doesn’t mean that you cannot experience what is like to own a racehorse.
There are a couple of good games that may have been introduced for the PS4, but they are also playable on the PS5.
So, which ones you should consider first?
1. Phar Lap – Horse Racing Challenge
Phar Lap is without a doubt one of the most popular horse racing games for any console. Why? Well, it is the entire package. In other words, it gives you a behind-the-curtains look at the sport, allowing you to breed, own, manage, and race your horses.
Yes, every single element is covered, and the detail is quite impressive. Even horses are not generic ones. They come with different stats and abilities that eventually decide the winner of the races.
If you thought you were just going to storm past the competition, think again! This game actually requires a lot of strategy decision-making, and training.
When it comes to the graphics, it doesn’t even come close to games like Red Dead Redemption 2, which is a game with incredible horse mechanics and a lot of secrets.
With that said, the graphics are still decent, and you won’t feel like you are stuck in the 90s.
The best thing about this game? As you progress through the game, you’ll eventually unlock the ability to place bets on races. This is a great way to entertain yourself, or to train for a horse racing tournament.
If you want to learn how to join a handicapper tournament, click the link below: twinspires.com/tournaments/
2. Winning Post 10
Here we have the latest horse racing game that the world has ever seen. Does this mean that is the best and features the latest technologies? Well, yes and no. Why?
First of all, we are talking about a game series that has been around us for quite some time. This means that they know what they are doing. The horse mechanics are quite impressive, the game has decent graphics and an incredibly complex system that enables you to dive deeper into the horse racing industry.
Plus, the graphics look decent, horses come with plenty of stats, traits, and abilities, there is a breeding system, and races feel exciting.
So, how is this bad? Well, that’s not bad at all, in fact, this is the best horse racing game you can play right now. But there is a catch.
The game is mainly targeted at the Japanese audience, which means that there is no English version of the game. The Winning Post series released English versions of the game in the past, but it seems like they decided not to with their latest one.
Another bad thing is the 2D Anime design in the game menu, which I don’t think works well with such a game. It would have been much better if we had a 3D story.
3. Rival Stars Horse Racing
Initially popular on mobile and PC, “Rival Stars Horse Racing” is now available through backward compatibility on the PS5. The game combines racing with the excitement of managing a stable and breeding future champions. You’ll race, upgrade your stable, and even make strategic breeding decisions to create a line of elite racers.
Notable features:
- Career Mode: Dive into a detailed career mode where you manage your horses from foals to champions.
- Variety of Tracks and Races: Every track has unique features, offering fresh challenges for each race.
- Personalization Options: Customize your stable, horse appearance, and even race-day gear.
4. G1 Jockey & Gallop Racer Series
For a more classic simulation experience, the “G1 Jockey & Gallop Racer” series is worth looking into. While these games are not yet optimized for PS5, they remain favorites among racing fans. They focus on jockeying skills, making each race a test of strategy and timing rather than sheer speed alone.
Highlights include:
- Jockey Mode: You’re in control, managing speed and stamina with careful timing.
- Extensive Tutorials: The game helps new players understand how to balance control over the horse and the race’s pacing.
- Long-Running Franchise: With its reputation for accuracy, it’s a great pick for anyone passionate about the technical side of racing.
Tips for PS5 Players
Some of these games, especially older titles, were designed for PS4 or even PS3 but can still run on PS5 thanks to backward compatibility.
While the PS5 hardware can’t upgrade every game’s graphics, it does reduce loading times significantly for older titles, making the experience smoother overall.
Why Horse Racing Games?
Horse racing games may not be as mainstream as other sports genres, but they bring their unique excitement.
From managing a stable to the thrill of race day, these games offer a satisfying mix of strategy, simulation, and action. And, for any fans of the sport who want a closer look at the life of a jockey or stable manager, they’re an engaging way to connect with the world of horse racing.
Yes, there may be only a handful of games, but you can still have plenty of fun.
