Umamusume: Pretty Derby: Galloping Through Gacha and Glory

Horse girls, high stakes, and heartfelt stories

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the world of “Umamusume: Pretty Derby,” where horse racing meets anime in a delightful concoction of gacha, roguelite, and visual novel elements. It’s a game that promises to take you on a wild ride, whether you’re a fan of strategic management or just here for the horse girls. So, saddle up and let’s dive into this unique gaming experience.

Gameplay: A Race to Remember

“Umamusume: Pretty Derby” offers a gameplay experience that’s as diverse as a horse race on a rollercoaster. The game combines the thrill of roguelite mechanics with the strategic depth of management simulations, all wrapped up in a visual novel narrative. Players are tasked with training their horse girls, making strategic decisions, and guiding them to victory on the racetrack. It’s a bit like “Fire Emblem: Three Houses,” but with more hooves and less medieval warfare.

The gameplay loop is addictive, with deep mechanics that reward careful planning and execution. However, the game does have a steep learning curve, partly due to its lack of in-game explanations for crucial mechanics. Players often find themselves turning to external resources to understand the intricacies of stats and race dynamics. Meanwhile, the user interface could use a declutter session, as it feels like it was designed by someone who thinks “more is more.”

Despite these hurdles, the game shines with its engaging theme and generous gacha system, which keeps players coming back for more. The community plays a vital role in supporting newcomers, making the learning curve a bit less daunting.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Pixelation

Visually, “Umamusume: Pretty Derby” is a treat for the eyes, especially if you’re a fan of anime aesthetics. The game boasts stunning graphics and stellar 3D art and animation, creating an immersive experience that draws players into its vibrant world. The character and item designs are particularly noteworthy, adding to the game’s overall charm.

However, the game’s reliance on CG graphics, especially during concert scenes, can impact performance. The maximum frame rate is locked at 30 FPS, which might leave some players feeling like they’re watching a flipbook rather than a smooth animation. Additionally, the limited graphics settings and lack of resolution scaling options can lead to pixelated text and backgrounds, which is a bit of a letdown for a PC release.

Despite these technical hiccups, the graphics remain a standout feature, enhancing the overall experience and making the racing simulation feel more alive.

Story: Emotional Depth in a World of Hooves

The narrative of “Umamusume: Pretty Derby” is where the game truly shines. The character-driven storytelling and emotional depth draw players into a world where they become trainers and mentors to their horse girls. Each character has a unique personality and backstory, making players feel invested in their journeys and achievements.

The writing is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions, making players care deeply about the fictional horse women. However, some characters, like Manhattan Cafe, are underutilized, leaving fans feeling like they were promised a thoroughbred but got a pony instead. Additionally, some narrative choices, such as altering established relationships, have been points of contention among players.

Despite these criticisms, the game’s story is celebrated for its well-crafted character interactions and emotional engagement, making it a standout experience in the genre.

Final Verdict

“Umamusume: Pretty Derby” is a unique blend of genres that offers a compelling gameplay loop and an emotionally engaging story. While it has its share of technical and instructional shortcomings, the game’s strengths in graphics, storytelling, and community support make it a worthwhile experience for fans of anime, horse racing, and character-driven narratives.

Score: 7.0/10