Who made it?
Little-known indie costume Game Freak. Apparently, they also make some monster games.
What is the premise?
Combining horse racing with a ‘speed’ card game, you breed and raise horses to participate in races. On the bottom screen, you collect the cards as fast as you can, make your way through the pack and claim bonuses while your steed performs the actual race on the top screen. When it comes to the final leg, you have time to deploy the various boosts you’ve accumulated in the previous stages and do your best to get to the finish line first. You know, like in a race.
Winning races increases your horse’s stats and chances of meeting each other in the future, until they’re eventually sent off to pasture before the next generation takes over.
Why should I play it?
It’s extremely addictive and brimming with personality. You can name your horses anything you like (within the character limit, of course – Obi-Ham Boloney is one of this writer’s personal favorites), and although it looks very cute, but this is an extremely challenging game.
However, no matter how difficult it may be, you’ll keep coming back for more. Obviously, the developer is best known for Pokémon, but this game is a prime example of the studio’s ability to be allowed to play outside of that (pocket) monster brand.
We’ve got our fingers crossed there New Apple Arcade exclusive version will switch to Switch one day. Until then, this is an essential purchase.
how much is this?
$6.99USD / £6.29 / €6.99.
We’ll be back soon with another 3DS or Wii U eShop recommendation as part of the this String ‘Countdown’. Let us know below if you already have this in your collection and share your thoughts. Also, feel free to nominate other games — we may also feature those in the coming days.
