Ah, we touched on that hurtful topic to most horse racing enthusiasts – horse racing games. True fans know that there aren’t many good horse racing games, and for some reason, game developers are not making them even though we are talking about a sport with billions of fans all around the world.
However, just because there aren’t many new horse racing games, it doesn’t mean that the fun should stop. Did you know that the horse racing video genre was quite popular in the 90s and early 2000s?
Yes, we are talking about some retro action! These games might not have the graphics and mechanics of Red Dead Redemption 2, but that doesn’t mean that they are not fun to play, right?
So, while you are thinking about all the horse racing bet types you can make at an upcoming event, why not try some of the retro classics to get some inspiration?
1. Gallop Racer Series
Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 2
Years Active: 1996 – 2011
Gallop Racer wasn’t the first horse-racing game on the market, but it was definitely a huge hit just because it came out for PlayStation 1 and 2 in the late ‘90s.
We are talking about a game developed by Tecmo, where players can experience what it is like to own a horse and become a jockey. The biggest hit was Gallop Racer 2, which came in 2004 and featured the most options, best graphics, and slightly improved mechanics.
This was an arcade-style racing game without that complicated story mode or multiplayer. You just put your plug on your console and play.
We are talking about a game that defined the horse racing video game industry, and it is a shame that the Gallop Racer Series is now a thing of the past.
2. G1 Jockey 4
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Wii
Release Date: 2006-2007
This game took a different approach, aiming to simulate the life of a jockey. In G1 Jockey 4, players learned everything from steering techniques to race-day tactics. Though released in the 2000s, its intricate controls and focus on realism made it feel like a true retro gaming experience.
Instead of speed-based arcade mechanics, G1 Jockey gave players detailed control over their horse’s movements, stamina, and timing, making it more strategic. The Wii version even allowed players to use motion controls, which, at the time, felt innovative (albeit a little clunky).
3. Winning Post Series
Platforms: Various (PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PC)
First Release: 1993
This is one of the longest-running horse racing video game series that continues to publish new additions to this day. We are again talking about a video game developed by Koei Tecmo, and this was one of the first ever proper horse racing video games.
This is a 2D horse racing arcade-styled game, where you get to experience what is like to become a racehorse owner. Yes, the graphics might be terrible, and the gameplay is kind of predicting, but the features that this game had were truly impressive.
Apart from racing, you also can breed and train your horses. This means that this game is actually a mix of a racing game and a strategy simulator.
Now we have the Winning Post 10 series, which is ultimately the best horse racing game at the moment in terms of graphics and mechanics.
4. Stakes Winner
Platforms: PlayStation 1, Xbox 360, Sega
Release Date: 1995
This is without a doubt one of the best 2D retro games ever released. Why? Well, the graphics might be 2D, but the arcade style gameplay and vibrant colors made the game extremely fun to play.
This game was released in 1995, developed by Saurus, and published by SNK.
The attention to detail is what made this game special. Yes, you can race your horses, but horses also come with strengths and weaknesses, so the races aren’t totally random. You can also get power-ups that spawn on the racetrack, adding even more unpredictability.
If you remember those retro arcade machines that had horse racing games, well almost all featured Stakes Winner.
Due to the huge success of the first game, they published Stakes Winner 2 a year later, but this series disappeared after that.
5. Starters Orders
Platforms: iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Release Date: 2003-2024
Okay, some might argue that this isn’t really a retro game, and I get it. This is a 3D horse racing game at the moment, but it didn’t really start like that.
The original Starters Orders from 2003 came out as a 2D racing game, and it was quite fun to play. The graphics? Well, they were terrible for 2003, but the game came with plenty of features, different racing events, types of races, global maps, and a lot more.
Honorable Mentions
These games might not have the cult status of Gallop Racer or Winning Post, but they still deserve a mention:
- Final Furlong: An arcade classic, Final Furlong was popular in Japan and brought a physical element to gaming, with players literally riding a mock-up horse as they raced.
- Derby Owners Club: Released by SEGA, this was a blend of simulation and arcade racing, focusing heavily on horse breeding and training.
So, if you love playing retro games, and you are a horse racing enthusiast, then these games are the perfect choice for you.