Rival Stars Horse Racing

A very pleasant surprise of an approachable and still pretty compelling horse racing and breeding simulator that has its moments, but also some definite grinding per its mobile roots

Rival Stars Horse Racing delivers many hours of cozy, relaxing single-player fun, alongside thrilling, intense horse racing action. The online play may not provide any incentive, due to the almost non-existent player base, but the single-player content alone provides many hours of horse-racing fun. In Rival Stars Horse Racing, the next race is never too far away.

While excelling in some parts with lots of customization and unlockables and great sound design, the game’s UI and in-menu storytelling reveal its mobile origin. You’ll spend quite some time racing, breeding perfect foals, and upgrading your homestead. But you’ll spend an equal amount in tedious stylised menus. If you’re really into equestrian games and able to look over its shortcomings, you’ll be able to see this as a cosy game with lots of upgrades and unlocks if you’re willing to spend the time.

I have, unironcially, been waiting for a horse game that rivals the 2003 PS2 classic Barbie Horse Adventures and nothing has ever quite hit the spot. Rival Stars Horse Racing might be the closest I’ll ever get to that level of perfection. In all seriousness, I really do enjoy this game and I know I’m going to be playing it for a long time. It’s easy to play, it’s entertaining and is everything I want from a horse racing sim. I’ve got no choice really other than to give Rival Stars Horse Racing the Thumb Culture Platinum Award. It’s a fun game from beginning to unofficial end. I can’t wait to sink even more time into it.

Rival Star Horse Racing is a very nice looking, non-challenging way to spend a few hours, but I think I’ll release my (hilariously named) horses into the wild and go back to the city where I belong.

Will you manage to bring the family ranch back to its former glory?