NTRA Breeders' Cup Video Game - PS2 [Archive] - Horse Racing Forum - PaceAdvantage.Com

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PaceAdvantage

10-01-2005, 11:16 PM

The early returns are in, and I can report that this game looks like a disappointment on many levels.

There are some good points, including the sub-$20 price tag. Plus, you get video replays of every Breeders' Cup race from 2004, and you can race against a select set of past real-life champions.

Beyond that, it's fairly weak when compared to the other two major racing titles available for the Playstation 2 (Gallop Racer 2004 and G1 Jockey 3).

Sure you can bet, breed, train and guide your horse during the race. Plus you get Durkin's call (which I will admit, is slightly better than the calls in the two previously mentioned titles). But, those features are so much better implemented in both GR 2004 and G1 Jockey 3, it isn't even close, IMHO.

I'll probably have more to report after I play it a bit more, but it may not even come to that....I think I may get sucked back into my G1 Jockey 3 addiction, which I thought I had kicked many months ago....LOL

Anyone else out there get the game? It's been a tough find where I live.

Speed Figure

10-02-2005, 12:15 AM

I still feel that GR 2001 is the best game I've ever played!

kev

10-02-2005, 10:04 AM

I'm with Speed on this one......Gallop Racer 2001 is the best......I still have have it and have sold the others. I'll still play BC for awhile.

Bubbles

10-02-2005, 02:57 PM

I still feel that GR 2001 is the best game I've ever played!It certainly was the best GR game. The original was primitive, while the most recent few have been way too cartoonish. I believe G1 Jockey 3 is a much better game, albeit semi-unrealistic. Way too many sub-9 second final-furlong times by deep closers.

10-02-2005, 04:19 PM

I got confirmation it was shipped, buy its not here yet.

The Hawk

10-02-2005, 05:02 PM

It certainly was the best GR game. The original was primitive, while the most recent few have been way too cartoonish. I believe G1 Jockey 3 is a much better game, albeit semi-unrealistic. Way too many sub-9 second final-furlong times by deep closers.

PA and Bubbles: other than the final fractions, what else can you tell us about GI Jockey 3 in comparison to Gallop Racer 1? I've played the latter, and loved it despite the shortcomings, but might be persuaded to try GI Jockey 3 if it's worth it. Is it available on Playstation (original)?

PaceAdvantage

10-03-2005, 07:53 PM

With G1J3, I find the race itself to be the most realitic ride. And in the hard mode, it's very competitive.

I also like the fact there are DQs, spills, jump races, and lots and lots of famous horses (I just got the mount on Peripheral Ensign and Baydacoa lol).

Here's a fairly good review (I believe it is only available for PS2):

http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/g1-jockey-3/5815p1.html

Here's the meat paragraph:

The fourth and final task is that whole horse racing thing, a frantic combination of real-time action and strategy that requires you to constantly monitor a host of meters and adjust your horse's pack placement (some horses like to ride in front, some in the middle, some in the rear), bit placement (with double-taps of the D-pad), overall speed (with well-timed taps of the triangle and X buttons), and lead leg (with double-taps of the L2 and R2 buttons). In the home stretch, you also have to tap the squire or circle buttons to judiciously apply a whip to your horse's behind. It's closer to a shuttle launch than a horse race, and while it's mentally exhausting, it's also extremely satisfying when you know your horse well enough to adjust your strategies accordingly and score a win, place, or show. (You're not going to win every race in the very challenging G1 Jockey 3, even on the lowest of the three difficulty levels; in fact, you'd be extremely lucky to win a third of them. Something else to keep in mind for those of you I haven't frightened away with the paragraph about memorizing horse stats.)

JustRalph

10-03-2005, 08:40 PM

With G1J3, I find the race itself to be the most realitic ride. And in the hard mode, it's very competitive.

I know you won't appreciate this,,,,,,,,,,,

but can you slip fifty to the clerk of scales?

How about after the race, can you slip another fifty to Mater dei for a nice table? ;);););)

just breakin your gonads a little ! :lol:

PaceAdvantage

10-03-2005, 08:50 PM

Actually, I appreciate it!

My reputation as a hardcore NYRA lover is way overblown....

Valuist

10-05-2005, 09:37 AM

Do they have detention barns and suspensions? :D

After all, its supposed to be realistic.

TravisVOX

10-05-2005, 10:58 AM

I am obsessed with horse racing video games and I have literally owned them all. The most recent Gallop Racer has the best "race representation" but lacks in other areas. NTRA/Bethesda are doing a right thing, but could you imagine if EA Sports designed a game? Racing would get a boost I firmly believe.

PaceAdvantage

10-05-2005, 02:16 PM

headhawg

10-05-2005, 02:38 PM

These reviews are disappointing to read; I was hoping for a good racing game. But speaking of poorly programmed racing games, does anyone remember the game endorsed by the Daily Racing Form? (I think it might have been PC only.) It was a breeding/training/betting game. It was pretty bad. But the real curious part about it was when you attempted to bet there were no past performances to view to help you make your wagering decision. This game was endorsed by DRF and THERE WAS NO RACING FORM!! :lol:

PaceAdvantage

10-05-2005, 02:42 PM

From what I can see of the betting system in this new game, there ain't much going on stats-wise either....

The BEST stats EVER in any racing game was with the old QUARTER POLE series for the PC and the sequel HOOVES OF THUNDER.

I can still play Hooves and have a good time....

Headhawg, I reviewed that DRF game you talk about right here on this site, and it was, without a doubt, not only the WORST racing game of all time, it may have been the WORST GAME of all time, period....disgraceful.

midnight

10-06-2005, 12:14 AM

The DRF game was horrible.

I liked Gary Darveaux's old Horse Race Fantasy (not the windows version, the old DOS version).

10-10-2005, 04:41 PM

Any further reports? Mine still isn't here. :(

Bobby

10-10-2005, 04:51 PM

HOOVES OF THUNDER.

That was a good game. Its been a long long time since I played that though. IN that game, the player was the trainer and could bet also. They had a bunch of different tracks. One looked like Gulfstream I believe and one looked kinda like the old LAD, before casino. My horses won a lotta big races!!! :D So it was a little to easy I think

10-11-2005, 02:38 PM

This game is brutal...waste of 19.99 in my opinion.

kev

10-11-2005, 05:12 PM

PaceAdvantage

10-11-2005, 05:26 PM

I played it the first day I got it, what maybe 2 weeks ago and I havn't touch it from that day. Be nice to have a game that's base here in the states and have the stakes races they have here and play it like you had to get into the KY Derby and make the BC.things like that.

Yeah, that would be nice....but that's why we have the NTRA, right? To get everyone "on board" with things like licensing and user rights....etc.....

Isn't that how the NFL, MLB, and others are able to get EASports to get all the REAL PLAYERS and REAL STADIUMS into the game. You notice Churchill Downs is NOT part of this NTRA-endorsed video game? How silly is that?

One of the most recognizable tracks in the world, and it isn't in the game....great job NTRA....GREAT JOB! :rolleyes:

Never mind the awful gameplay....

10-19-2005, 04:54 PM

Well, the game still stinks, though I'm playing it. Unlocked Silver Charm, maxed out money, haven't made it to first BC yet though 3 horses are qualified.

On another note, anyone heard of this game or played it?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001WENBY/qid=1129755065/sr=8-7/ref=pd_bbs_7/104-2668860-8974325?v=glance&s=videogames&n=507846

...or this one?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000AK9NY/ref=pd_sim_vg_1/104-2668860-8974325?v=glance&s=videogames&n=507846

Observer

10-20-2005, 12:00 AM

Count me in as another who is sincerely disappointed with the BC game for the PS2. I checked out the game for five minutes, tops, and have had no desire to revisit it at all. With games out there like Gallop Racer & Grade I Jockey .. how could they get this game SO wrong???

xfile

12-06-2005, 01:10 PM

I think Bethesda was only the marketer of this game, I don't think they actually designed and coded the game, which explains a lot, as I expected more from a game released by Bethesda.

Two examples of the poor programming:

The track diagram at Belmont is way off in terms of where you are on the track and how much distance is left to go in a race....

You actually have to cycle through EVERY RACE on the card, whether you have a horse entered or not....that's just plain poor programming....

Why we have to go through an entire card involving races we have no horses in...is quite stupid. But I do enjoy the game. I play it in between races. Handicapping already done by computer so all I need is to view are the odds 5 minutes before post. A good time killer and preventative for "study long, study wrong"...and I believe this is the downfall of many horseplayers.....:cool: