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Uma Musume Pretty Derby
The Uma Musume: Pretty Derby franchise, a unique and vibrant multimedia project created by Cygames, has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and has garnered significant attention globally. Launched in 2016, this ambitious endeavor anthropomorphizes legendary Japanese racehorses into “horse girls” (Uma Musume), blending the thrill of horse racing with the charm of idol culture, anime, and gacha gaming. The franchise spans a mobile game, multiple anime seasons, manga series, live concerts, a theatrical film, and a wealth of merchandise, captivating fans with its innovative premise and meticulous attention to detail. This essay explores the comprehensive history of Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, tracing its origins, development, releases, and cultural impact, while highlighting its evolution into a multimedia juggernaut.
Origins and Conceptualization (2016–2017)The Uma Musume: Pretty Derby franchise was first announced by Cygames, a Japanese game developer known for titles like GranBlue Fantasy, on March 26, 2016, during AnimeJapan 2016. The concept was bold and unconventional: transforming real-life Japanese racehorses into anthropomorphic “horse girls” who compete as racers and perform as idols. These characters, each named after and inspired by famous racehorses, inherit the legacies, personalities, and racing styles of their equine counterparts. The idea was to create a multimedia franchise that celebrated Japan’s rich horse racing history while appealing to anime and gaming audiences.
Cygames’ decision to pursue this concept was grounded in Japan’s deep cultural connection to horse racing, a sport with a storied history dating back to the 19th century. The Japan Racing Association (JRA) oversees a highly competitive racing scene, and legendary horses like Special Week, Silence Suzuka, and Tokai Teio have become household names. However, using real horse names posed a significant challenge, as previous horse racing games in Japan often avoided securing rights, leading to legal and ethical concerns. Uma Musume distinguished itself by obtaining permissions to use these names, ensuring respect for the horses’ legacies and their owners. This commitment to authenticity became a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity.
The initial announcement included an animated trailer by P.A. Works, showcased at AnimeJapan 2016, introducing the world to characters like Special Week and Silence Suzuka. The trailer highlighted the franchise’s dual focus: thrilling races and vibrant idol performances, set against the backdrop of Tracen Academy, a fictional institution where horse girls train to become top racers and idols. Cygames planned to release a mobile game for iOS and Android in late 2018, alongside an anime series to promote it. The project was envisioned as a raising simulator, where players would train horse girls, compete in races, and engage in narrative-driven storylines.
Early Development and Challenges (2017–2020)
The development of Uma Musume: Pretty Derby faced significant hurdles, particularly with the mobile game. In 2017, Cygames released gameplay teasers on March 24 and July 1, showcasing the training and racing mechanics, as well as the live performances that would become a hallmark of the franchise. These teasers generated buzz, but the complexity of the game’s mechanics—combining raising simulation, roguelite elements, and gacha systems—led to delays. In an interview with Famitsu, a developer noted that the game was only 25% complete, indicating the extensive trial-and-error process required to balance gameplay and narrative. The release was initially targeted for late 2018 but was postponed to 2020, and later to February 2021, as Cygames prioritized quality.
Despite the game’s delays, Cygames advanced the franchise’s multimedia presence. On March 25, 2018, the YouTube channel Pakatube! launched, featuring the eccentric character Gold Ship, whose unpredictable personality mirrored her real-life equine counterpart. The channel served as a promotional platform, offering character-driven content and updates. That same year, the first anime season, produced by P.A. Works, premiered from April to June 2018, introducing the Uma Musume universe to a broader audience.
The First Anime Season (2018)
The anime, titled Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, was a 13-episode series simulcast by Crunchyroll, marking the franchise’s first major foray into storytelling. Set in a world where horses don’t exist and horse girls possess superhuman speed and endurance, the story follows Special Week, a young horse girl from the countryside, as she enrolls in Tracen Academy to fulfill her mother’s dream of becoming Japan’s best racer. Inspired by Silence Suzuka’s sophisticated running style, Special Week joins the Spica team and embarks on a journey of growth, competition, and camaraderie.
The anime loosely adapts the real-life racing career of Special Week (1997–1999), incorporating historical races like those in the Japanese Triple Crown while taking creative liberties for dramatic effect. Characters like Silence Suzuka, Gold Ship, and Tokai Teio were brought to life with distinct personalities, voiced by talents like Azumi Waki (Special Week) and Marika Kono (Silence Suzuka). The series blended high-energy race sequences with lighthearted moments and idol performances, capturing the thrill of competition and the charm of idol culture. Its success built a fanbase, even as the game remained in development, proving the franchise’s potential as a multimedia powerhouse.
The anime’s release was accompanied by promotional events, including the Uma Musume 1st Event “Special Weekend!” on July 1, 2017, and the 2nd Event “Sound Fanfare!” on October 14, 2018. These events featured live performances by voice actresses, reinforcing the franchise’s idol culture integration. The positive reception of the anime and events helped sustain interest during the game’s prolonged development.
Manga and Spin-Offs (2018–2020)
To expand the franchise’s narrative scope, Cygames launched several manga series. The most notable, Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, began serialization in 2018, focusing on Oguri Cap, a horse girl from a local racing circuit, and her fierce rivalries during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Based on Oguri Cap’s real-life races (1987–1990), the manga delves into the Shōwa and Heisei eras, featuring characters like Tamamo Cross and Super Creek. Its gritty tone contrasted with the anime’s lighter approach, appealing to fans interested in historical racing drama.
Another manga, Umayon, a comedic spin-off, was adapted into a short anime series that aired from July to September 2020. Umayon offered a slice-of-life perspective on the horse girls’ daily lives at Tracen Academy, further enriching the franchise’s world. These manga and anime spin-offs kept the Uma Musume brand active, building anticipation for the mobile game.
Mobile Game Launch (2021)
After years of delays, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby launched on February 24, 2021, for iOS and Android, with a PC version following on March 10 via DMM Games. The game was a raising simulator where players act as trainers, guiding horse girls through training regimens, races, and storylines inspired by their real-life counterparts. Its mechanics combined sports management, roguelite elements, and gacha systems, allowing players to scout characters and support cards. The game featured over 20 horse girls at launch, including Special Week, Gold Ship, and Vodka, with stunning 3D graphics and realistic race commentary.
The gameplay loop centered on Career mode, where players manage a horse girl’s racing career, navigating checkpoint races with specific placement requirements. The game’s difficulty was notable, with unpredictable outcomes mirroring real-life racing. Success required strategic training and understanding each character’s strengths, as microtransactions offered limited advantages. The narrative-driven main story, presented as a visual novel, explored each horse girl’s history, while individual training stories added depth. The game also included PvP modes and daily races, ensuring long-term engagement.
The launch was a resounding success, with polished graphics and complex mechanics that exceeded expectations for a project initially conceived in 2016. The game’s attention to historical detail—such as Gold Ship’s eccentric personality reflecting her real-life temperament—resonated with fans of horse racing and anime alike. By May 2025, the game featured 114 playable horse girls, showcasing its ongoing expansion.
Second Anime Season and Growing Popularity (2021)
Capitalizing on the game’s success, the second anime season aired from January to March 2021, produced by Studio Kai with P.A. Works’ assistance. This season shifted focus to Tokai Teio, whose story mirrors her real-life races (1991–1993), including struggles with injuries. Supporting characters like Mejiro McQueen, Rice Shower, and Mihono Bourbon enriched the narrative, emphasizing themes of perseverance and rivalry. The season’s emotional depth and dynamic race sequences further solidified the franchise’s appeal, drawing in viewers who appreciated its blend of historical fiction and character-driven drama.
The Uma Musume 3rd Event “Winning Dream Stage” on August 28–29, 2021, celebrated the franchise’s growing popularity, featuring live performances and announcements. The franchise’s integration of idol culture, with voice actresses performing as their characters, became a major draw, fostering a passionate fanbase. Merchandise, from figurines to music CDs, proliferated, catering to collectors and enthusiasts.
Continued Expansion (2022–2023)
The franchise continued to grow with additional anime content. In October 2022, the short web anime Umayuru premiered, offering more comedic vignettes. In April 2023, Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Road to the Top, a four-episode web anime, focused on Narita Top Road and her rivalries with T M Opera O and Admire Vega, based on races from the late 1990s. These spin-offs expanded the franchise’s narrative universe, exploring different eras and characters.
The third anime season, aired from October to December 2023, centered on Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond, whose rivalry and friendship echoed their real-life races (2015–2017). The season introduced Duramente as a crowd favorite, adding tension to the competitive landscape. Its focus on character relationships and historical races further deepened the franchise’s storytelling.
In August 2023, Bilibili released a simplified Chinese version of the game, which saw over 1 million pre-registrations in 10 days, signaling the franchise’s growing international appeal. The manga Star Blossom, focusing on Sakura Laurel and her rival Narita Brian (1993 races), also began serialization, adding another layer to the franchise’s historical narratives.
Global Release and Film (2024–2025)
The franchise reached a milestone with the English version’s announcement in June 2024, followed by a release on June 26, 2025, for iOS, Android, and Steam. Pre-registration opened on April 28, 2025, and the game’s localization was praised for capturing the characters’ quirks. The English release included both Japanese and English versions on Steam, broadening accessibility. The game’s success was immediate, with over 9,000 Steam reviews, 94% positive, and a peak of 28,784 players, driven by streams from creators like Ludwig and Northernlion.
In May 2024, the anime film Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era premiered in Japan, focusing on Jungle Pocket and her rivalry with Fuji Kiseki, based on races from 2000–2001. The film’s high-energy races and emotional narrative reinforced the franchise’s ability to blend historical fiction with compelling storytelling.
A party video game, Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Party Dash, was released on August 30, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Steam, offering a lighthearted, non-gacha spin-off with story modes and multiplayer elements. This diversified the franchise’s gaming offerings, appealing to casual players.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby’s success stems from its innovative premise, high production values, and respect for Japanese horse racing history. By anthropomorphizing racehorses, the franchise makes a niche sport accessible to a global audience, blending it with anime and idol culture. Its attention to detail—such as the ear ribbon convention indicating a horse’s gender (right for stallions, left for mares)—and historical accuracy in race depictions resonate with fans.
The franchise’s gacha model has drawn criticism for encouraging microtransactions, but its engaging gameplay and narrative depth have mitigated concerns, with reviewers noting that success relies on skill rather than spending. The combination of raising simulation, historical fiction, and idol performances creates a unique experience, distinguishing Uma Musume from other gacha games.
Reviews
Positive Reviews
1. Review by Aiko Tanaka
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is an absolute gem! The game’s concept of anthropomorphic horse girls based on real Japanese racehorses is delightfully unique, and Cygames executes it with incredible polish. The training system is deep and rewarding, requiring strategic planning to optimize stats like speed and stamina for races. I love how each Uma Musume, like Special Week or Silence Suzuka, has a distinct personality and story arc that mirrors their real-life counterparts’ racing legacies—this adds emotional depth that kept me invested. The 3D graphics during races are stunning, with smooth animations and realistic live commentary that make every race thrilling. The post-race concerts are a charming touch, blending idol culture with sports. Even the gacha system feels generous for a free-to-play game, with ample premium currency early on to build a strong team. For anyone who loves strategy, anime, and a touch of sports drama, this game is a must-play.
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is an absolute gem! The game’s concept of anthropomorphic horse girls based on real Japanese racehorses is delightfully unique, and Cygames executes it with incredible polish. The training system is deep and rewarding, requiring strategic planning to optimize stats like speed and stamina for races. I love how each Uma Musume, like Special Week or Silence Suzuka, has a distinct personality and story arc that mirrors their real-life counterparts’ racing legacies—this adds emotional depth that kept me invested. The 3D graphics during races are stunning, with smooth animations and realistic live commentary that make every race thrilling. The post-race concerts are a charming touch, blending idol culture with sports. Even the gacha system feels generous for a free-to-play game, with ample premium currency early on to build a strong team. For anyone who loves strategy, anime, and a touch of sports drama, this game is a must-play.
2. Review by Hiroshi Sato
I’ve been hooked on Uma Musume since its global release! The game’s blend of management simulation, racing, and visual novel storytelling is a masterclass in keeping players engaged. Training your horse girls, like Tokai Teio or Mejiro McQueen, feels like nurturing real athletes, with choices in training regimens impacting their performance in races. The RNG can be a bit unpredictable, but it adds to the realism—racing is never a sure thing! The character designs are vibrant, and the voice acting (shoutout to Azumi Waki as Special Week) brings each girl’s personality to life. The game’s cultural nod to Japanese horse racing history is fascinating, and I found myself researching the real horses behind the characters. The Steam version’s fullscreen UI is a huge plus, making it easy to track stats and support cards. This game is a love letter to anime and racing fans alike.
I’ve been hooked on Uma Musume since its global release! The game’s blend of management simulation, racing, and visual novel storytelling is a masterclass in keeping players engaged. Training your horse girls, like Tokai Teio or Mejiro McQueen, feels like nurturing real athletes, with choices in training regimens impacting their performance in races. The RNG can be a bit unpredictable, but it adds to the realism—racing is never a sure thing! The character designs are vibrant, and the voice acting (shoutout to Azumi Waki as Special Week) brings each girl’s personality to life. The game’s cultural nod to Japanese horse racing history is fascinating, and I found myself researching the real horses behind the characters. The Steam version’s fullscreen UI is a huge plus, making it easy to track stats and support cards. This game is a love letter to anime and racing fans alike.
3. Review by Yumi Nakamura
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is pure joy in game form. The narrative-driven Career Mode, where you guide your horse girl through a series of races, is gripping and emotionally resonant. Characters like Rice Shower, with her underdog story, tugged at my heartstrings. The training system is complex but accessible, letting you experiment with different strategies to suit each girl’s strengths. Visually, the game is a feast—races are dynamic, with up to 18 Uma Musume competing, and the 3D animations are top-notch. The gacha system, while present, doesn’t feel overly predatory, especially with the generous login bonuses during the global launch. I also adore the live performances after races; they’re so well-choreographed! Cygames has created a game that’s both strategically deep and endlessly charming, perfect for anyone who loves a good sports story.
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is pure joy in game form. The narrative-driven Career Mode, where you guide your horse girl through a series of races, is gripping and emotionally resonant. Characters like Rice Shower, with her underdog story, tugged at my heartstrings. The training system is complex but accessible, letting you experiment with different strategies to suit each girl’s strengths. Visually, the game is a feast—races are dynamic, with up to 18 Uma Musume competing, and the 3D animations are top-notch. The gacha system, while present, doesn’t feel overly predatory, especially with the generous login bonuses during the global launch. I also adore the live performances after races; they’re so well-choreographed! Cygames has created a game that’s both strategically deep and endlessly charming, perfect for anyone who loves a good sports story.
4. Review by Kenji Yamada
What a fantastic game! Uma Musume: Pretty Derby combines the thrill of horse racing with the charm of anime in a way I never knew I needed. The training mechanics are intricate, letting you fine-tune your horse girl’s stats and skills for specific races, which feels incredibly rewarding when you win. The stories, inspired by real racehorses, are surprisingly moving—Gold Ship’s quirky charisma and Haru Urara’s perseverance are highlights. The 3D race visuals are breathtaking, and the live commentary adds an immersive layer. Even the PvP mode is fun and not overly punishing, which is rare for gacha games. The localization is spot-on, capturing each character’s unique voice. Whether you’re a casual player or a min-maxer, this game offers something special. I can’t stop playing!
What a fantastic game! Uma Musume: Pretty Derby combines the thrill of horse racing with the charm of anime in a way I never knew I needed. The training mechanics are intricate, letting you fine-tune your horse girl’s stats and skills for specific races, which feels incredibly rewarding when you win. The stories, inspired by real racehorses, are surprisingly moving—Gold Ship’s quirky charisma and Haru Urara’s perseverance are highlights. The 3D race visuals are breathtaking, and the live commentary adds an immersive layer. Even the PvP mode is fun and not overly punishing, which is rare for gacha games. The localization is spot-on, capturing each character’s unique voice. Whether you’re a casual player or a min-maxer, this game offers something special. I can’t stop playing!
5. Review by Sakura Fujimoto
Uma Musume is a masterpiece of creativity and execution. The game’s premise—horse girls racing and performing as idols—is quirky but works beautifully. The Career Mode is the heart of the experience, with each horse girl’s story feeling personal and tied to their historical racing roots. Training is a strategic puzzle, balancing stats, skills, and random events to prepare for high-stakes races. The visuals are gorgeous, from the detailed character designs to the exhilarating race sequences. The gacha system is fairer than most, with plenty of free pulls to get you started. I also appreciate how the game respects Japanese horse racing culture, making it educational as well as fun. Whether you’re cheering for Symboli Rudolf or enjoying the post-race concerts, this game is a vibrant, addictive experience.
Uma Musume is a masterpiece of creativity and execution. The game’s premise—horse girls racing and performing as idols—is quirky but works beautifully. The Career Mode is the heart of the experience, with each horse girl’s story feeling personal and tied to their historical racing roots. Training is a strategic puzzle, balancing stats, skills, and random events to prepare for high-stakes races. The visuals are gorgeous, from the detailed character designs to the exhilarating race sequences. The gacha system is fairer than most, with plenty of free pulls to get you started. I also appreciate how the game respects Japanese horse racing culture, making it educational as well as fun. Whether you’re cheering for Symboli Rudolf or enjoying the post-race concerts, this game is a vibrant, addictive experience.
Negative Reviews
1. Review by Taro Suzuki
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby has a lot of polish, but it’s not for everyone. The core gameplay loop—training horse girls for races—gets repetitive fast. You spend so much time menuing through stat management and random events that it feels like a chore. The RNG in training and races is frustrating; even with a well-prepared Uma Musume, a bad roll can ruin your run. The gacha system, while generous at first, becomes a grind for free-to-play players, especially if you want top-tier support cards like SSR Super Creek. The storylines, while charming, are predictable and lean heavily on anime tropes. The 3D visuals and concerts are nice, but they don’t make up for the grindy gameplay. If you’re not a diehard anime or racing fan, this game might feel like a time sink.
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby has a lot of polish, but it’s not for everyone. The core gameplay loop—training horse girls for races—gets repetitive fast. You spend so much time menuing through stat management and random events that it feels like a chore. The RNG in training and races is frustrating; even with a well-prepared Uma Musume, a bad roll can ruin your run. The gacha system, while generous at first, becomes a grind for free-to-play players, especially if you want top-tier support cards like SSR Super Creek. The storylines, while charming, are predictable and lean heavily on anime tropes. The 3D visuals and concerts are nice, but they don’t make up for the grindy gameplay. If you’re not a diehard anime or racing fan, this game might feel like a time sink.
2. Review by Emi Watanabe
I wanted to love Uma Musume, but it’s just too demanding. The training system is overly complex, with too many variables to track—stats, skills, support cards, and random events that can derail your progress. The RNG is brutal; one failed training session can set you back multiple turns, and losing a key race due to bad luck is infuriating. The gacha system feels like a trap after the initial free pulls, pushing you to spend for better cards. The stories are cute but shallow, and the constant idol performances feel out of place in a racing game. The visuals are great, but the game demands so much time that it’s hard to justify unless it’s your only mobile game. I gave up after a few hours.
I wanted to love Uma Musume, but it’s just too demanding. The training system is overly complex, with too many variables to track—stats, skills, support cards, and random events that can derail your progress. The RNG is brutal; one failed training session can set you back multiple turns, and losing a key race due to bad luck is infuriating. The gacha system feels like a trap after the initial free pulls, pushing you to spend for better cards. The stories are cute but shallow, and the constant idol performances feel out of place in a racing game. The visuals are great, but the game demands so much time that it’s hard to justify unless it’s your only mobile game. I gave up after a few hours.
3. Review by Daichi Ito
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby looks amazing, but the gameplay falls flat for me. The training system is tedious, with endless menus and RNG that punishes you for no reason. I spent hours building up Mejiro McQueen, only to lose a race because of a random bad start. The gacha system is typical for a Japanese mobile game—generous early on, but good luck staying competitive without spending money on support cards. The stories are fine but don’t justify the repetitive grind. The races and concerts are visually impressive, but they’re not enough to keep me engaged. If you’re looking for a casual game, this isn’t it; it demands too much time and patience. I’m disappointed, honestly.
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby looks amazing, but the gameplay falls flat for me. The training system is tedious, with endless menus and RNG that punishes you for no reason. I spent hours building up Mejiro McQueen, only to lose a race because of a random bad start. The gacha system is typical for a Japanese mobile game—generous early on, but good luck staying competitive without spending money on support cards. The stories are fine but don’t justify the repetitive grind. The races and concerts are visually impressive, but they’re not enough to keep me engaged. If you’re looking for a casual game, this isn’t it; it demands too much time and patience. I’m disappointed, honestly.
4. Review by Rika Hashimoto
I tried Uma Musume because of the hype, but it’s not my cup of tea. The concept of horse girls is quirky, but the game feels like a glorified spreadsheet with anime visuals. Training involves micromanaging stats and dealing with frustrating RNG that can undo your progress. The gacha system is a huge turn-off; without strong support cards, your horse girls struggle, and getting those cards as a free-to-play player is a slog. The stories, while tied to real horses, feel formulaic and overly sentimental. The 3D races are exciting at first, but they get old when you’re stuck repeating the same training loop. I admire the production value, but the gameplay is too grindy and luck-dependent for me.
I tried Uma Musume because of the hype, but it’s not my cup of tea. The concept of horse girls is quirky, but the game feels like a glorified spreadsheet with anime visuals. Training involves micromanaging stats and dealing with frustrating RNG that can undo your progress. The gacha system is a huge turn-off; without strong support cards, your horse girls struggle, and getting those cards as a free-to-play player is a slog. The stories, while tied to real horses, feel formulaic and overly sentimental. The 3D races are exciting at first, but they get old when you’re stuck repeating the same training loop. I admire the production value, but the gameplay is too grindy and luck-dependent for me.
5. Review by Kenta Mori
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a letdown despite its flashy presentation. The training system is a slog, with too many random events that can tank your progress no matter how carefully you plan. The gacha system is predatory, as expected, with essential support cards locked behind low drop rates. The stories are cute but repetitive, and I didn’t feel invested in characters like Special Week or Rice Shower after the initial novelty wore off. The races look great, and the live commentary is a nice touch, but the core gameplay loop is monotonous. The game feels designed to hook you with its anime charm and then frustrate you into spending money. If you’re not ready to commit hours daily, skip this one.
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a letdown despite its flashy presentation. The training system is a slog, with too many random events that can tank your progress no matter how carefully you plan. The gacha system is predatory, as expected, with essential support cards locked behind low drop rates. The stories are cute but repetitive, and I didn’t feel invested in characters like Special Week or Rice Shower after the initial novelty wore off. The races look great, and the live commentary is a nice touch, but the core gameplay loop is monotonous. The game feels designed to hook you with its anime charm and then frustrate you into spending money. If you’re not ready to commit hours daily, skip this one.
Neutral Reviews
1. Review by Misaki Kobayashi
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a mixed bag. The game’s premise—training horse girls based on real racehorses—is creative, and the 3D races are visually spectacular, with lively commentary that makes you feel like you’re at a real event. The training system is deep, letting you tweak stats and skills, but it’s also complex and can overwhelm new players. The RNG in training and races adds realism but can be frustrating when luck doesn’t go your way. The gacha system is standard for a mobile game: generous at the start but grindy later. The stories, like those of Silence Suzuka or Haru Urara, are charming but not groundbreaking. It’s a solid game if you enjoy management sims and anime, but it demands a lot of time and patience.
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a mixed bag. The game’s premise—training horse girls based on real racehorses—is creative, and the 3D races are visually spectacular, with lively commentary that makes you feel like you’re at a real event. The training system is deep, letting you tweak stats and skills, but it’s also complex and can overwhelm new players. The RNG in training and races adds realism but can be frustrating when luck doesn’t go your way. The gacha system is standard for a mobile game: generous at the start but grindy later. The stories, like those of Silence Suzuka or Haru Urara, are charming but not groundbreaking. It’s a solid game if you enjoy management sims and anime, but it demands a lot of time and patience.
2. Review by Naoki Takahashi
Uma Musume offers a unique blend of racing, training, and anime storytelling. The Career Mode, where you guide horse girls like Tokai Teio through their racing journeys, is engaging, with stories rooted in real horse racing history. The training system is intricate, rewarding strategic players but punishing those who don’t plan carefully due to RNG. The gacha system is typical—decent early rewards but tough for free-to-play players long-term. The 3D visuals and post-race concerts are a highlight, though the latter feels unnecessary at times. It’s a well-made game with a niche appeal, but its repetitive gameplay and time commitment might not suit everyone. Worth trying if you’re curious about the hype.
Uma Musume offers a unique blend of racing, training, and anime storytelling. The Career Mode, where you guide horse girls like Tokai Teio through their racing journeys, is engaging, with stories rooted in real horse racing history. The training system is intricate, rewarding strategic players but punishing those who don’t plan carefully due to RNG. The gacha system is typical—decent early rewards but tough for free-to-play players long-term. The 3D visuals and post-race concerts are a highlight, though the latter feels unnecessary at times. It’s a well-made game with a niche appeal, but its repetitive gameplay and time commitment might not suit everyone. Worth trying if you’re curious about the hype.
3. Review by Ayaka Shimizu
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is an interesting experiment. The idea of horse girls racing and performing as idols is quirky, and the tie-ins to real-life racehorses add a layer of intrigue. The training system is detailed, letting you customize your Uma Musume’s stats, but the RNG can make or break your progress, which feels unfair at times. The gacha system is standard for the genre, with enough free currency to start strong but a grind later on. The visuals are gorgeous, especially the races, and the voice acting is solid. However, the gameplay loop gets repetitive, and the stories, while heartfelt, follow predictable arcs. It’s a fun game for anime and racing fans, but casual players might find it too demanding.
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is an interesting experiment. The idea of horse girls racing and performing as idols is quirky, and the tie-ins to real-life racehorses add a layer of intrigue. The training system is detailed, letting you customize your Uma Musume’s stats, but the RNG can make or break your progress, which feels unfair at times. The gacha system is standard for the genre, with enough free currency to start strong but a grind later on. The visuals are gorgeous, especially the races, and the voice acting is solid. However, the gameplay loop gets repetitive, and the stories, while heartfelt, follow predictable arcs. It’s a fun game for anime and racing fans, but casual players might find it too demanding.
4. Review by Shota Nakamura
Uma Musume is a polished game with a lot to offer, but it’s not without flaws. The training system is complex, allowing for strategic depth in building your horse girls, but the heavy RNG can frustrate even the best-laid plans. The gacha system is fair initially, with enough pulls to get decent characters and support cards, but staying competitive long-term requires grinding or spending. The stories, like those of Gold Ship or Rice Shower, are engaging and tied to real racing history, though they lean on familiar sports anime tropes. The 3D races and concerts are visually impressive, but the core gameplay feels repetitive after a while. It’s a good game for dedicated players, but casual gamers might lose interest.
Uma Musume is a polished game with a lot to offer, but it’s not without flaws. The training system is complex, allowing for strategic depth in building your horse girls, but the heavy RNG can frustrate even the best-laid plans. The gacha system is fair initially, with enough pulls to get decent characters and support cards, but staying competitive long-term requires grinding or spending. The stories, like those of Gold Ship or Rice Shower, are engaging and tied to real racing history, though they lean on familiar sports anime tropes. The 3D races and concerts are visually impressive, but the core gameplay feels repetitive after a while. It’s a good game for dedicated players, but casual gamers might lose interest.
5. Review by Hina Sato
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a unique take on the sports sim genre. The concept of training horse girls inspired by real racehorses is intriguing, and the stories, like Mejiro McQueen’s, are emotionally engaging, though not revolutionary. The training system is deep but marred by RNG, which can make outcomes feel random despite your efforts. The gacha system is standard—generous at first but challenging for free-to-play players later. The 3D visuals and live commentary during races are standout features, and the concerts add a fun, if odd, touch. However, the game demands significant time investment, which might not suit everyone. It’s a solid choice for fans of anime and management sims, but others might find it overwhelming.
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a unique take on the sports sim genre. The concept of training horse girls inspired by real racehorses is intriguing, and the stories, like Mejiro McQueen’s, are emotionally engaging, though not revolutionary. The training system is deep but marred by RNG, which can make outcomes feel random despite your efforts. The gacha system is standard—generous at first but challenging for free-to-play players later. The 3D visuals and live commentary during races are standout features, and the concerts add a fun, if odd, touch. However, the game demands significant time investment, which might not suit everyone. It’s a solid choice for fans of anime and management sims, but others might find it overwhelming.
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
