Rival Stars Horse Racing: Desktop Edition Reviews

I used to ride horses for sport in the past and this game has been the best horse game out there for me to relive those days. The jumping could be better, animations have it that they will skim the hedges and poles nearly everytime and thought I was doing something wrong, because in horse jumping you don't do that, but its built in apparently. The game is very much like a mobile game, but no microtransactions, DLCs or ads.

I really like this game, it's just quite expensive so if you're wanting to play this game for a long time i'd recommend buying it

I'm not sure if this game is worth the 24€ I spent, but I really enjoy it, especially compared to the mobile version. So I guess it was worth it, haha.

It has management, strategy and aesthetics. The races are actually fun to do, so is the cross-country (harder than it seems at first). The only thing I am missing so far, are quests related to the steeplechase. I am hoping these will be added at a later date. I have not played any of the multiplayer as of yet, maybe later when I improve.

The game is very interesting but many features are missing and it still resembles mobile games.

Mobile version converted to PC without actual gameplay. Steam version is so left behind and we got only new horse breeds over and over again. Why do I even need mustangs, knabstruppers, appoloosas (their patterns are on every breed btw) if there are only racing (flat racing and steeplechasing) and cross country?

The game was updated with new content, and developers seem to be working on fixing the bugs. Right now the game is worth buying, worth playing.

this game has absolutely huge UI, menu, text. after launching it on my pc it took 15 minutes for my head to start hurt from very user-unfriendly interface. i immediately thought "wow, it's like playing a mobile game but on pc". well, after checking, [i]it is a mobile game[/i] that got brought to pc's. and there was simply not enough work done to convert it to big screen. breeding, horse models, animations are fair. atm it's the best horse game on steam. does that mean it's a good game in general? no. it sucks. but i guess they know [b]there are just no other games to choose from when it comes to horse games for adults[/b]. prob that's why it's so insolently overpriced. don't get it for full price. it's cutting almost half in price when there's any steam festival.

Rival Stars Horse Racing offers a surprisingly deep and engaging take on the niche world of horse racing simulations. Developed by PIKPOK, this game combines management, strategy, and real-time racing in a way that appeals to both casual players and enthusiasts of the sport. At first glance, it might seem like just another mobile-to-PC port, but underneath the polished exterior lies a robust gameplay loop that balances the excitement of the races with the thoughtful planning involved in breeding, training, and managing a stable of horses. The core of Rival Stars revolves around raising and racing horses, with an impressive emphasis on detail and customization. Players start by managing their own stable, selecting horses with different bloodlines and traits, and then working to improve their abilities through training regimes. This training is multifaceted, focusing on speed, stamina, acceleration, and other stats that directly impact race performance. The game does a great job of showing how these elements affect races without overwhelming players with excessive micromanagement. This balance keeps the experience accessible but still rewarding for those who want to dive deeper. Racing itself is a captivating spectacle. Players don’t directly control the horses during the race; instead, they make strategic decisions such as positioning and timing the final sprint. This approach works well because it shifts the focus to pre-race preparation and tactical calls during the event. The races are visually impressive, with smooth animations and detailed horse models that capture the grace and intensity of real horse racing. The crowd reactions, dynamic camera angles, and authentic race tracks all contribute to an immersive atmosphere that keeps you invested in the outcome. The breeding system adds another layer of depth. By pairing horses with complementary traits, players can create new generations with better abilities, introducing a satisfying long-term progression. Watching a foal grow from a weak colt to a champion racehorse is a rewarding narrative that adds emotional investment beyond just winning races. This breeding mechanic encourages players to think strategically about bloodlines and genetics, making the game feel like a full simulation rather than just a racing title. Beyond the core racing and management mechanics, Rival Stars features a career mode with a series of championships, challenges, and tournaments that provide clear goals and a sense of progression. These events vary in difficulty and conditions, ensuring the gameplay remains fresh and challenging. Players must adapt their strategies depending on race length, track surface, and weather, which adds meaningful variety. Additionally, the game offers multiplayer races and leaderboards, encouraging friendly competition and replayability. Graphically, the game excels with detailed environments and smooth animations that bring the racecourses and horses to life. While not pushing the limits of modern hardware, the visuals are crisp and appealing, especially during race sequences where every gallop and stride feels fluid. The sound design is equally effective, featuring realistic hoofbeats, crowd cheers, and an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances immersion without becoming distracting. On the downside, some players may find the pacing a bit slow, especially in the early stages when building up a competitive stable takes time. Certain menus and management screens could be more intuitive, and occasional loading times disrupt the flow. Microtransactions, while mostly avoidable, are present and may impact the experience for those wanting to progress quickly without investment. In conclusion, Rival Stars Horse Racing delivers a comprehensive and enjoyable horse racing experience that blends strategic management with the thrill of competition. It strikes a commendable balance between accessibility and depth, making it suitable for newcomers and dedicated racing fans alike. The combination of detailed breeding, realistic racing, and engaging progression systems ensures that players remain invested in their stable’s success for the long haul. For anyone interested in the sport or looking for a unique simulation, Rival Stars is a standout title that captures the spirit and challenge of horse racing. Rating: 9/10

Feels and plays like a mobile game — understandable since it was first released on mobile. I personally don't think the quality fits the price point as I didn't find much to do aside from the cycle of racing > breeding > training. Maybe I was expecting too much from the screenshots and the price point. I recommend trying the mobile game since it's free before deciding whether to get this or not. If you like the mobile version, then this game is for you.