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Major improvement from the first , PS1, entry

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 11, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Just a note on my reviews. I reserve 5 stars for only perfect games. This one is close. The first entry of this series which used the PS1 as the platform was certainly enjoyable. One aspect of the first Gallop Racer that was certainly friendly but curious, as it defied the laws of physics, was that no matter how wide you took your thoroughbred on the turns, you would never lose ground. This is not the case with Gallop Racer 2001; how wide you take the turns can turn a win into a place or show. Of course with the PS2 platform the graphics are massively improved. The audio is great; if you're in heavy traffic your controller starts to shake from all the hooves beating the ground around you. The replay function gives you the opportunity to watch your greatest victories from the stands. The breeding option in the game lets you develop the next thoroughbred legend. The Triple Crown series is not at first on the schedule of available races, but the three jewels can be unlocked by winning a certain race in the winter session. There are other enjoyable aspects of the game that I didn't mention, but the above list are the main good points.
Of course I did not give this game five stars, so there are some criticisms. The main criticism has to do with the shops where you purchase new thoroughbreds for your stable. There are about ten different shops that you gradually unlock as you win more and more races, but once unlock a new shop, only a small fraction of the shops offering is available each month. And if there is a certain horse you know you want, you could wait awhile before it comes back. I really wish there was some sort of auction function for purchase of new throroughbreds, but that may be just over the horizon. One other bit of unrealism to note; the jockeys are glued to the horses backs. No amount of jostling or bumping will result in a tumble. Just another aspect that can be found in more recent horse racing offerings.
These small criticisms do not change the fact that this game is worth the money and has hours of replay value. Thoroughbred fans will love it. Thoroughbred neophytes just might become fans after playing it.

Addicting

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: May 04, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Gallop Racer 2001 is a great gam that is very addicting. It's a game where u can buy it and have fun all day long right from the start. A very fun game for those who enjoy trying new games and dont mind intersting challenges. With different levels, a variety of horses, and the ability to breed ur horses, the game keeps going. Try it and also buy Gallop Racer 2003. Both games are worth it.

awesome

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: July 20, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This game is fun. I would recomend it to any horse crazy person. I think this game deserves four stars because you cant feed or train your horses. Id say that being the jockey is the funnest part. It really is a great game that anyone would love. It really is worth the money. My brother,sister,and I play against each other it really is fun. If you like this game you should try Gallop Racer 2003 and G1 Jockey.

coool

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: July 23, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This game was so fun . you can race your horses and breed them. I only gave this game four stars because you cant feed or train your horses. Everything depends on stragedy you have to save your horses energy till the end. I think this game was awesome. I recomend it to all ages. I think this game is worth the money. Even if your not horse crazy youll still love this game. Me and my friend play against each other. Ofcourse I always win. LOL. If you are horse crazy then you would defintly like this game. If you like this game you'll also lik G1 Jockey 3, Gallop Racer,Gallop Racer 2001, and Gallop Racer 2003. have fun!(...)

Galloping to Victory

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 27, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I remmember when I first played this game at a friend's house. We decided to pull it out and play after a long day and immediantly it became my favorite game of all time. Of course, I haven't played any of the other Gallop Racer games, (Gallop Racer, GR 2003: A New Breed, GR 2004, and GR 2006) but this one is forever remaining on my shelf.
The game pulls you into the world of horse racing (without the duty of training, stall-mucking, and vet/farrier bills) but the game does have some daily bills to pay. But it's not too bad, as long as you race your mount to win.
The game may be easy, but it can also be very hard.

To start off, you have the lovely lady, Navigator Cindy who guides you through the steps you must take in order to set yourself up with a horse. You can ether buy one from the shops that provide horses already made ready to race, or you can breed two horses together (that may already be provided, or horses you already own) to make a "Super Horse," that has the combination of the two. But if you are breeding your horses, you first must retire them, and once you do, the two (sire and dam) dissapear to leave behind their foal. You can ether decide to keep the foal and race it, or sell it, its up to you.
The racing is fun. You and mount find yourself in the starting gate, where the numbers flash across the screen Ready..Ready..Ready, than GO! and you must bolt you and your thoroubred out of the starting gate and fight for the possession your horse likes best.

That brings up a point. This isn't one of thouse games where you have to continiously push the same button down over and over again and reel the angler stick. You have to ride according to your horses leg type. This "leg type," feature must be followed, or you and your horse might find yourselves in last place. There are five diffrent leg types, (Run, Preceding, Incert, Homestretch, and Free) and you must position your horse in that peticular spot or your horse might get angry, and not race for you. You must also watch out for holes to bolt through and avoid being boxed-in on the rail. If you try to slow your horse down too much, the horse will shake it's head violently and fight for more rein, so try to keep it happy. And if you race your horse too fast at the beggining of the race, you will eventually get passed by the other horses and lose.

The weather condictions is also another thing. It also effects how well your horse runs, ether on turf or dirt. So you see, this game is more of a puzzle, thinking game than (for example) a first-shooter. This game has challenges, and is VERY challenging. But once you get the hang of it, it isn't that bad. You must find a horse that is easy for you, and choose the race that is suitable for you. Once you get a hang of your horse, you should find the game pretty enjoyable.


Racing your horse is also about saving your horse's stamina by trying to not use the angler stick too much, and especially not using the whip till your around the final turn and head into the homestretch to the finish line. You must use the last bolt (or spurt), to pound past the other horses and win first place. With any leg type, the last spurt must be figured out, sometimes used almost at the last second, or when you round the last turn.
When you enter a race, the favorites (Favored horses that have the most bets) flash onto the screen to display there greatness. It is your job to take them down and become great yourself. The leg type of the other race horses are displayed as well. Once your horse returns from the race, your horse may act diffrent depending on it's mood and and it's condictioning. Always try to keep a close eye on your horse, and always make sure to condiction it accordingly.
Not only can you race, breed, or bet. But you can also design your own racing silks and your horse. There are all diffrent patterns you can put on the silks, and design the blinker with diffrent hues, ect.
Overall, this game is a blast! It's challenging and the re-playing value is fantastic! If your one that likes a good challenge and doesn't mind horse racing, than this game is probably right for you.
Take Note: I found that if you save the game before you enter a race, if you lose it you can always try again. It also helps with breeding.

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