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Looking forward to this?

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 20, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Ok - I was looking forward to this game - especially after reading some of the reviews - and yes, the game is addicting to some point. The graphics are great, horses are detailed. The sound is not super, but for those looking for a good Horse management/racing game, it's not a big deal.
On with the game - the 'Racing' part of the game is fun - but after a little while it loses it's fun factor. The game and manual really doesn't give you enough information about the different races and in particular how to win titles and what the GI, GII, GIII races all mean. I've been hunting for information on how to win these titles and what they are all about - but no luck.
I was really looking forward to the management side of the game - but I was not happy with the result. You have very little control over the management - you basically buy horses with points, select which races they will race in, decide when to rest them and you can also breed your horses to create unique ones. The horses have statistics of around 5 different categories... but really there is not enough information on them, and the statistics are in the form of a bar graph - so it's not obvious what the difference is between horses.
Overall it's a fun game - it would be good to have a multiplayer option in 'Season' mode - plus the ability to have more than 6 horses in your stable. I was also looking for more on the management side - Trainers, Training information, Stables, food, doctors, transportation to and from races - that kind of thing. Maybe I was hoping for to much from a playstation 2 game? better stick to PC games for that.

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.

Galloping your heart away

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 2
Date: January 25, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This game is the coolest. If you love horses and don't ride or even have one well then get this game. It's almost like you have your very own horse 'cause you can breed them, race them ect. Anyway, this game is the best game with horses in it. I only wish that they would make more games for ps1 just like Gallop Racer 2001. Trust me if you want to get this game go right a head because it is worth the money!

An OK game...For Awhile

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 2
Date: December 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Ok, I'm a total horse lover and I go to the race track quite often. Yet the game does not give the whole perseption of training/feeding/racing a Thoroughbred. I would totally love this game if I got to call the shots! Come on people all you do is make shure the triangle is blue, and your horse is trotting!

Pros:
The realistic of being the jockey is awesome!
Breeding the horses, and seeing what you get is pretty cool.

Cons:
It gets so boring after you win "Horse Of The Year" and you get 10,000 extra! Big whoop! Ok so then you have the greatest horse of the year, and it cost ALOT to breed him to your mare, and you can only breed him once! Come on that would never happen! And what happened to TRAINING your horse! This part of the game infuriates me, you can't train, or anything. The game is nothing like having a real horse, you don't get to feed it, groom it, muck it's stall, train it, exercize it! Grrr so mad. I think they need to make the game more in detail, sort of like have story lines, and you make your way as a trainer or jockey, and have owners asking you to train your horses. Then you could do it like the big time, fly to Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby and watch the horse that you have been training for months win it, when your jockey rides to presise plans. Also you could have sale, where if you were an owner, go to sales and purchase that 1mill horse, then look for you a trainer, or do it yourself.

It shows that Japan doesin't know a dang thing about horse racing, and should travel to the states, and see what is is all about! If you want a boring horse racing game, then buy this game! But I swear that you will get bored with it, as it is the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over AGAIN!!!

Fun but flawed

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 2
Date: June 21, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game online a year or two ago, and I was hooked from the start. Even my brothers, who arent horse racing fans, wanted to try it and ended up starting games of their own.

You start out by picking the level you want to play at. I have played all of them and concluded that the only difference is the amount of cash you begin with. The manual claims horses you breed are stonger when you are on the normal or hard level, but I have bred equally stong horses on all levels.

It can take a while to get your first when. The manual doesnt explain when to whip and encourage your horse. I find it works best to whip your horse for the first time at 2.6 furlongs to go, then as much as you can from 2 furlongs to go. This may need to be tweaked for the front horses and closers. For front horses, whip later and for closers whip sooner. Also, while there is a small chance of being stuck on the rail in the stretch, getting to the rail for the curves can allow your horse to pass others and conserve energy. This especially helps for the 6 furlong and 9 furlong turf races, and all dirt races.

After maybe 5 or 10 races, you should find yourself understanding the game and controls much better.If you are really struggling with the controls still, you have the option to change them in the settings category on the home screen.

Buying horses can be quite a chore sometimes. No matter what class of horse you are buying from, the best horses have high guts and incline ratings. A good condition rating also helps. I find the temperment does not really affect the outcome of a horse in a race. Horses with low temperment ratings can be hard to settle, but I personally enjoy the additional challenge. This does not mean that horses with high temperment ratings are easier to race, I have had just as much trouble with them as the lower temperment horses. A fast sprint is not necessary as good horses with slow sprints can outrun horses with faster prints. Make sure to check the growth rate of your horse by pressing square when you are looking at buying them. A long growth rate will let you race them for longer. Once their growth rate starts to go down, you should notice a definite decrease in their abilities.

The major things that bugged me about this game were that you could not train or raise your horse at all. You also could only ride the horses you own, while I would have liked to freelance on the side. You are also not allowed to enter two of your horses in the same race. I think you should be able to hire another jockey for a fee to race him for you, and that you should be able to do that even if you dont have two horses running in the race. Also, you can only breed a horse once, then he or she disappears from the breeding list. You also cant have more than six horses. At first, this doesnt really restrict you, but after a while you are forced to retire a horse to allow another one into your stable. The lack of betting in the career mode doesnt bother me, but it is possible to do in the game. The trouble is that you have to watch and are not allowed to ride. It is one thing to watch replays of your own horse, but it is boring to watch horses that you have no connection to. You also dont get to keep any money you win. And I dont know what the creators were thinking when they made Navigator Cindy. She is dressed in a skimpy party dress and the only connection to the game is that she has GR on the front. She appears onscreen every time the game is loading, and I get tired of looking at her every time I want to race or get results. Also jockeys are all guys, there is no option to be a girl.

Dont get me wrong though, just because I think there are design flaws doesnt mean I didnt enjoy the game. I am still going strong and am very much addictive. I think any horse racing fan would enjoy it a lot, but it still could be better.

Like Hooves of Tunder

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 9
Date: October 02, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Hi
I from South Africa what a gread game to play.
Here is none sutch games like this here and verry glad for
Temco to design sutch good game.
Kindly Regards
Timo Potgieter

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