Growing up, my grandpa was super into horse racing. He’d spend hours figuring out which horse would win, and I guess you could say it was his thing for more than 60 years. As a kid back then, I never really got why he was so into it. But here we are, horse racing has made its way into games and even into the web3 world. Now, with the Owners Club game, I can finally get to see for myself what was so exciting about horse racing for my grandpa. It’s like stepping into his shoes, but in a totally new-age, digital way.
GAMEPLAY SUMMARY
The Owner's Club combines strategy, management, and sports in a unique way, allowing you to be a horse owner. Your horse will be the center of your gaming experience. You are tasked with its care, feeding, and training, which are crucial for its performance in races. Training is a core mechanic, demanding a strategic approach that involves horse's bloodline and traits. Moreover, experimenting with various training and racing strategies is encouraged. Owner's Club also offers a rich variety of race types to participate in. Team races stand out by allowing players to enter up to seven horses from their stable into a single race, adding a layer of strategic depth to the game. Players can engage in public races, where stakes are placed in real money, providing a thrilling experience that simulates the stakes of real-world horse racing. These races occur at known venues, adding to the game's realism and allure. The game also offers the opportunity to compete in grand tournaments. These tournaments not only serve as a test of skill and strategy but also offer the chance to win in-game and real-world prizes.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Gameplay and Realism
At its core, Owner's Club mimics the responsibilities and joys of horse ownership, resonating with the nostalgic charm of caring for a Tamagotchi, yet with a significantly more realistic approach. The game's standout feature is its lifelike representation of horses, boasting fluid movements that steer clear of the robotic animations often found in similar games. This realism extends to the strategic depth introduced through training, caring, and feeding your horses in the game.
Game Interface
The game's interface is relatively easy to navigate, thanks in part to an introductory tutorial that efficiently acquaints players with the interface. This approachable design ensures that both newcomers and seasoned gamers can dive into the experience without feeling overwhelmed. However, there's room for improvement in terms of race availability notifications, as currently, races can appear available even when fully booked.
Performance and Graphics
The graphics of Owner's Club, particularly during races, are impressive and contribute significantly to the immersive experience. The addition of a voice-over announcer during these events elevates the excitement and authenticity of the racing atmosphere. Unfortunately, performance issues, such as lag during races on certain devices like mine, can detract from this otherwise stellar aspect of the game.
Flexibility and Engagement
One of the game's strengths lies in its flexibility, allowing players to participate in races without the obligation to watch them unfold in real-time. This feature respects the player's time and schedule, enabling engagement with the game in a more casual, less time-consuming manner. It's a thoughtful design choice that differentiates Owner's Club from other games in the genre.
Overall, Owner's Club presents a promising venture into the world of horse racing simulation, capturing the essence of ownership, strategy, and competition. While still in its early stages, the game demonstrates a strong foundation that, with further refinement and optimization, has the potential to captivate and entertain a diverse player base.
