Umamusume Pretty Derby – Party Dash review: Competitive horsing around

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As a seasoned fan of Umamusume Pretty Derby, I must say that Party Dash is a delightful addition to the franchise, albeit one that requires prior knowledge of the mobile game or anime. It’s like stumbling upon an old friend at a party who, despite being new, feels strangely familiar due to shared experiences.

To clarify, although Party Dash is the initial international version of Umamusume Pretty Derby, it doesn’t serve as an introduction to Cygames’ broader multimedia franchise. Instead, it’s a party game derived from the popular mobile game that has been dominating the Japanese mobile market. It assumes you’re already familiar with the mobile game or its characters, so a basic understanding is recommended. With that explained, Umamusume Pretty Derby – Party Dash delivers an exceptional yet compact experience, offering intense competitive gaming with everyone’s beloved horse girls.

The key to victory is friendship

In case you’re unfamiliar with Umamusume Pretty Derby, let me briefly explain: In a world reminiscent of ours, horses are reborn as girls known as Umamusume (meaning horse girls). These characters attend a unique academy where they strive to run swiftly and become idols. The designs, outfits, and personalities of the characters are inspired by real racehorses. If you haven’t already fallen for this world, Party Dash might not be your game since it assumes players are already acquainted with Umamusume and its universe. It plunges right into the action without much introduction.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but appreciate how Umamusume Pretty Derby – Party Dash cleverly weaves the backdrop of the Slapdash Grand Prix, reminiscent of a school sports festival, into its gameplay. Each team, from the lovable misfits of Team Freesia to the inspiring duo of Team Rose and the supportive members of Team Cosmos, offers a unique perspective on character dynamics. The bond between these horses-turned-girls unfolds in a way that showcases their camaraderie, resilience, and growth.

Boom goes the dynamite

This competition features four game modes, which may seem straightforward at first glance. However, Arc System Work’s knack for competitive games is evident once more within these modes. Each game offers intense competitive action due to the diverse skill sets of the characters in each mode. I can’t help but wish there were a few additional game modes to add variety. The only option available is the Gold Ships Grand Adventure mode, which is single-player and has a roguelike structure, taking you on an infinite journey while you amass an expanding arsenal of weapons and equipment. This mode could easily stand alone as its own title.

Obsessed with winning

After finishing all the campaigns in Umamusume Pretty Derby – Party Dash, it may initially seem a bit simple. However, delving into areas like team building, increasing AI difficulty, or competing against another player reveals the game’s intricate brilliance. Each mode, particularly with modifications applied, provides depth similar to fighting games. It’s worth noting that this game is for those who enjoy exploring the complex mechanics of unconventional sports such as competitive eating, basketball with UFOs, or dodgeball with precision parries.

If you’re fond of Umamusume Pretty Derby, you might appreciate Party Dash. Its charming retro visuals effectively convey the series’ dynamism and charm, though it may seem slightly ordinary at first glance. The PC version I previewed before release functioned smoothly, but supporting higher resolutions than 1080p would have been a bonus. While existing fans will likely enjoy it, it might not be enough to convert newcomers into Umamusume enthusiasts.

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2024-08-29 18:27