Viral horse racing anime girl gacha game Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a must-play

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Umamusume: Pretty Derby is rapidly making a splash in the limelight, and although its unique concept might seem unusual, this captivating horse-girl gacha anime game should definitely catch your attention.

If someone mentioned that a highly enjoyable game set for release in 2025 involves training renowned Japanese racehorses transformed into anime-style girls, you might initially find it hard to believe and assume they’re just being playful or imaginative.

To put it simply, that idea might initially cause puzzled expressions from your friends and concerned glances from your loved ones. However, I assure you, it’s a risk definitely worth the potential quiet scrutiny.

Although Umamusume: Pretty Derby might seem unusual with its concept of an anime-styled horse racing game, it offers a surprisingly rich and engaging experience that manages to be both enjoyable and bizarre.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a must-play 

In this game, the gameplay pattern will be reminiscent for sports simulation enthusiasts – you’ll be in charge of a lively group of characters, and prior to each race, you’ll need to prepare your selected horse-riding character by boosting attributes like speed, endurance, strength, courage, and intelligence.

During these training sessions, you’ll become acquainted with each character, discovering their preferences, fears, hidden vulnerabilities, and aspirations for claiming the top spot at the esteemed URA Finals – the ultimate prize.

Although I initially thought I wouldn’t become deeply engrossed in the everyday scenes of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, presenting these events prior to and following each race creates an extraordinary blend of tension, both on and off the racetrack, that adds depth to the overall drama.

In everyday scenes, we witness the struggles, interactions, and aspirations of our rising racers. Unlike mere background characters, they are central figures in the story of each race, with their path to championhood taking center stage.

Each time and again, these feelings become associated with each race and new playthrough, making achieving that victory immensely gratifying, while each defeat strikes a profound chord. The gaming community has been resonating with this mix of emotions, exchanging memes depicting their triumphs and heart-wrenching failures.

In my initial gameplay, I selected Sakura Bakushin O, who’s known for her cheerful and determined personality. After triumphing in her first derby and numerous beginner races, it became evident that the young idol felt like a seasoned champion. She had even pulled off an early surprise victory against some fan-favorites, which significantly boosted her popularity among fans.

This is exactly what playing “Umamusume: Pretty Derby” is like… #umamusumeprettyderby

— Battle Athlete ⬇️↘️➡️+👊 (@BATTLE_ATHLETE) June 29, 2025

In a short while, I found myself yelling exuberantly into my phone, much like a Football Manager about to clinch the Champions League title with Mansfield Town. I anxiously held my breath as Sakura Bakushin O outpaced 18 other horse girls in a frenzied race, all the while two overly enthusiastic Japanese commentators echoed their excitement through my phone’s speaker.

For a significant period, Bakushin appeared to lag far behind the leader. But then, one of her unique talents sprang into action, propelling her forward with an intensity that suggested she was fighting for her existence itself. She edged past her competitor in a close race, clinching a triumphant win that would forever be etched in her career memories. This time, I emitted a sound I never knew I could produce.

In this instant, my brain brimming with dopamine understood it wasn’t simple playtime, but a cinematic high point. Although Bakushin didn’t triumph at the URA Finals, I spent subsequent days immersed in YouTube dissection videos and sifting through old Google spreadsheets that hadn’t been touched since the Japanese debut in 2021.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby has already sunk its hooves into millions of players and currently sits at ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ on Steam, and deservedly so. With it being free to play, there’s never been a better time to saddle up and give it a go.

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2025-06-30 18:18