Not many people know that there is an actual Breeders’ Cup video game released almost 20 years ago. I wouldn’t blame them. This game wasn’t actually quite popular and never caught the attention of horse racing enthusiasts.
However, it is the first time in history that an event like the Breeders’ Cup made it into a game – an important milestone if you ask me.
What’s most surprising about this game is that it is not made in someone’s basement by a couple of dudes. No, it was actually developed by Bethesda Softworks, - a company behind the Elder Scrolls.
Yes, we might not talk about a perfect game, and constantly not good enough to capture the spirit of the sport, but it was surprisingly fun, strategic, and quite intense.
I think now, is the perfect time to get back to that game, especially as you prepare to bet on the 2024 Breeders’ Cup online. Maybe you can use a bit of inspiration from the original Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships game, right?
What Was the Breeders' Cup Game?
This might be a poorly designed game for modern times, but back then, it was something revolutionary. Maybe the reason is because we didn’t have much choice when it comes to horse racing games. This Breeders’ Cup game was first released in September 2005 for the original Xbox, but there is also a PlayStation version of the game.The game was relatively simple to pick up but had layers of depth, which appealed to both casual gamers and serious horse racing fans alike. It offered 3D graphics (which were quite advanced for the time), betting mechanics, and a management system that mimicked the real-life intricacies of training thoroughbred racehorses.
Basically, everything you’ll ever need in order to become a racehorse owner. So, we have decent graphics for the time, a bunch of playing options, and decent features. The question is, why this game didn’t continue?
Also, why did it get such a poor rating of 4.3/10 IGN and 4.6/10 GameSpot?
Well, it was a bit limited, and the main thing that most people didn’t love was the boring gameplay. Also, the gameplay felt a bit clunky.
However, they were all impressed by the amount of gambling and career options.
Why Was It Special?
Now, you might be thinking, "A horse racing game, really?" But here's why it was a blast:- Strategic Gameplay: You didn’t just race. You strategized on when to give your horse a break when to push for a lead, and how to handle the varying tracks. It had a surprisingly robust simulation system.
- Multiplayer Mode: Believe it or not, you could face off against your friends. Multiplayer mode allowed you to test your thoroughbred's speed and endurance against another player’s prized racehorse. It wasn't Call of Duty-level action, but it had a unique competitive edge.
- Nostalgic Graphics: For its time, the game wasn’t shabby on the visual front. Supporting 480p resolution (which was the peak in those days), the horses, tracks, and stables were all relatively realistic.
- Betting System: This feature added an extra thrill. You could place bets on races, which made you feel like you were a part of the larger racing community, not just a lone jockey. Who doesn’t love the idea of making some virtual cash?
How Does It Hold Up Today?
Well, if you’re looking for a game that you can pop into your modern Xbox and relive some nostalgia, you’ll be disappointed. Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships isn't backward-compatible on newer consoles like the Xbox Series X or S, which is a bummer. However, dedicated fans have kept the game alive by selling original discs, and some have even uploaded gameplay on YouTube for a quick nostalgia trip.You can probably find some emulators to run the game online.
While the game may seem dated by today’s standards—especially compared to modern racing simulations with photorealistic graphics—it still holds a special place in the hearts of those who played it during the mid-2000s. Sure, the frame rate and horse animations might make you cringe a bit today, but the underlying mechanics and gameplay were, dare I say, ahead of their time.
For those who remember it fondly, the game serves as a nostalgic reminder of when game developers weren't afraid to tackle niche markets and make something truly unique. Horse racing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for the enthusiasts, Breeders' Cup was a hit.
