G1 Jockey 4

G1 Jockey 4 Description

What with the Grand National coming up, there really couldn't be a better time of year than March to release a horse racing game. If you are a fan of the gee-gees, then G1 Jockey 4 is most definitely for you. The long-running horse racing series returns to the PS2 with a few new tricks up its sleeve. Perhaps the most notable new addition to the game is the revolutionary new 'rein simulator' controller add-on. This bizarre-looking-but-really-very clever-add-on clips neatly over both analog sticks on the PS2 controller, and enables you to co-ordinate your analog stick movements much more precisely to gain an even greater level of control over your horse. Holding the reins in one hand while using the whip with the other, pace yourself for a last burst of power in final stretch, or use both hands to make small adjustments to your course. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but once mastered, it's superb fun indeed. The game is not just about the racing, though. You nurture your very own thoroughbreds, attempting to breed a whole stable of potential champions, riding your way to the very top over an entire career as a champion jockey. You start off as a rookie, with the ultimate aim of becoming a horse-racing legend. G1 Jockey 4 also introduces a new ranking system and abilities, plus massively improved environments and animation. With the new ranking system, you can see how you rank with horse trainers and fans. By winning races, you increase both your skill and your reputation in the racing world, which leads onto bigger opportunities and better, faster horses. The tutorial mode soon has you enjoying all the fun of the races. You soon learn that finding the right balance is the key - not to flog your horse at too high a pace, or equally, not to hold back too much.

Revolutionary Analog Control System - G1 Jockey 4 breaks new ground with an all-new analog control system that uses the PS2's analog sticks to simulate reins. Holding the reins in one hand while using the whip with the other, pacing yourself for a last burst of power in final stretch, or using both hands to make small adjustments to your course - all of these are possible with this new control system. The challenge and fun of real jockeying are yours to experience first-hand.

New Ranking System - To become a top jockey, you'll have to face many challengers in intense races, and gain acclaim in the horseracing world. With G1 Jockey 4's ranking system, you'll be able to see how you rank with horse trainers and fans. By winning races, you'll not only increase your skill, but also gain renown in the racing world, which can lead to bigger opportunities and better racehorses.

All-New Horse Breeding Feature - G1 Jockey 4 features an all-new mode that lets you breed a horse and train it to be a prize-winner. Over the course of a year, you'll spend weekdays training your horse in a variety of ways. Experience the joy of winning a race with a horse you reared yourself!

Tutorial Mode - Even if this is your first time playing a G1 Jockey game, you'll get up to speed in no time with the Tutorial mode. A series of lessons will give you hands-on instruction on how to become a winning jockey.

Head-to-Head Racing - Join another jockey and compete in the split-screen two-player mode.

The Ebb and Flow of Realistic Racing - In this game, the various skills of a jockey get the spotlight, and the difference between a rookie and a top jockey will quickly become apparent during the race. As the race develops, there is always a risk of driving your horse at too high a pace, or holding back too much. Finding the winning balance is the key to victory.