My Review of Game

[jviss]

A great first attempt into the horse racing genre.

Great graphics and good commentary, but a few concerns.

- Unrealistic odds market,

- Unrealistic races, eg 2400 meter races for 2yo's

- Unrealistic horse speeds, eg you can go from last to first, 20 lengths from the lead within 150 meters.

- Unrealistic race times, running times are way too fast.

- It would also be good to be able to save race replays.

I have played nearly every horse racing game there is and MCC is now right up there, however for the best in race simulation and playability I think that "Horse Racing Fantasy" is by far the best (http://www.horseracegame.com/).

I hope SIDHE do not see these comments as a winge but as how to improve the game.

PS can someone tell me what Camera Noise is for in the setup options?

[Mario]

PS can someone tell me what Camera Noise is for in the setup options?

Its for adjusting the amount of "camera bobble" you have when riding.

[jcrew]

I got my copy on PS2 Yesterday, and so far Im pretty disappointed. Firstly in season mode you cannot choose the difficulty level. Secondly, whats witht he horses making a run for it from about the 600 mark? They get going without you driving them and burn up your stamina, I find the controls really touchy as well.

[INTERACTIVE]

Last to first within 150m

I seen phar lap plus seabiscuit do that

And whats more, they still both won easily

And it must be true, it was in the movies.!!!!!!!!!!!!

(i somehow think seabiscuit was just copying phar lap)

[Kangarooster]

Another thing to add in the next version - multiple profiles. If you are really really stupid like, um, a guy I know, you can very easily press "new" when the game starts up and lose everything you've done so far grrrr :mad:

[League Lover]

Well im thinking of buying it.. should i?

[walwals]

Try the demo and if you like that then get it.


The one thing that bugs me is moving the horse seems a little jerky and sometimes you get blocked when it looks like you have plenty of room to split a pack in.

Overall I enjoy the game.

[scuba-steve]

Well im thinking of buying it.. should i?

Yeah same, im thinkin of getting it. depending on the price.

[Austbloke]

Well im thinking of buying it.. should i?

Yeah mate.... For PC..... then come racing with Kang & me ;)

[League Lover]

Yeah mate.... For PC..... then come racing with Kang & me ;)

lol thanks i might take up that offer if i get the pc version:)

[wingding]

Still don't have my copy guys :( , but I do see that the Games Warehouse have acknowledged my online purchase so it shouldn't be long now.:)

Guys what's the simulation mode like?
Can we simulate say Saturdays Cox Plate?
How about posting a couple of screenshots of the simulation setup screen.

Wingding

[Kangarooster]

Still don't have my copy guys :( , but I do see that the Games Warehouse have acknowledged my online purchase so it shouldn't be long now.:)

Guys what's the simulation mode like?
Can we simulate say Saturdays Cox Plate?
How about posting a couple of screenshots of the simulation setup screen.

Wingding

Wingding here ya go mate, I would have taken a sceen shot of the Valley but as mentioned earlier I am now back to 3 courses until I unlock the rest again lol...

[scuba-steve]

Another thing to add in the next version - multiple profiles. If you are really really stupid like, um, a guy I know, you can very easily press "new" when the game starts up and lose everything you've done so far grrrr :mad:

cool username

[Kangarooster]

Tri bet screen shot....

[Mr R Bogglesworth]

Can some1 please post some screen shots of career mode plz. i am also with out my copy! it would be much appreciated, cheers

[wingding]

Wingding here ya go mate, I would have taken a sceen shot of the Valley but as mentioned earlier I am now back to 3 courses until I unlock the rest again lol...

Thanks for the screenshots Kanga.

Ya know having delved a little into programming myself, I never for a second thought that Melbourne Cup Challenge would be the perfect racing game.
Horse racing in my view mate just has too many variables to consider which makes producing a faultless game a near impossibility.
Still, Sidhe have certainly raised the bar a bit on previous competitors and after looking at screenshots from the new Horse Racing Manager 2 website, I'd say MCC is graphically superior to that future sequel as well.
Horse Racing Manager 2 Website (http://www.hrm2.net/)

Wingding

[Kangarooster]

Thanks for the screenshots Kanga.

Ya know having delved a little into programming myself, I never for a second thought that Melbourne Cup Challenge would be the perfect racing game.
Horse racing in my view mate just has too many variables to consider which makes producing a faultless game a near impossibility.
Still, Sidhe have certainly raised the bar a bit on previous competitors and after looking at screenshots from the new Horse Racing Manager 2 website, I'd say MCC is graphically superior to that future sequel as well.
Horse Racing Manager 2 Website (http://www.hrm2.net/)

Wingding

No doubt mate. I can't really talk right now though, a little emotional at the birth of the first born :D

[Radman]

No doubt mate. I can't really talk right now though, a little emotional at the birth of the first born :D
Muffed Ivor LOL!!!.:D

[wingding]

No doubt mate. I can't really talk right now though, a little emotional at the birth of the first born :D

Congratulations daddy! LOL :D

Been editing parts of the demo these past couple of nights to pass the time until the full version gets here.
All I did was put my name on my aussie silks so that it shows up in the silks editor and while I ride in races.
SoftGun though, he gave the grey horses in the database a nascar like look.
Simply hilarious, see below!

http://forums.melbournecupchallenge.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3062&stc=1&d=1161766109

Wingding

[rufus001]

Clearly I'm getting slow in my old age cos it took me a while to get it.:o

[ak47]

well i am stuck in newcastle with no game and no ps2

i havent even received a call from eb the s

i am sweating bullets reading all this

keep it coming

why have some people complained about lack of difficulty,, yet have seen others talk it up big in hard mode......whats doing here....can u select difficulty in season career mode???

[ScobieB]

Well thought I’d put down a little review of MCC. Played it for about six hours last night. Have to admit on first impressions I was fairly disappointed. I’m playing it on the PS2 platform.

Started off just in jockey mode (just racing 4 to 8 races) trying to unlock the various tracks. Only 3 are open at the start, Flemington, Caulfield and Yarraglade. Managed to unlock the Valley and a couple of Sydney tracks.

Graphically wise, the game doesn’t run as smooth as G1 Jockey 4 on the PS2 and is a bit jumpy at times. As noted previously on this thread, you see gaps but can’t get through them. The jockey sits very funny on the horse as well, in a way that doesn’t look natural and the horses look like they haven’t eaten for about six weeks they are so thin. Controls are good probably the best out of all the racing series and very easy to use. The tracks are beautifully modelled and I love the thrill of coming round the corner at the Valley with 300 metres to go. The controls in the straight are good, the horses seem to start jostling for position at about the 500m to 600m so fairly realistic. And when you hit the horse with the whip it really gets going.

The replays are good although occasionally don’t focus on your horse for enough of the replay (this maybe just me not knowing the right key though).

Season mode is good, I managed to play through a year and a half last night. On my first try I lasted about 3 months before going out of business. Purely because I was paying stable fees on a horse that should have been in the glue factory. Prize money is awarded down to 6th place so if your going to make any money you must finish there are least. There are options to hire a jockey (or you can ride yourself), training manager (makes horses recover quicker) and a betting manager (not sure what he does because I never employed him).

I’m getting into it I must admit and I love the official track licenses from around the world and especially the Melbourne tracks. Would have been nice to stick in Sandown Lakeside and Hillside though.

In season mode I haven’t won a race!! Did finish second though and nearly pipped the winner at the post in my most memorable race, but the not winning didn’t bother me I was more concerned about earning enough money to keep my stable afloat.

Overall a good try, not sure about the lastability of this one. The 10 year season mode will upset a few people I think. You can breed horses but obviously you won’t get to race them for long. Will stick with it for a while, I have a feeling though out of all the current games (MCC, G1 Jockey 4 and Gallop Racer), G1 is the better one.

Anyway I look forward to MCC proving me wrong.

[KING]

I quite liked this game, TWO THUMBS UP DEVELOPERS :cool: I know that the times are a little unrealistic, but if I wanted 'real' horse racing I would just go to the track.

[sunline55]

i dont have the game yet should arrive 2moro but agree with the last comment having worked with horses and owned one and plan to own many in the future and would class myself a racehead all I want the game for is fun currently have Gallop Racer 2003 great game.

And goto the races whenever i can and gamble everyday. Only concern is 10 Year Season

[ak47]

well i am back in sydney tomorrow arvo to thrash this thing all friday night

been stuck in newcastle, with nothing

although i went to twin palm stud and saw 3 redoutes chioce foals, but still i was biting at the bit for this game coz all i wanted to do was get on and race

my review will come next week

appreciate all the talk going around, gave a good insight as to what to expect:)

[downundah]

As a horse racing game devotee (like many others on here) I have tried and tested most available games in this genre, and feel in a position to be able to critique this game from a consumer perspective.

My first impression of the game was disappointment, but as I played it a bit more and started to understand some of it's capabilities, it has certainly grown on me and I'm now more than satisfied with my purchase.

The only thing that disappoints me with the game now is the delay between screens - the constant "loading - please wait" message. Perhaps I am just a little impatient, but this message is a little too frequent for my liking...

The game has obviously been produced to suit the masses (from hard core fans to first time novices caught up in the excitement that this time of year brings) - I have no problem with this because it means I can play it with some friends who aren't interested in the technical sides of racing such as those found in G1 Jockey, but still love the concept. The game is for all to play and I think it has been very well produced.

Agree with some of the other comments that riders look aqward at times and you cannot tell when you bump into horses or fit through gaps in the field, but I'm sure these will be ironed out in future releases.

Very satisfied with the overall commentary - for something as complex as a race call, I think the creators have done a fantastic job. The call matches the field most times and the attention to detail is superb.

The best part for mine is the recreation of the tracks - a super effort and a great feeling when your horse passes the post at an Australian track.

And this is truly where the beauty of the game lies and what sets it apart from all others. No euro - Aussie dollars. No racing at courses you've never heard of - this is the real deal ! And even the unlicenced tracks bear remarkable similarities to other great Aussie courses - love racing at "Brisbane Park"...

To Mario and the gang, a top effort guys and you really should be congratulated... Thanks for making this game and looking forward to seeing future versions. I'm already talking it up to all my friends to boost sales and ensure the popularity of this game warrants future releases...

[andytaker]

I love the game

Admittingily my first only go at Caree Mode so far has seen me get the goods with a nice 3rd place of mine at 125/1 well ridden by myself I must say

I am currently in December 07 have 16horses and 2.3million Dollars

My created horse The Dirty Diva, bubble finally burst where it ran 4 seconds behind the 2nd to last horse in the VRC Derby.

I now reliase that fatigue take a BIG part as my fatigue level was about 65%, and I start the race with about a qtr stamina, none left at the 800m but a bit of potential gave a crack ath 500m and moved to 8th and was flying. The it all stopped

I actually got of and worked and neat him home.

A well deserverd rest for that Horsey

General Diva my other created STAR ( and the name worked) won 2 races on the same day at Yarradale, which i thought was a Vic nased track, but alas they run the wrong way :)

I plan a month at a time and out of 16horses I have 11runners in total for December.

I have a foul due in 2 months, not sure on names yet

leaning toward Warm Icicle which should work

:p

[Austbloke]

I love the game
I am currently in December 07 have 16horses and 2.3million Dollars


16 horses.... Mate I have 7 and struggle placing them in good races & remembering there fav distances, positions ect,ect

I'm about 1 1/2 years into the game & I'm up to 14.3million..... I've only got one breed horse & I'm still wating to be able to race it.... 11 months pregnancy now I have to wait for the little blighter to grow up... :p

[Sim]

The only thing that disappoints me with the game now is the delay between screens - the constant "loading - please wait" message. Perhaps I am just a little impatient, but this message is a little too frequent for my liking...

I agree, the loading does seem a little on the slow side compared to other games in this genre. The navigation could be improved a little also.

Very satisfied with the overall commentary - for something as complex as a race call, I think the creators have done a fantastic job. The call matches the field most times and the attention to detail is superb.

Overall I am happy with the commentary, although I must admit it annoys me slightly when he announces approaching the line at the 500m.

The best part for mine is the recreation of the tracks - a super effort and a great feeling when your horse passes the post at an Australian track.

110% agree!!! The fair dinkum tracks are huge part of the game.

To Mario and the gang, a top effort guys and you really should be congratulated... Thanks for making this game and looking forward to seeing future versions. I'm already talking it up to all my friends to boost sales and ensure the popularity of this game warrants future releases...

Lets hope there are future releases because this game has the potential to be great.

[Butcha]

Couldnt agree more, super effort!!!!

[Bozo2c]

Love the game, Real tracks and races got me in striaght away. The thing that is unrealistic is 2yr olds racing against older horses and oftern. I can race my 81 rated 2yr old in Group 1 races and finish in the top 5. Apart from the Nunthorpe in Paris i have never heard of this happening. To get my 2 yr olds prize money up i just race them against older horses and have been known to win. :cool:

[neero1987]

the season mode is far to easy once you get goin then you can build up. I got going by being placed in a few races at Dubai then went and dominated the Sydney autumn carnival by creating Might and Power with 100 sprint and 100 stamina and blew them away winning everything so then i decided to send him to stud and i covered two mares with him hopwefully that will create sum competition and im raking in the cash for his stud fees about 250000 per month

[deadlydemon]

i love the game.. played the demo last night.. i was so chuffed i went out and bought it today!.

i was a bit skeptical at first... since i was disapointed with RL2 but im proud of sidhe's job in MCC..

justa little thing lol.. i like da way SIDHE has used the same crowds from RL2 in the grandstands..lol great feature.. its like my league fans just saw me demoslish the roosters and have come to see me win a melbourne cup.. aint it great? loyal fans :p

THUMBS UP SIHDE!

PS love to see you reply to this thread...thats right...suck up da glory :p

[Stu]

justa little thing lol.. i like da way SIDHE has used the same crowds from RL2 in the grandstands..lol great feature.. its like my league fans just saw me demoslish the roosters and have come to see me win a melbourne cup.. aint it great? loyal fans :p

Hey, at least we 'kinda' changed the colours.. well spotted! :rolleyes:

[deadlydemon]

lol yeah i noticed the colors changed... and they are neutral colours not colours for different teams :p lol... im luvin sidhe right now.. w00t for SIDHE !!:D :D

[fordlover82]

no u cannot select difficulty in career mode it sucks

[INTERACTIVE]

Ive got a feeling rancher or rancho ruler may have taken on the older horses as 2yo at group 1 and run 3rd at caulfield!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Brennan F.]

hmm i have only played 2 hours of the game and it seems to be good, however if only the horses looked as good as the tracks. I dont understand why the horses look so lanky. and after playing g1 jockey 4 u see the difference. the tracks look fantastic and the commentry is very good for a game. I find the overall game confusing but i'll get the hang of it after a while.

[not fussy]

Love the game, great job Sidhe.

I've got just 2-3 perfect horses (can't be bothered entering 15-16 in all their races) but run them ragged which means get alot of prizemoney but fatigue. Got a 2yo to win two 3mill plus races on the same day at Dubai which means 10mil before end of 2yo.

Had a 3yo filly which won Tuirnbal, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, Derby, Melbourne Cup and OAks before finishing 12th in the emiretes. By the end racing with 40-50% fatigue makes it a real challenge and find its a good way to combat the difficulty of the game without sacrficing the horses skill levels for breading.

Great way to make money is get a half decent horse and train to win 10-13mill with a few good races and send to stud between 500,000 and 1mill a month helps the bank account