| Beja-Beja said: the game was probably cheap to make and boosts the horrible holiday lineup in JP by at least one more game. |
Well, it has "has full licensing from the JRA (Japan Racing Association)", so probably isn't as cheap as it seems.
With regards to the earlier online betting comment, it actually does have online betting, but not for real money. I don't think it would be allowed in Japan, but a game like this with real money online betting would make for a very interesting concept in Europe (US has stupid laws against online betting too).
Sony brings online horse racing to the PS3
New Derby Time game to feature online races and stats.
--Sep 08, 2008, 20:15, Tokyo--Coinciding with coverage in the latest issue of its print version, Famitsu.com posted today details on Derby Time Online, a new PS3 horse racing game from Land Ho!, makers of the Derby Tsuku series.
Set to be published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Derby Time Online has full licensing from the JRA (Japan Racing Association). All in-game horses are real, including currently active horses and famous horses of old.
As suggested by the name, Land Ho! is working a strong online component into the game. In addition to online play, the title will link up with the JRA racing schedule and update its statistics immediately following Friday results.
The main mode of play is the Jockey Race Mode, where you play as a rider and take part in online races. Like everything else in the game, the races themselves are real, offering players a choice of participating in this week's races or in classic races.
Those who want more of a simulation can play Owners Race Mode. Like Jockey Race Mode, this mode consists of online races, only once you've registered your horse, the servers take over from there. Races are held automatically over night, with the results being reported to players in video form the following day.
Also included are two modes for those who prefer the gambling side of horse racing.
In the Prediction Mode, you select winning positions of horses in upcoming JRA races. The game then generates a race video, which can be uploaded for others to view.
Bet Mode offers a chance a pseudo gambling, with medals that you've earned in Jockey Race mode being used in place of actual money. Here, you place bets on races that are held online every five minutes.
For screenshots, see the original Famitsu.com article.
Derby Time Online is set for release on November 13 at 5,980 yen.
