Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Grand National places you in the saddle of one of the most grueling equestrian challenges in the world, faithfully recreating the Aintree course with its infamous steep fences and undulating turns. Before you ever hear the starter’s pistol, you’re immersed in the pre-race tactics: studying the “going” to understand which horses will thrive in firm, good or soft ground, scrutinizing form guides and realistically calculated odds (complete with betting tax), and spreading your bets across up to five competitors. This strategic layer ensures each decision carries weight, whether you’re a casual punter or a seasoned handicapper.

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Once the gates open, you take direct control of your chosen mount. Steering left and right is more than cosmetic—precision weaving can open a clear path but overzealous lane changes risk a post-race Steward’s Enquiry and possible disqualification. Timing your jumps is equally crucial; a mistimed leap at the Canal Turn or Becher’s Brook can send you sprawling, costing precious seconds or even your chances in the run for the tape. The responsive controls and tight collision detection make every hurdle encounter a tense, rewarding affair.

Throughout the race, an on-screen display keeps you informed of your position, the identity of the current leader, and how many horses remain in contention. This running commentary of stats and standings adds a layer of drama—you know exactly when to hold back and surge, or when a well-timed whip crack will vault you into contention. The balance between raw speed and energy management creates a constant push-and-pull, keeping you engaged from the first furlong to the final stretch.

Graphics

Visually, Grand National captures the spirit of Aintree with surprisingly detailed trackside environments. Whether you’re jockeying through bright spring sunshine or battling misty rain showers, the dynamic weather and lighting effects change both the look and feel of the course. The turf itself reflects the “going” conditions you analyzed pre-race—lush and bouncy on good ground, heavy and sticky after rain—adding to the immersion.

The horse models are convincingly rendered, boasting fluid galloping animations and realistic muscle flex as they launch off each fence. Each animal has its own subtle differences in stride and gait, hinting at the unique characteristics you study before placing your bets. Crowd animations, though not hyper-detailed, provide enough variety to convey the scale and excitement of race day, with spectators leaning forward, waving flags, and reacting to photo finishes.

User interface elements—betting screens, form guides, and in-race HUD—are cleanly laid out, ensuring you’re never lost in menus or overwhelmed by statistics. Odds boards update in real time during live betting sessions, and split-second positional updates appear at the bottom of the screen, all rendered crisply at a steady frame rate. The result is a presentation that feels both functional and visually appealing, letting you focus on the heart-pounding action.

Story

While Grand National is primarily a simulation of a famed sporting event rather than a narrative-driven title, it weaves its own story through the progression of race days and the career of your jockey. Each race feels like a chapter: the mounting tension in the paddock, the final nervous seconds before the start, and the rush of the final furlong all contribute to a compelling arc that keeps you coming back for “just one more” run around the course.

The game doesn’t rely on cutscenes or cut-and-paste dialogues; instead, it builds drama organically. A surprise leader early on can turn into an underdog victory, and a pre-race favorite might falter on the second circuit, forcing you to rethink your strategies for the next outing. Every win or loss shapes your approach to betting, horse selection and riding style, creating a personal narrative driven by your decisions and the unpredictable nature of jump racing.

For players seeking more structure, Grand National offers a loosely defined career mode where you unlock new horses, access more advanced betting options and gradually take on stiffer competition. While you won’t find deep character arcs or branching dialogues, the evolving sense of achievement as you climb the leaderboard more than compensates, delivering a satisfying meta-story of triumphs, near-misses and the quest for the iconic perpetual trophy.

Overall Experience

Grand National strikes an impressive balance between authenticity and accessibility, making it a rare treat for both racing enthusiasts and newcomers. The meticulous attention to race-day details—realistic odds, ground conditions, and hurdle placements—ensures that seasoned punters will appreciate the nuance, while the straightforward in-race controls lower the barrier for those new to equestrian sims.

The game’s pacing can be intense but never overwhelming. Strategic pre-race planning segues seamlessly into fast-paced in-race action, sustained by clear UI cues and responsive controls. Occasional tough luck runs—when a poorly judged jump or an unexpected surge from a rival spoils your perfect strategy—only serve to heighten the stakes and make victory feel all the sweeter.

In sum, Grand National delivers a thoroughly engaging blend of planning, skill and tension, wrapped in a visually pleasing package. Its focus on one of horse racing’s most storied events gives it a distinct identity, and the depth of its betting and riding mechanics offers impressive replay value. Whether you’re aiming to master the art of the strategic gamble or simply craving a heart-pounding charge over the fences, this title offers an exhilarating ride from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

6/10