Part two of our review of The Really Nasty Horseracing Game

The Really Nasty Horseracing Game review, part two

Click here to read part one of this review

The gameplay

Lies, cheating, race fixing... anything goes in The Really Nasty Horse Racing Game. Any game which combines gambling, strategy and the chance to really cheese off your opponent has the potential to cause lots of outrage. This is one of those games!

The freedom you have to choose between being a successful winning trainer and a wily gambler allows for plenty of scope for creativity. Remember, there's no rule stating you have to TRY to win with your best horse! From a gambling point of view, 'throwing' the big race could land you with a big score.

The event cards are, well, really nasty. Any time a horse stops on a fence, any player can use a Fall card, and unless the trainer has a Remount card, his race is over.

There's even worse to come! Two cards can force a horse to move in or out instead of directly down the home straight, while the ultimate is Slipped Up on the Flat. The horse inflicted by this falls and may not be remounted.

Plenty of excitement, fun and fights are guaranteed with a night of The Really Nasty Horseracing Game.

Pros and Cons

You'll be as passionate about The Really Nasty Horse Racing Game as the real thing. This is an excellent game design, which will be a real departure if you've never played a horse racing game before. Even if you're not much of a gambler, there's plenty of scope for enjoyment here.

Most of the components are well-drawn, bright and cheerful and add to the fun. However, always clean the odds board off promptly at the end of a game, as you will end up with permanent odds marked on it if you forget.

The Really Nasty Horseracing Game is perhaps a touch too long at around 90 mins to two hours per game, though you can elect to race less than six times. If there is a criticism of the gameplay, it's that the game is too similar all the way through. The replay value might fall as a result, especially if you aren't particularly interested in gambling.

But don't look a gift horse in the mouth! It's a game that may surprise you. You could find yourself becoming much more passionate about the outcome than you ever believed possible.

The verdict

Prepare to be impressed by The Really Nasty Horseracing Game. It's tricksy, tons of fun (especially for large groups) and livens up a party no end. Just add beer. And whatever you do, NEVER play with real money at stake...