What popular competition-based sports is virtually ignored in videogames? Horse racing. Sure, the demographics of horse-racing enthusiasts aren't all that similar to that of gamers, but most racing fans do have disposable cash on their hands and are fanatical. Tune in to tonight's "X-Play" as we review Koei's "G1 Jockey 3." The game aims to win, but does it cross the finish line in front?

Handicapping the contender

From its pre-race screens to the racing action itself "G1 Jockey 3" has a similar look to 'Gallop Racer 2003,' though it's less colorful and varied. Once you spend some time with it, however, you will find that it is a fairly different game with a narrowed scope that emphasizes the career of a jockey.

And they're off!

Starting off as a rookie without a horse, the early goals within the game are to do the best with what you've got. Acquiring your first horse requires a basic understanding of horse racing. You're presented with an improved selection as you win races throughout the season. There are over 4,000 horses in the game (spread out amongst various stables). Both the variety and detailed statistics for each are impressive, giving the game much of its depth. Each horse has its own style that will react differently to your skills, as well as the track. This keeps the game continuously challenging well beyond your rookie season, though it can sometimes lead to frustration if you wear the horse out early on.

Before each race, there's a workout option to prepare both you and your horse. Once you're on the track, you're responsible to get your horse up and running, determine position, keep pace with the other horses, and (hopefully) pull ahead in the final furlongs. This is rather difficult at first, and the tutorials only do a decent job of explaining the basics. Since each horse has its own preference, mastering the variety of racing styles is taxing at first.

Stormy weather

Given the depth of gameplay in "G1 Jockey 3," the graphics and interface don't quite measure up. The menus are easy to navigate and understand, and the basic horse model looks clean, but there isn't enough visual variety among the different breeds, except for texture variance. Further complicating the gameplay, the animation occasionally looks jittery, making it difficult to get a feel for your horse. The soundtrack is pleasant enough, but unless you're a fan of synthesized instrumental pop, it gets repetitive rather fast.

Win, place, or show?

"G1 Jockey 3" will appeal to horse-racing fans who enjoyed the action in "Gallop Racer 2003: A New Breed," but didn't care for the betting or breeding options. Racing is the primary focus here and the game does a good job at translating the complexities that go into maneuvering a horse through a tense race. But where the all-around horse racing experience on your console system is concerned, "G1 Jockey 3" manages a solid place finish, but ultimately falls short of a win.

"G1 Jockey 3" (PS2)