Horse Life lets riders experience training and riding a show horse. Unlike many pet simulation games, this game focuses more on training and showing a horse than feeding it, although general care tasks do exist. This main aspect of the game is designed very well, and horse lovers will enjoy this horse simulation game.

When beginning, players will choose the type of horse they would like, and also choose a color. The choices are somewhat limited. There is a nice animation of the foal, then the game jumps ahead two years, when the young horse is ready to be trained. The game then automatically begins a tutorial mode, where players are introduced to the main areas of the game. These areas are the stable, shop, forest and competition center. Players will conduct general care and training for their horse in the stable, take rides in the forest area, shop in the shop area, and enter competitions in the competition area.

The tutorial is led by the Grandfather, who will instruct players on how to train and feed their horse, what the main areas of the game are, and the general set-up of the “game day.” This tutorial is great and is one of the better ones I’ve experienced. Every important game feature is introduced logically and clearly and is explained well.

Many times the touch-screen interface of the DS is used in games just because it’s there, but in Horse Life, it is utilized in an entertaining and intuitive manner. Players will train and direct their horse by the touch screen. These directions are actually a type of simple arcade game, wherein players will tap circles that appear, and then follow a circle around the screen as it traces various shapes. This sounds too simple to be fun, but it is actually pretty engaging. The horse will respond to these actions by moving in the desired manner.

These moves are easy enough in the beginning of the game, but after awhile, things become more difficult as the horse and rider increase their skill levels. For each skill level, a diploma will be awarded. These diplomas allow the rider to enter his or her horse in the competition center. Winning these events will increase the prestige level and also earn money. The money can be spent in the shop for horse and rider accessories, and also for care items for the horse.

Graphically speaking, this game is attractive. The horse and rider look fantastic, and the localities are drawn very nicely. The animations are fluid and smooth. Overall, the graphics really add to the game’s enjoyment factor.

Besides training and showing the horse, players can feed, pet and groom their horse. Keeping the horse fit, clean and happy is essential for success in the competitions, as an unhappy horse will not perform very well. These activities aren’t quite as fleshed out as in some pet sims, but they are fun enough. Only five activities are allowed for each game day, so players will have to use a little strategy to decide what activities are the most important at the time.

Horse Life is definitely one of the better animal simulation games for the DS and the designers have done a superb job of presenting a fun, engrossing game. The only drawbacks are the instructions by Grandpa that are present each and every time the stable is visited, and the single nature of the game. While a great game, it is a game with a single focus of horse training and care. No matter how much fun it is initially, long periods of play will result in boredom.  Therefore, this is a game that is best for short gaming periods. Older children and horse lovers in general will gain the most enjoyment.

Gameplay: 7.5
The gameplay is fun and engrossing. Training the horse is handled seamlessly and intuitively with the touch screen, and players will have no problems implementing these tasks. On the other hand, while the mechanics are simple, they are also surprisingly fun.

Graphics: 9.0
The graphics are really good and add to the overall affect of the game.

Sound: 7.0
The music is good enough. Additional tunes can be purchased in the shop, but they aren’t anything much above average.

Difficulty: Medium
This game is of a medium difficulty. The game begins easily enough, but the difficulty of the show moves will increase later in the game. The competitions will then become increasingly challenging.

Concept: 7.0
There are many pet sims on the DS, but this is one of the better ones. The presentation is above average.

Overall: 7.5
It’s neat to train and show a horse in this game. Riding is realistic and the tricks are fun to do. However, there’s not much else to do except ride that pony. The additional accessories in the shop help to add to the variety of gameplay, but not a whole lot. Still, this is a good game for horse lovers of any age.