Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch

 Switch
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 2 out of 4
  1. KeenGamer
    Nov 16, 2022
    80
    Overall, as Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch joins the ever-growing list of horse games, it's certainly one you should check out for yourself. Is it perfect? No. The bugs are annoying, but hopefully patches will deal with them. Aside from the teething problems, you'll find yourself getting lost in this game as you want to explore every nook and cranny, collect resources, expand your ranch, help the locals, and breed new horses.
  2. Player 2
    Nov 23, 2022
    58
    If you don’t think the idea of becoming best friends with horses and just hanging out with them on an island sounds fun, you won’t enjoy this game. But if it’s going to tap into that same part of childlike wonder that I felt from the moment I loaded it up and chose my first horse, then it could be for you.
  3. Checkpoint Gaming
    Nov 14, 2022
    35
    Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch is a sad tale for the much-needed resurgence of equestrian-focused video games. Littered with poor design choices and endless amounts of bugs, every attempt to seep some joy out of the game was hindered. This comes as a shame. The bones of a good game are in there from the exploration of an interconnected world to a good start in both horse gameplay and town management and restoration. Boiling down to more than just a game released too early, Horse Tales also is a game too ambitious for its own good and not what was expected or needed. Take this one out to the pasture, they’re done.
  5. Gaming Age
    Nov 28, 2022
    33
    I know that, as a middle-aged man, I’m clearly not the target audience for a game about rebuilding your family estate and bonding with your horse. At the same time, though, I can’t imagine that the people who would be interested in that would want to put up with it, either. Horse Tales plays poorly and performs even worse, and it’s bound to disappoint anyone who picks it up.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 6 out of 11
  1. apileoftires
    Nov 4, 2022
    7
    I'm not saying the other person that's reviewed this is lying, but this is nowhere near the bad game that they've described. It needs someI'm not saying the other person that's reviewed this is lying, but this is nowhere near the bad game that they've described. It needs some work, yes, but hopefully with a few patches it'll be even better. If you've suffered with all the bad horse games in the past, this game is actually fun! Don't take my word for it, there's videos up on YouTube, you can see for yourself.… Full Review »
  2. Xangelus1
    Nov 3, 2022
    0
    This game is an absolute mess is the only thing I can say about this game. Expectations: I did my research to find my niece a great horseThis game is an absolute mess is the only thing I can say about this game. Expectations: I did my research to find my niece a great horse game. The trailers looked amazing and some of the screenshot really made me think of breath of the wild. Reality: When you’ve got the screenshots and trailers in mind it’ll a sore disappointment when you get this game. The graphics were already somewhat lacking in the trailers but were acceptable for a kids game .When you finally start the game it’s completely obvious that these trailers are far from the truth. The game has constant pop ins and the graphics are so blocky and choppy that you’ll get a headache in no time. Then there is the gameplay. The dozens of button combos are going to be a problem for younger children. My niece couldn’t get a jump over a river in the intro. When I tell you that I seriously spent almost an hour till I made the jump I realized my niece was going to be extremely dissatisfied with this game. Even if the game worked the game itself isn’t worth more than 20 bucks. She played for about 2 hours till she gave up and I did as well. I contacted Nintendo for the first time to see if I could get a refund since It’s so bad compared to the information that was out there. Conclusion: a waste of 40 euros. The game is choppy looks horrible and disappoints in every category so save yourself the money and avoid it like the plague.… Full Review »
  3. H4ardDriv3
    Mar 20, 2023
    10
    I recently discovered this captivating horse game, and it has been a truly delightful experience. Restoring my aunt's ranch and exploring theI recently discovered this captivating horse game, and it has been a truly delightful experience. Restoring my aunt's ranch and exploring the enchanting open world kept me engaged and entertained. Taming, breeding, and personalizing my horses added depth and strategy to the gameplay. If you're seeking a heartwarming adventure, this horse game is a must-try!… Full Review »
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