Family Jockey (Japan) (Namcot Collection)

Family Jockey is a classic horse racing game for the NES, offering a challenging and engaging equestrian experience. Players step into the role of a jockey, aiming to train their horses and achieve victory in prestigious races.

The gameplay of Family Jockey focuses on two main aspects: training and racing. Before each race, players must pay attention to their horse's condition, including stamina and speed. Proper training will help improve these stats, increasing the chances of winning. During the training phase, players can feed their horse, practice running, and perform special exercises to enhance their skills.

Once in a race, players control their horse by pressing buttons to accelerate and conserve energy. The screen displays the horse's stamina bar; if it depletes too quickly, the horse will lose speed and struggle to make a late surge. A crucial skill is the ability to balance maintaining high speed with preserving energy for those final bursts. Players also need to pay attention to the positions of other competitors on the track, looking for openings to overtake or avoid getting boxed in.

The game features various types of racetracks and tournaments, each presenting unique challenges in terms of terrain and length. Winning races earns prize money, allowing players to purchase items, upgrade their stable, or buy new horses with higher potential. The ultimate goal is to become the champion jockey, conquering all tournaments and building a powerful horse racing empire.

Despite its simple 8-bit graphics, Family Jockey still creates a sense of competition and excitement, especially when making split-second decisions in the final moments of a race. It's a lighthearted sports game that nonetheless demands strategy and skillful control.