It looks quite lovelyYou might have noticed that this review looks slightly different to other reviews on VideoGamer.com. That's because we look at games clearly designed for younger gamers in a slightly different way to other games. We'll endeavour to tell you just what you need to know in a clear and concise way so you'll be confident it's the right purchase for whatever your situation.
What is it?
Pippa Funnell Ranch Rescue (also known as Horsez 2 in some territories) is half horse caring sim, half adventure game. Players will spend their time breaking in their horse, cleaning and grooming them, cleaning the stable and riding.
AdvertisementOutside of the ranch you ride your horse to move from location to location as you meet characters and complete objectives to move the story along.
Complexity
The game is split into three main sections: taking care of your horse, riding your horse and walking around on foot. All three use different control schemes but they're all simple to pick up.
All horse care is carried out by mainly using the Wii Remote to point at various things on the screen, be it to hose down a dirty horse or to pick dirt out of a horse hoof. Riding uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuck almost as if you're holding the reigns. Tilt both forwards and your horse will move forward, tilt the Nunchuck to the left and you'll turn left - it's very simple. Walking on foot is all done via the analogue stick on the Nunchuck.
Most of the characters in the game talk using on-screen text, but this is fairly simple and shouldn't be too complex for junior-school aged kids. All objectives are pointed to by an on-screen compass and a helpful map is only a button press away.
Suitability
For girls who love horses Ranch Rescue should fit the bill very well indeed. The mixture of adventure and caring is handled well and the challenge is never too great for the target audience.
The caring aspect of the game has a Nintendogs feel to it, so anyone accustomed to that kind of gameplay will feel right at home. Girls interested in horses will also be able to learn about some of the effort that goes into looking after horses and the chores involved.
Young girls will enjoy the riding aspectsProduction value
Ranch Rescue has a very distinct look that could almost have come out of a pastel painting. The entire game is bathed in colour and some strong lighting that gives everything a warm glow. Characters are modelled quite basically, but the horses look good despite the odd stiff bit of animation.
An area that could disappoint is the game's slow frame rate. It's not usually something that I'd expect young kids to notice or care about, but at times the game really starts to chug.
Anything for adults?
Ranch Rescue could easily be played by adults but the gameplay isn't nearly enthralling enough to keep interest levels high. Having said that, if you love Nintendogs then this could offer the same kind of enjoyment.
VideoGamer.com's Verdict
For the primary school aged girl who loves horses, Pippa Funnell Ranch Rescue is perfect. It's bright and colourful, easy to play and features more than horse training and cleaning. We wouldn't recommend it for adults, but wannabe horse trainers will get a lot from this nicely made title.
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Puppydog06 wrote at 15:59 on 02 March 2008
I got this game for christmas and havent played it since January.I got stuck on one part and still havent figured out how to do it!!Its INSANELY hard!!!!!!!!!!
Horse lover wrote at 21:02 on 02 March 2008
Same, i got for christmas and got stuck on the bit about the competitions as it won't let me do anymore even though i won one, but anyway is very good but very hard and the thing is there's nothing on the web that helps, i really do need help so if anyone can i'd be very grateful!
Tracey wrote at 19:23 on 05 March 2008
PS2 game seems to not work, would appreciate any feedback as Ubisoft has made it impossible to find help.
traceyrobshaw@hotmail.com
Kira Till wrote at 20:16 on 23 March 2008
When Uncle Dylan asked me about the competitions when I walked away the Compass disappeared off of the screen and I haven't seen it since. Does anyone know how to get it back
roberta wrote at 22:01 on 05 April 2008
im so stuk on this game i dont know were to go to do the competintions need help pkleas
Me! wrote at 12:59 on 06 April 2008
To do comps, press 1 to see the map, head for the horseshoes, they are the comp areas, press + to find out what to do
You have to win more than one comp to carry on with the game
Jodi123 wrote at 11:43 on 12 April 2008
I am thinking of getting this game.... do the people who have it recommend it. I already have My Horse And Me and find is too easy... please reply. Jx
HarryTrotter wrote at 14:33 on 04 May 2008
im stuck on the washing bit in horse care, i cant squirt the mice ! i need help ! please.
melanie wrote at 19:38 on 25 May 2008
i also got it for christmas and i got stuck on it and havent played it for ages. it keeps saying i need to clean the horse when i do it like 2-3 times on every one and still it wont move on to the next adventure thingy
loveit x wrote at 14:13 on 27 May 2008
i have just got this game i can anwser all your questions first:
Horse lover---->on ur wii remote press number 1 for the map and where the horse shoes are go ther! there is the next competion.(same for roberta)
kiara till---->IT does that for the compass just look on the map and follow the horse shoes Simple!
Harry trotter--->Make sure ur sensitive control box is on top of the t.v because i had this problem point the wii remote at the t.v and squirt downwards.
Melanie---->You need to clean evry house and not just washing evrything ther !
Jodi-------->excellent game u will love it if u like animals ! if ur up for a challenge its gd idea however it is quite easy in some places!
sam wrote at 16:22 on 25 June 2008
right when the compass goes that is because you can do the local competitions in any order you want press...1...to get the map and then you follow where the maneges are on the map to get to the competitions,,theres 3 manages and i need help on this i'm stuck on what to do once i've kinda won the ranch and finished the big competition at the van guinesses estate if anybody else is having the same trouble please help! x
shane wrote at 11:19 on 05 July 2008
dear horse lover.when you have completed a competition go to the stud and talk to the old man and he'll tell you what to do=he will tell you to look at your map and find 3 trainers.they'll give you easy tasks like jump fences and run to objects.when you have done doing that then go back to the old man on the farm then you will have to compeat in 3 small competitions then after go to that girl who lives on a ranch nerby and then you will have to compete in a huge competition which will be in germany or somewhere like that and so on.you can ask any questions.
liss wrote at 14:23 on 12 July 2008
I'm stuck on the bit when you have to find those 3 different trainers, just after you've won your first big competition. I've done the cross country and showjumping and one of the steeplechases, but I don't know where to go for the other steeplechase. Please help! x
pippafunnelmad wrote at 16:52 on 19 July 2008
i cant do the hannova comp can any1 help please im sooooooo stuck i redone it 12 times
pippafunnelmad wrote at 16:54 on 19 July 2008
p.s i can get my forms from dog i cant do the act comp lol
pippafunnelmad wrote at 17:22 on 19 July 2008
i done it owooo took me 30 goes but i dont no where the beach is now :(
pippafunnelmad wrote at 18:26 on 19 July 2008
iv done it now so any1 need any help?
pippafunnellishard wrote at 10:07 on 31 July 2008
I can't find my horse!!
When you fall if your horse in the van guinness estate and you have to find it, where is it? x
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