Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: GTI Software
Classic Trainer (1989) – A Detailed Retrospective
Released in 1989, Classic Trainer is a business simulation game developed and published by Codemasters for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS. The game allows players to own and race up to five horses over multiple seasons, with the ultimate goal of winning the prestigious Epsom Derby.
Gameplay
Classic Trainer is played over a series of seasons, each of which lasts for 20 weeks. At the start of each season, players are given a budget of £5,000 and must purchase horses to race. Horses can be purchased from a variety of sources, including auctions, private sales, and breeders.
Once players have purchased their horses, they must then train and care for them. Horses can be trained by working out on the track, swimming, or resting. They can also be treated for injuries and given medication.
Players must also hire jockeys to ride their horses in races. Jockeys can be hired for a variety of fees, and their skills can have a significant impact on the outcome of a race.
Once players are happy with their horses and jockeys, they can then enter them in races. Races are held at a variety of tracks around the world, and players can choose to race their horses in a variety of distances and conditions.
If a horse wins a race, the player will receive a prize purse. The amount of the prize purse will vary depending on the race’s distance, conditions, and the number of horses entered.
Players can use their winnings to purchase new horses, upgrade their training facilities, or hire better jockeys. They can also use their winnings to bet on their own horses or other horses in races.
Reception
Classic Trainer was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realism, depth, and replayability. It was also praised for its innovative use of 3D graphics, which were still relatively new at the time.
Classic Trainer was a major influence on the development of subsequent horse racing games, and it is still considered to be one of the best horse racing games ever made.
Legacy
Classic Trainer has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo 64. It has also been released on digital distribution platforms such as Steam and GOG.com.
The game’s popularity has led to the development of a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Classic Trainer 2, Classic Trainer 3, and Classic Trainer: Derby Quest.
Classic Trainer remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by fans of horse racing games and business simulations alike.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed in Classic Trainer:
- Start by purchasing a few inexpensive horses. You can then use your winnings to purchase better horses later on.
- Train your horses regularly to improve their fitness and racing stats.
- Hire jockeys with good skills. The better the jockey, the more likely your horse is to win.
- Enter your horses in races that are appropriate for their abilities. Don’t try to race a Class 1 horse in a Class 5 race.
- Bet on your own horses to increase your winnings. However, be careful not to bet too much money, as you could lose it all.
- Be patient. It takes time to build a successful stable of horses. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win every race.
Conclusion
Classic Trainer is a classic horse racing game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s realism, depth, and replayability make it a must-play for any fan of horse racing or business simulations.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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