Keiba Simulation from Nichibutsu is a good example of a game that could make money in Japan but probably wouldn't have a fighting chance anywhere else. As the back of the box shows, this game gets you completely involved in the exciting, seamy world of horse racing. Get involved in every aspect - building up your own breeding facility, buying and selling horses, and - the big moment - betting and racing the horses you worked so hard on. Big bucks are there if you can grab them...

...ok, this admittedly doesn't sound terribly exciting, but it does apparantly sell. The Derby Stallion series has extended into four or so games, from the FC to the SFC. Perhaps it's another case of "you have to be Japanese to understand".. :)

Pic: Keita

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