For fans of the unique blend of horse racing simulation and character collection found in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, a new contender has emerged on Nintendo Switch and Steam. Wabisabi SushiDerby, developed by ITAMAE Studio and published by Kodansha Ltd., offers a casual racing experience centered around training pixel-art sushi to compete in restaurant environments. The game retails for $5 and notably eschews the gacha mechanics that define many mobile titles.
Wabisabi SushiDerby features cheerful sushi characters racing through detailed environments such as conveyor-belt restaurants, traditional eateries, and casual cafeterias. Players must navigate in-race hazards like soy sauce spills and salmon roe bubbles. While direct control during races is limited, strategic preparation through unlocking skills and stat boosts between rounds is key to success. The game incorporates an order tracker, prompting players to activate speed boosts via button presses when their sushi type is ordered, providing a temporary advantage and helping racers avoid in-game perils like chopsticks or becoming a customer's meal. However, these boosts are subject to a cooldown, requiring careful timing.
Progression in Wabisabi SushiDerby involves managing the short shelf life of sushi racers, which lasts for four races. To advance through the game's five racing ranks and ultimately compete for the S1 Galaxy Cup, players will need to train a variety of sushi types. Some tracks are ingredient-specific, necessitating a diverse roster. As players succeed, they unlock more elaborate sushi options, such as Fire-Grilled Salmon and Salmon Roe, which offer higher base stats and unique skills. This ingredient-based progression mirrors the strategic depth found in some sports simulations.
Unlike Umamusume, Wabisabi SushiDerby focuses on skill progression and casual business simulation elements rather than a large cast and ongoing narrative. Its appeal lies in its endearing art style, quick races, and a straightforward yet rewarding progression system, making it a compelling option for those seeking a similar experience to Umamusume without the financial commitment and randomness of gacha systems. The $5 price point positions it as an accessible and budget-friendly alternative.