Bibi & Tina - Ready, Set, Ride! (Nintendo Switch) Review

Horse-riding games have always occupied a curious niche, often aimed at younger players while rarely offering much for anyone outside their target audience. Bibi & Tina – Ready, Set, Ride! embraces that audience wholeheartedly, delivering a colourful equestrian adventure packed with tournaments, exploration, and friendship-focused storytelling rather than trying to compete with larger simulation games. Based on the long-running German franchise, the game follows Bibi, Tina, and their friends as they take part in the Summer Cup and work together to overcome rival Stephanie von Schotterburg's schemes.

From the moment you arrive at Martin's Farm, it's clear that accessibility is the priority. The controls are simple, objectives are easy to understand, and the world is designed to encourage younger players to explore without overwhelming them. Familiar locations such as Martin's Farm, Falkenstein Castle, the Old Mill, and Wolf's Gorge can all be visited, creating a pleasant sense of adventure as you ride between events and activities.

The heart of the game lies in its variety of equestrian competitions. Checkpoint races, show jumping, slalom courses, flag collecting, trail rides, and ring jousting ensure there is usually something different waiting around the next corner. None of these disciplines are especially deep, but they are enjoyable in short bursts and provide enough variety to prevent the experience from becoming repetitive too quickly. Progressing through events and earning points towards the final tournament gives players a satisfying sense of momentum throughout the campaign.

One of the game's most interesting additions is carriage driving. Introduced as a new feature for the series, these events swap horseback riding for navigating tracks, gates, and slalom courses using a horse-drawn carriage. The mode doesn't radically change the gameplay formula, but it adds some welcome variety and feels distinct enough to stand out among the more traditional riding competitions.

Outside of competitions, there is a surprisingly wholesome horse-care system. Players can brush their horses, clean their hooves, feed them, cool them down after races, and even decorate them before major events. These activities are simple mini-games rather than complex management systems, but they fit the relaxed tone perfectly and reinforce the connection between rider and horse. Younger players who love animals will likely spend as much time caring for their horses as they do competing.

Visually, the game adopts a bright and colourful presentation that captures the cheerful spirit of the Bibi & Tina universe. Character models are simple, environments are vibrant, and everything feels designed to be inviting rather than technically impressive. Performance remains steady for the most part, although the presentation won't wow anyone looking for cutting-edge graphics. Still, the approachable art style suits the game's audience.

Where the game falls short is in its lack of challenge and depth. Older players and experienced gamers will likely find the competitions straightforward and repetitive after a few hours. The storytelling, while charming, is clearly aimed at younger audiences, and the gameplay systems never develop into anything particularly sophisticated. This isn't necessarily a flaw, but it does limit the game's appeal beyond dedicated fans of the series or younger horse enthusiasts.

Pros

• Fun variety of riding events.

• New carriage-driving mode adds variety.

• Charming, family-friendly adventure.

• Enjoyable horse care activities.

• Plenty of horses and characters to unlock.

• Easy for younger players to pick up and play.

Cons

• Very simple gameplay.

• Limited challenge for older players.

• Events can become repetitive.

• Story is aimed primarily at children.

• Lacks the depth of more realistic horse simulators.

• Graphics are pleasant but fairly basic.

Bibi & Tina – Ready, Set, Ride! knows exactly who it's for and rarely strays from that mission. It offers a gentle, family-friendly adventure filled with horse riding, caring for animals, light exploration, and a positive message about friendship and teamwork. The addition of carriage driving helps add variety, while the colourful world and accessible gameplay make it easy for younger players to jump in and enjoy.

It may not satisfy players looking for a deep horse simulation or a particularly challenging experience, but for children who dream of riding through the countryside with their favourite horse and competing in friendly tournaments, this is a charming and welcoming adventure.

XPN Rating: 3 out of 5 (SILVER)

Bibi & Tina is available now!