Mary-Kate and Ashley Winners Circle (PlayStation)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * *)

Roughly half the video game industry's multibillion dollar revenue comes from console game sales and close to half of those are being bought by females. So it seems weird there aren't more titles catering for young female gamers.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Winners Circle is a rare jaunt into the world of virtual horse riding. The game, built around three separate game modes, involves equestrian events, such as show jumping, cross-country and dressage.

If you have endured the syrupy sitcom Full House, you will be familiar with its young stars, Mary-Kate and Ashley (pictured). Now in their teens, the twin tycoons front their own franchise and have been labelled "the most powerful young women in show business".

Keen to cash in on that success, publishers Acclaim have released Mary-Kate and Ashley Winners Circle for the PlayStation, with more games (for other systems) to follow.

The uncomplicated interface, aptly set in a barn, allows players to decide on riders, select and create horses, or spend hours shopping for riding outfits and other horse-related apparatus.

There are roughly 20 horses to choose from, each fully customisable from the name and colour to the various markings.

The pay-off comes from getting to own, ride and even bond with a horse. Players can preen their ponies prior to events, collect winners' ribbons and even muck out mercifully uncontaminated stables.

Once in the saddle, Mary-Kate and Ashley Winners Circle is exactly what you would expect — super easy. The simplistic control system and the lightweight challenges are designed to reward a young audience. Even those with little gaming experience will breeze through the riding sequences.

Graphically, this is no Barbies Race and Ride. It doesn't even come close to pushing the original PlayStation but Mary-Kate and Ashley enthusiasts will overlook this and any other failings.

The mere fact that young fans can choose to ride as Mary-Kate or Ashley, or go head-to-head in a two-player, will be enough to make this a fail-safe favourite with the slumber party set.

Price: $24.99

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