Screenshot by Siliconera
|
Umamusume: Pretty Derby isn’t a difficult game, but anyone unfamiliar with the Princess Maker and Idolmaster gameplay format probably won’t know what to expect. After all, it’s about raising a character and stat-building, not directly controlling them during races. Which is why Sakura Bakushin O is both a delight and tremendous help, as this free, simple, one-star character is both one of the most accessible Umamusume: Pretty Derby horse girls and charming ones and most likely to win URA Finale early on in your runs.
Yes, I just said that a one-star, free character in a gacha game is actually one of the best. And it’s not only a “in the game at launch” situation. There’s no condition, like she’s only good if you increase her potential or get her up to a three-star or five-star rank. Sakura Bakushin O is genuinely an amazing unit for both a newcomer or ongoing player in Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Especially since Veteran versions of her make for a great unit to inherit from for Haru Urara and Taiki Shuttle, the two best Dirt surface characters in the global game right now. You’re perfect just the way you are, most honorable class representative!
There are many reasons Sakura Bakushin O is great, and only two of them really involve gameplay. The first is that she’s the best “tutorial” free unit in the game. She’s able to reliably win URA Finale even if you don’t have great Veteran characters to pull from or a stacked selection of Support Cards. You could literally open up Umamusume: Pretty Derby for the first time at this very second, get Sakura Bakushin O as part of the introduction, then beat the Career Mode for the first time. Though her starting stats are basic at the beginning, the fact her growth bonuses are tied to her two most critical stats (20% Speed, 10% Wit), she’s going to be running Sprint races, and she’s relies on the Front Runner strategy all mean there’s less to worry about when getting started.
That “less to worry about” element applies to getting through the Umamusume: Pretty Derby campaign with Sakura Bakushin O too. Since this is a character-raising game like Princess Maker and Idolmaster (two series you should also explore if you’re getting into this, by the way), it means making tough decisions. You’re trying to get certain stats by picking classes, learn skills through relationships with friends, and prepare the horse girl to make it through each of the challenges in her career. Maybe that means getting X number of fans! Usually, it requires her to get a certain place or higher in a specific race. Because this character is a Sprint runner who focuses on a Front strategy, your main focus is going to be on Speed. Need. For. Speed.
Now, yes, before you have her run the Junior Make Debut, you probably will want to go for the classes with the most Support Card characters there to get those ranks up to orange for friendship bonuses when training later on and skill unlocks. But because this is Sakura Bakushin O, the one stat that matters most is Speed. You don’t need to worry about her other stats as much! When picking Support Cards, you can only load up mainly on Speed ones. (Perhaps two Power or a Power and Wit, just in case.) There’s less to worry about, so you can get accustomed to the pace of the game and possibilities with her.
Of course, Sakura Bakushin O is also wonderful due to her big personality in Umamusume: Pretty Derby. She isn’t as out-there as someone like Gold Ship. However, she’s just as much fun in her own way. From her self-assured personality, sense of drive, and “Bakushin Bakushin Bakushinshin,” she’s really fun to work with and watch. I’m not kidding about that “Bakushin Bakushin Bakushinshin.” That’s one of her signature songs. Another is “Chototsumoshin Bakushin-chuu!!”
Cygames hasn’t officially uploaded it to the English YouTube account, but here’s an example of it in all its majesty.
There are a lot of fantastic Umamusume: Pretty Derby characters. Those playing for the first time due to the global release are going to meet a lot of horse girls who will become their champions. Any unit released, regardless of their ranking, could be a star. There’s something special about Sakura Bakushin O though, and it makes her feel viable and valuable no matter how many others join your roster.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is available for the PC and mobile devices worldwide. The original anime is on Crunchyroll, and Cinderella Gray is on Amazon.
Published: Jul 13, 2025 09:00 am