Long-Awaited "Royce and Royce" Joins Uma Musume Pretty Derby Gacha on Valentine's Day, Thrilling Fans

In the popular game "Uma Musume Pretty Derby," the much-anticipated new Uma Musume "Royce and Royce" was announced to appear in the Pretty Derby Gacha on Saturday, February 14th, prompting widespread cheers from trainers on social media.

According to the official account, Royce and Royce will be implemented as a 2 character, leading to an outpouring of praise for the "god-tier management" due to her accessibility. Simultaneously, the 5th Anniv. Select Pickup Support Card Gacha is also being held, offering a luxurious deal where a 10-pull with paid jewels guarantees an SSR support card.

Fans have expressed numerous joyous reactions such as "Royce and Royce is finally here!" and "Now Canopus is complete!" Expectations are high for the full lineup of Canopus members, including characters who appeared in the third season of the anime. Some trainers also celebrated the formation of the "Nigo Team" and quoted jokes from "Umanari 1 Furlong Theater" to commemorate her release.

Royce and Royce's "genius" and "highly inspired" character traits are drawing attention, and there is significant interest in how she will develop within the game's story. In the real horse racing world, she is known as a clever racehorse that jockey Hiroki Goto once named as "the most impactful horse I've ever ridden," a background that further captivates fans.

Given her release date on Valentine's Day, speculation is rife that her name, "Royce and Royce," is a pun on the chocolate brand "ROYCE'," adding to the buzz around this clever touch. While some trainers might consider skipping this gacha due to the competitive field in the mid-distance front-runner category and its timing before anniversary events, others have expressed anticipation for her appealing skills.

With the arrival of this long-awaited character, many trainers are expressing joy, calling her "the best anniversary present," and fueling their anticipation for future training and team formations.

The context

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: This is a highly popular Japanese multimedia franchise encompassing a mobile game, anime, and manga. It features anthropomorphic horse girls (Uma Musume) who are personifications of famous real-life Japanese racehorses. Players, known as "Trainers," raise and train these Uma Musume to compete in races and perform in live concerts.

Gacha: A common monetization mechanic in free-to-play mobile games, similar to loot boxes. Players spend in-game currency (often called "jewels" in Uma Musume) for a chance to acquire new characters (Uma Musume) or support cards.

2 Uma Musume: In Uma Musume Pretty Derby, characters have a star rarity. A 2 character is relatively common compared to 3, making her more accessible for players to obtain, which is why fans praised the "god-tier management."

SSR Support Card: Support cards are equippable items that provide stat bonuses and unique skills to Uma Musume during training. SSR (Super Super Rare) is the highest rarity, making them highly sought after by players.

Canopus: In the Uma Musume anime, Canopus is a team of horse girls often depicted as underdogs or a friendly rival group to the main protagonists. The completion of the Canopus lineup in the game is a significant event for fans who follow the anime's story.

Nigo Team: A specific group of Uma Musume characters, often referring to the second team formed by the trainer in the Uma Musume anime, typically including characters like Twin Turbo, Ikuno Dictus, Matikane Tannhauser, and now Royce and Royce. The formation of this group in the game is a joyful moment for fans of this particular story arc.

Umanari 1 Furlong Theater (馬なり1ハロン劇場): A well-known humorous manga series in Japan that anthropomorphizes real-life racehorses, often featuring witty dialogue and situations. Referencing it shows a deep appreciation for horse racing culture among fans.

Hiroki Goto (後藤浩輝): A highly respected and beloved Japanese jockey who tragically passed away in 2015. His quote about a real-life horse being "the most impactful" adds a layer of historical significance and emotional connection for fans.

ROYCE': A premium Japanese chocolate brand, particularly famous for its Nama Chocolate, which is a popular gift for Valentine's Day. The speculation about "Royce and Royce" being a pun on "ROYCE'" is a playful theory connecting the character's release date with Japanese cultural traditions.