DreamWorks Spirit: Lucky's Big Adventure Review

As a horse girl gamer and mom raising future horse girls, I tend to keep my eye on horse games that are family friendly. So, when I picked up DreamWorks Spirit: Lucky's Big Adventure for my youngest daughter, I was hoping for a fun introduction to horse gaming. What I wasn't expecting was for us to discover a few frustrations right away...and then end up falling in love with the game anyway.

Our First Hurdle: Mouse & Keyboard

Since I primarily game on PC, that's where we started. Unfortunately, we quickly discovered that Spirit: Lucky's Big Adventure isn't really designed with mouse and keyboard players in mind. The controls felt awkward. Certain actions were harder than they needed to be. And trying to navigate the game comfortable with a keyboard wasn't the smooth experience we were hoping for. And for a moment, I thought this was going to be one of those games we played once and never touched again.

thankfully that wasn't the case.

The Steam Deck Saved the Day

Luckily, I own a Steam Deck. The moment we switched over, everything changed. The controls immediately felt more natural and the game became much easier for my daughter to enjoy. Instead of fighting with the controls, she was finally able to focus on what really mattered.

Having fun and living out her Spirit dreams, and that's when I could see her falling in love with the game.

Seeing the Spirit Characters Come to Life

One of the biggest highlights was seeing all of the familiar characters from the DreamWorks spirit series.

For kids who love the show, this is a huge win. There's something special about stepping into a world you've watched on TV and actually getting to interact with the characters yourself. My daughter was excited whenever a familiar face appeared. Which made the entire adventure feel more personal.

A Story That Keeps Young Players Engaged

This game offers much more than just riding horses. While horseback riding is the heart of the game, players are constantly encouraged to explore the town of Miradero, complete quest, meet familiar characters from the Spirit universe, and unlock new objectives. When my daughter played, she always had something new to work toward. She was delivering items, helping townspeople, exploring new areas, and finding hidden collectibles, the game kept her interested instead of feeling repetitive. For younger players having clear goals makes a big difference. Instead of running around without direction, the game gently guides children from one adventure to another while allowing plenty of freedom to explore at their own pace.

The Controls Aren't Perfect

No game is perfect, and this was biggest thing that needed improvement. While playing o the Steam Deck, a few jumping and climbing sections were more difficult than expected. Some platforming moments required fairly precise movement, which younger children may find frustrating. There were a handful of times my daughter handed me the Steam Deck and asked for help getting past a jump or help her climb in the game. That doesn't make the game bad. It means if you are getting the game for your child you may need to help them with certain objectives. Once we became familiar with the controls, these moments less often, but they are still worth mentioning for parents considering the game.

The Visuals Make Up for a Lot

Where the game shines! The colorful environments immediately capture the cheerful atmosphere of the DreamWorks Spirit series. Miradero feels welcoming, bright, and full of life, while the horses themselves are beautifully designed and instantly recognizable for fans of the movies and television series. Every location feels safe, inviting, and family-friendly. It's the type of world that encourages children to slow down, explore, and enjoy the scenery instead of rushing through objectives. For younger horse lovers, simply riding through the countryside can be just as enjoyable as completing quest.

Why This Game Worked for Us

Watching my daughter play became one of my favorite parts of the experience. Her excitement each time she unlocked a new quest, found another collectable, or spent time riding spirit reminded me why family-friendly games are so special. Did we run into a few frustrating jump? Yes, but those moments are small compared to the joy she experienced throughout the adventure. Sometimes the best games aren't the ones with the best mechanics they are the ones that create happy memories. For our family, DreamWorks Spirit Lucky's Big Adventure did exactly that.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• family-friendly adventure

• beautiful colorful environments

• great introduction to exploration games

• fun quest for younger players

• perfect for fans of DreamWorks Spirit

Cons

• platforming sections can be frustrating

• younger children may occasionally need help

• limited rplay value after completing the story

• controls can feel imprecise during sections

FAQ

Is DreamWorks Spirits Lucky's Big Adventure good for kids?

Yes, the game is designed with younger players in mind and features easy-to-understand objectives, family-friendly gameplay, and no mature content.

Can adults enjoy it too?

While it's primarly aimed at children, parents who enjoy relaxing horse games may still appreciate exploring Miradero alongside their kids.

Is it Steam Deck compatible?

We played it on the Steam Deck and it performed well overall. The only challenges were a few jumping and climbing sections that required more precise controls.

How long does it take to finish?

Most players can complete the main adventure in around 6-10 hours depending on how much exploring and collecting they choose to do.