Athletic competitions, an infamous outlaw superheroes, a super villain and even griffons… there’s quite a lot going on in Equestria in My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Games Ponies Play, Shout! Factory Kids and Hasbro Studios’ latest six episode collection from the My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic animated television series.

This six episode DVD includes:

• “Fall Weather Friends” – Season 1, Episode 13
  In this humorous episode, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are trying to settle an argument as to which is the more athletic pony. After losing to Applejack in a horseshoe competition, Rainbow Dash challenges Applejack to a rigorous Iron Pony competition. The two face off in a series of sporting contests culminating in the annual Running of the Leaves. Which one will be the winner? One of the real highlights of the first season, this episode does a nice job teaching kids about friendship (surprise) and good sportsmanship.
• “Games Ponies Play” – Season 3, Episode 12
  For the first time in a thousand years, the Crystal Empire has the opportunity to host the Equestria Games, which are “the biggest sporting event in all of Equestria”. Twilight needs to make a good impression on the Games Inspector to make sure that they are selected. However, in a case of mistaken identity the pones court the wrong pony, pretty much ignoring the real and difficult-to-please Games Inspector. How will this affect their chances at hosting the Equestria Games?
• “Power Ponies” – Season 4, Episode 6
  After reading aloud a small, mysterious footnote in one of his Power Ponies comic books, Spike and the Mane Six are magically sucked into the comic book universe. Each of the ponies has the special abilities of their characters in the comics and must use them to help defeat a maniacal super villain, Mane-iac in order to escape back to the real world.
• “Equestria Games” – Season 4, Episode 24
  The ponies are all headed to the Crystal Empire for the big Equestria Games. Thanks to his bravery and role in saving the Crystal Empire (back in Season 2 of the series), the “Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious” has been asked by Twilight and Princess Cadance to light the torch during the Equestria Games’ opening ceremony. However, his nerves start to get the better of him and Spike needs a little help summoning his fire breath on game day. Unaware that he was not the one who actually lit the fire “with his mind” Spike is heartbroken when he finds out the truth and hides in embarrassment. However, when trouble finds the Equestria Games, it is Spike who will have to come out of hiding and save the day.
• “Appleoosa’s Most Wanted” – Season 5, Episode 6
  The Cutie Mark Crusaders are back and this time they are trying to earn their illusive cutie marks by bringing try to capture Ponyville’s infamous outlaw, Trouble Shoes. Accused of ruining a number of rodeos across Equestria, there are fears that Trouble Shoes will be making an appearance at the Appleloosa Rodeo as well. When the Cutie Mark Crusaders go missing, Applejack and Sheriff Silverstar are worried that Trouble Shoes abducted them. However in the end, with the help of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Applejack and the rest of Ponyville discover the truth about Trouble Shoes and learn that sometimes appearances can be deceiving.
• “The Lost Treasure Of Griffonstone” – Season 5, Episode 8
  The ‘map’ has called both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash to the griffon kingdom of Griffonstone, but the ponies have no idea why they were summoned there. After a long journey, the two arrive in Griffonstone to discover that a monster named Arimaspi had attacked and stole the city’s Idol of Borea, causing Griffonstone to fall into a state of misery. It’s now up to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie to find some way to restore this now depressing kingdom’s pride and glory.

My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Games Ponies Play has become one of my daughters’ favorite episode collection yet.

There is a nice, varied collection of episodes here, from really comedic to more action-packed fare. Whether my girls want to jump into the comic book adventures of the “Power Ponies” or laugh along with the Applejack’s and Rainbow Dash’s spirited competition in “Fall Weather Friends”, My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Games Ponies Play really runs the gamut with plenty of laughs, thrills and lessons to be had.

Once again, the presentation of the episodes is excellent, even though it is not in HD, the animation is crisp and clear and the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack gives the series an almost cinematic feel.

Unfortunately there were no extras this time around, but they did include one more episode than usual, so I guess I can’t be too sad. Though the sing-alongs are always a hit with Emily and Claire, and the absence of one was noticed.

What’s Included:

Episodes: (132 min)

• 6 episodes of the series:
  “Fall Weather Friends”, “Games Ponies Play”, “Power Ponies”, “Equestria Games”, “Appleoosa’s Most Wanted”, “The Lost Treasure Of Griffonstone”
• 480p / Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
• Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
• Closed Captions

Extras:

None

Final Thoughts:

My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Games Ponies Play offers viewers a nice collection of 6 episodes. The set is inexpensively priced, and contains some great episodes to add to your My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic collection. Although the set doesn’t contain any bonus features this time around, Games Ponies Play has still become one of my daughters’ favorite episode collections yet.