Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1141 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: System 3
• Released on: 2008-07-04
• Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Customer Reviews

A flawed gem.
I picked up Ferrari Challenge as I'd heard some good things about it over the internet forums and, despite middling magazine reviews, it really is far better than expected. It's not perfect yet, and Eutechnyx realise this as a patch is due out in the next few weeks to sort out some of the framerate, AI and online issues that fans have picked up on, but it's good to know a developer is listening and responding quickly. As for the game itself, graphically it's not disimilar in look to Forza 2 with a level of oversaturation in the colour that the developer says is a tribute to the old Sega F355 game but, in truth, is a bit overdone. The tracks are well modelled though, and the cars are superbly detailed. Not quite to GT5 levels of obsession, but far better than Forza 2's toytown looking bodywork. Only a limited number of Ferrari's are available to begin with, around 25, but more DLC is promised with a combination of additional cars and tracks. I believe some is also to be included with the forthcoming patch as compensation, but nothing is concrete yet. Sound is decent but could be better with some odd flaws and the occasional clipping as the revs rise as one sample gives way to another but not quite seamlessly. The track selection is excellent though, and combined with forgiving but,ultimately, supremely satisfying, handling, there is a lot of pleasure for driving game fans to have here. It's certainly a lot better than the hugely disappointing GRID and with a better sensation of speed than GT5. Forza 2 might be more accurate, but it's also ridiculously and unrealistically twitchy at times whereas PGR has good car balance but unrealistic grip levels. FC:TP is closer to PGRs friendlier physics model but manages to combine it with realistic grip levels and this makes it, along with 14 real world tracks with not a single boring made up one in sight, the most satisfying console racer on the new gen consoles to date. Even with the assists off, there is an obvious occasional helping hand with the steering control, at least using a controller, and it would be nice to see a patch or DLC that lets you use the simulation model without it, even if it is much harder to control. It'll be a niche game this, that appeals to console racers after a decently realistic racer without going into the anal levels of simulation that R-Factor or Papyrus specialise in. If you're after an arcade racer with lots of variety, steer clear, but if you want a very good racing game verging on greatness, give this a try. But make sure you turn your colour levels down on the TV! And if you need a little push in the game's direction, the tutorial is set in Ferrari's testing ground of Fiorano and your instructor is a superbly programmed Tiff Needell!

Oh Dear..
I bought this game, knowing it received mediocre reviews, because it was touted as a simulator, and hoping its the sequel to the classic Ferrari 355 Challenge on the Dreamcast.

Unfortunately its neither. The graphics are pretty awful, and is the sound. The handling, with all assists off, is too forgiving. Car damage is non existant also. In-car view looks terrible when compared to Gran Turismo 5:Prologue, same applies to the replays

Most driving games can get boring, but this is a very soulless experience.

Shame, its a wasted opportunity and looks a rushed game

Forza 2 is still in pole position for me, whereas Ferrari Challenge is at the very back of the pack.

The most fun PS3 driving game so far?
I think so.
Initially I wasn't that impressed, but before I knew it I'd been playing for about 3 solid hours. The driving in this game is great, especially if you turn down the driving assists. The way the cars handle feels really good, and the need to correct oversteer and understeer works really well. The engines sound great too. Online works well. System 3 have said there will be extra content available from the store, which should add to the longevity of the game.
The graphics aren't to the highest standard in my opinion, and there's perhaps not the same features that some other driving games have, but for pure driving enjoyment, it's great.