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Trofeo Pirelli challenges with new Ferrari game

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Jul 17

Trofeo Pirelli challenges with new Ferrari game

Ferrari computer games are nothing new, but the new Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli game is causing a bit a stir, so we decided to take a closer look, even if it did mean crossing over to the PS3 dark side.

The real geeks among you will remember that back in 1999 Sega released something called ‘F355 Challenge’. The game sold like hot cakes and developed somewhat of a cult following, so it was only logical that when System 3 and Eutechnyx came to make a successor they used F355 Challenge as a starting point.

Forza or bust

Having logged hours and hours of Forza motorsport on the Xbox360 and built up a garage of cars even Jay Leno would be jealous of, I was worried a single manufacturer game wouldn’t hold my attention for very long – even if it was from the mighty prancing horse.

I needn’t have been concerned though; hit the start button on the main menu and you are instantly blasted by the distinctive throaty Ferrari engine roar. In fact this sets the tone for the game as a whole. Ferrari Challenge is a sheer work of art - each car has been painstakingly recreated down to the smallest detail, and the circuits are no less stunning.

A fleet of Ferraris

Initially you are limited to driving the F430 used in the real life racing series, but with a little time and effort you can unlock up to 32 other Fezza’s in game. In fact System3 are apparently planning to offer every single Ferrari ever made as downloadable content.

Like the real race-series, the challenge mode is split into three regions: Italy, Europe and the USA, with all 14 of the Ferrari Challenge championship tracks to blast around. On first impressions your F430 feels like an unwieldy lump that’s prone to kicking out at the back and lunging off into the gravel trap at the nearest opportunity. But with a little practice and a few deft touches of the brakes you are soon leading the pack like Herr Schumacher.

There is also a quick-play arcade option and a practice mode with commentary from Tiff Needell for honing your skills, before taking on the competition in the challenge mode. Interestingly the game also features a cut-down version of the paint mode from Forza, which lets you decorate your Ferrari in different colours and graphics.

Any issues?

The only criticisms would be that the AI opponents are, at times, too cautious and there is also an lack of any quality damage modelling. The latter is likely down to Ferrari, who wouldn’t want anyone driving around with the bumpers and doors hanging off Modena’s finest.

One thing is certain; anything that can capture the magic of driving a Ferrari, and this game does a pretty good job, is definitely worth a look.