Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli review

Of course this isnt the first time Gamestyle has taken to the tarmac in an official Ferrari game. Last time it was the frustrating Ferrari 355, first for the Dreamcast and subsequently arriving on the PlayStation 2. A game that is now remembered for its complete focus on simulation and appalling Japanese rock soundtrack. Ferrari Challenge shares its dedication to authenticity but succeeds in balancing this with game play and driving options.As weve seen before in Forza 2, the road to a successful driving experience is ensuring it caters for all players, whatever their ability. Ferrari Challenge after an all too brief tutorial (just two laps around Fiorano) then expects you to customise your own style on the track. It is possible to bypass the tutorial entirely; however working in the arcade section or time trials its best to practice as much as possible. To jump into the Challenge mode without understanding the aids and what you actually require would not be recommended.The main bulk of the experience is spent driving the F430, which proves to be rewarding as you slowly find the limitations of its characteristic handling and powerful acceleration. With experience you begin to push the boundaries and form an appreciation with the physics and handling involved. There are plenty of Ferrari's up for grabs but these need to be unlocked, then bought as you tally up credits. For many racing enthusiasts Ferrari Challenge is hard going, simply because very little can be achieved without effort. Yet when you finally unlock and purchase that classic Ferrari, all the work suddenly becomes worthwhile. Everything is linked towards your performance, with very little up for grabs initially; only good results ensure progress and open up classic tracks.Ferrari Challenge is refreshing because it doesnt spread itself too thinly. Gran Turismo can become a bloated experience, measured purely on the number of cars and tracks its offers. Instead here we have several circuits from across Italy, Europe and America. You have your usual inclusions such as Silverstone, Spa and Hockenheim, but its the new tracks to Gamestyle, such as Misano and Mont-Tremblant that ensures a certain freshness. The variety of circuits certainly test your all round ability as a driver, making success even sweeter.The Ferrari cars are the real stars here and are recreated in lavish detail, whilst managing to sound terrific, aided by some fine replays. Eutechnyx have not put together a comprehensive list, instead picking some of the best from across Ferraris history. There are some notable exceptions, but at least initially you can work towards acquiring the fearsome FXX or the beautiful 250 GTO. During the launch of the game much was made of support via downloadable content. Through updates already some glitches have been resolved, minor features such as photographs have been added and tweaks introduced. Recently the first game content arrived, adding five more cars to the experience and the Nurburgring circuit, with hopefully more to follow. Currently its the only reason to go online as races on the PlayStation Network are few and far between. When Gamestyle did stumble upon such events they were fluid and surprisingly contained courteous drivers. No characteristic Gran Turismo Prologue barging on corners and general boy racer behaviour.The game supports the PS3 Trophy system yet Challenge Cards are a more frequent visitor as you make progress. These are essential new top trump cars for your Ferrari deck. You can then play trumps (half or full deck) in an exclusive mode. This feature could have been expanded more, instead it exists as a pointless (but fun) mini-game.With any title there are issues and Ferrari Challenge is no different. The crash damage modelling is toned down to insignificance; probably at Ferraris insistence and Gamestyle has never been a fan of rolling starts. The game structure and use of rewards is too restrictive, with the challenge modes instance on at least 15 minutes per race proving too much for many players. The vinyl mode is a nice touch but feels out of place and can never compete with the options offered by its Forza 2 competitor.Overall Ferrari Challenge is a welcome surprise, even for a Brawn GP/Honda fan. The attention to detail and responsive handling make for a thoroughbred racing experience, with plenty of challenges for the dedicated Ferrari fan.