Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Game Review

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Game Review

There are a few fortunate enough to have driven a Ferrari and even fewer who own one, but many nonetheless dream of being behind one of these Italian thoroughbreds. Now that dream can be a reality with System 3’s new PS3 Ferrari Challenge (Trofeo Pirelli), with 32 models lovingly re-created to keep us dreamers happy.

In the single player mode, you will be able to drive a F340 through 14 tracks worldwide (for example Monza, Misano and Silverstone) in order to ultimately win the Ferrari Challenge trophy.

The worldwide challenge is divided into three regions — Italy, Europe and America — and takes place on weekends, beginning with a qualifier followed by two 15-minute races. New vehicles can be unlocked using the points earned after competing in a race.

For those not used to driving a Ferrari or any high-performance vehicle, (I’m guessing the majority of you) the game incorporates a clever driving assistance device, which tells you the optimum line in which to drive, and when to brake and accelerate (much like in Gran Turismo 4). It teaches you how to drive these cars and how best to tackle each track, telling you where you car should be on track (follow the green line), when to brake (when the line turns red) and accelerate at the apex of the corner (when the line turns green again).

This really does help at the beginning when you are still trying to get a grip on the feel of a Ferrari.

Of course, the driving assist can be turned off and this is when your experience behind the wheel goes full throttle. Just beware these are not your regular street cars — any mistake in taking a corner and you will be greeted by a wall or skid onto the gravel. Something you definitely don’t want to do to a Ferrari!

Not cutting corners is a good motto in life and in Ferrari Challenge (Trofeo Pirelli), the same principle applies. If you do, a penalty flag will appear on screen, causing your car to slow down for a few seconds until your penalty has passed.

Unlike games such as Gran Turismo, car damage has been included, although because it’s a Ferrari, the damage has been toned down so that it doesn’t affect the car’s handling. This is a shame though, as it would have given the game more realism (part of the license agreement I guess).

There is also the arcade mode where you can get quickly into the action. The Ferrari Top Trumps is a sort of mini game, which is great fun and quite interesting. There is also a decal system for those who want a customized look to their car. As for looks, Ferrari Challenge does not stand a chance against Grid’s damage mechanics or Gran Turismo’s Prologue, its stunning wet weather effects and well rendered backdrops.

The in-car look is quite impressive though, and each car is made to look just like its real-world counterparts. This game can be used to give would-be Ferrari buyers a test drive, saving the mileage on their would-be cars. Each car’s sound has been recorded faithfully: imagine turning off the soundtrack and listening instead to the purr and roar of the engines.

Ferrari Challenge (Trofeo Pirelli) may not have the variety in GT5 and Prologue, or the speed and killer-looks of Grid but for fans of the Italian luxury car, this game will fulfill all your fantasies.