Genuine Ferrari racing hits the PlayStation 2 in what could be one of the last true simulators for Sony's beloved platform.

Game Summary

Popzara Rating

...Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a straightforward game that can be enjoyable for the discriminating racing enthusiast, as the core racing engine and the simulation approach is rather well done. But a nice selection of some of the world's sexiest autos can make up for a lack of variety and imposing linear focus that tends to take some of the luster off an otherwise finely produced package. As racing choices for the PlayStation 2 fade into the moonlight, however, those hardcore enough to take on the challenge should find much to like here, especially if those label-conscious types that are seeking out an 'Official Ferrari Product' - without the price tag... Release Date: 08/26/08 ESRB Rating: E Publisher: System 3

Written by Herman Exum

There's certainly a generous choice of realistic racing simulators for home gaming consoles, with countless competitors all vying to prove themselves king of the speedway and title for 'most realistic' for the choice gamer.  Even with a plethora of options already available that hasn't stopped Eutechnyx and System 3 from bringing the Italian experience home with Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, and while the game is also available for its next-generation counterparts a specially-made version is now available for Sony's last-generation platform.  If you’re looking forward to having a grand choice of exotic supercars at your fingertips (or gaming thumbs) and still haven't made the technological jump, that promise will certainly be delivered.

Without a doubt it’s all about Ferrari with classics like the F40, FXX, 348TB with many other cars that are ready to be discovered if you’re willing put put forth a little elbow grease and effort. Though it is a fairly simple game to grasp the driving simulation aspects are top-notch, many of us can’t claim to have driven a Ferrari so the implementation is uncanny ranging from raw power, assisted performance, and the uninhibited nature of the ‘legacy’ models from earlier decades. Despite how well these cars are simulated, the developers couldn’t quite escape an arcade-like feel, which may upset those looking for a purely 'simulation' experience; but still plays good nonetheless.

The game though is not that extraordinarily difficult by any standard, even with dedicated modes such as Challenge Mode, which will have you racing in the acclaimed single-marquee motorsport championship that has race events running into 15-20+ minute timeframes.  But don't let the name fool you; the competition can be out-matched with incredible ease and rarely offer any real challenge.  The rest of the experience is quite linear as well, with a fairly limited number of easily memorized tracks and gameplay variety to match, it’s almost a shame not much more was added to extend the package beyond the light offerings and general replay value.

Graphically the game isn't the most beautiful racer out there (or even on the aged PlayStation 2), with jagged pixels making much of the potentially appealing environments and luxurious autos appear fuzzier and less aesthetically pleasing.  While the hardware is capable of progressive-scan output, Ferrari makes no discernable use of it at all, which would have certainly helped give the game some much-needed shine and polish where it counts.  The audio is fairly standard, with authentic sounds and roars of the various engines throughout, although like the visuals certainly nothing we haven't heard before on the platform.

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a straightforward game that can be enjoyable for the discriminating racing enthusiast, as the core racing engine and the simulation approach is rather well done.  But a nice selection of some of the world's sexiest autos can make up for a lack of variety and imposing linear focus that tends to take some of the luster off an otherwise finely produced package.  As racing choices for the PlayStation 2 fade into the moonlight, however, those hardcore enough to take on the challenge should find much to like here, especially if those label-conscious types that are seeking out an 'Official Ferrari Product' - without the price tag.