The argument of whether arcade games are more fun than simulation racing games and vice versa is never going to die down. Let's face it, there's room for both.
On some days, you'll want to take in a great technical racing game, where systems can be tweaked to perfection and certain physics can be learned to the point that success becomes a goal that has to be earned, rather than achieved. On other days, you'll simply want to press down on the gas and take in the heated competition of thrill-ride racing, accomplishing first place with some quick-witted skills and the knowledge of a few helpful shortcuts that leave your car flying over the next four city blocks. I like Sega GT for its technical challenges and style, yet I like San Francisco Rush 2049 for its excellent presentation and unbelievable thrills. So there's room for both.
But what about a simulation game that exists in the arcade? Is that possible? Indeed, it is, and Sega did it over the past year with a three-screened racing arcade game called Ferrari 355 Challenge. This exquisite arcade machine really brought a sense of realism to Ferrari racing, with an exquisite presentation that was well worth the $3.00 per play. And, on top of that, after each race, you received a detailed print-out of each race, showing your high points during one lap and that one spot where you hit the damn wall. Maybe next time...
Now that experience has come home through Acclaim, who have managed to pick up the Ferrari license for home products, and they've smartly released the home conversion of this arcade game on the Dreamcast, but without the two extra monitors and that cool print-out. But that doesn't mean the game isn't just as rewarding as it was in the arcades.
Check out the breakdown below and prepare yourselves, the word Challenge isn't in the title for nothing...
Visuals:: If there's one thing Sega knows about hardware, it's how to flaunt it. With Sega Rally on the Sega Saturn, they pinpointed the hardware to the point that the game ran just smoothly as its coin-op brother. That's just the case here, and the game looks damn beautiful. There's several tracks to take on, each with unbelievable detail that'll leave you studying corners and turns galore. Everything, from the trackside stands and grassy fields to the changes in the sky (one golden-drenched sky, during sundown, is beautiful), looks tremendously lifelike, and runs at a rock-solid 60-frames per second throughout, even with multiple cars on-screen. And those cars in front of you run like the real deal as well, right down to the spinning tires and occasional exhaust spits that come with gear changes. The game also has helpful presentation screens and absolutely rocks within its tutorial mode, where visual aids (combined with audio hints) help you master each course before taking to the races. Even the two-player mode looks terrific, even if some of the game's utter details are sacrificed for a smooth frame rate. My only objection would be the lack of camera angles within the game, as you're stuck with the one cockpit view. What's wrong with being able to see your car in the race? You can see the cars coming up alongside you better and see if anyone's riding your tail. Regardless, it's an all-around good job here from the folks at Sega, and I'm glad Acclaim didn't muck it up in any way. Good deal.
Audio:: Ferrari 355 Challenge features some absolutely well-inputted sound effects that'll really make you feel like a part of the action. The engine noises are absolutely remarkable, and the screeching tires, in stereo, sound so real that you'll actually be looking on the sides of the TV mistakenly to watch them spin. The audio hints provided to you in the game's tutorial mode are a pleasure, and the other effects spread throughout round out a precise knack for sound. The music is, um, decent, but you have to wonder why so many companies go with typical rock tunes for racing. Couldn't we go with something like licensed bands or perhaps even some good "racing tunes", stuff we play in the CD as we're driving down the freeway on a road trip? At least we can shut it off and take in the authentic car roars.
Gameplay/Control:: Now, let me just specify again, this isn't an arcade racer. You are NOT going to hop into this game and take first place automatically. Ferrari 355 Challenge is a game that deserves to be mastered, and not just rushed through like another $3.00 thrill. Fortunately, the game will lend you more arcade-prone racers a hand with its numerous options. As you begin, there's four different automatic systems at your control, as well as steering, which is extremely precise with the analog stick. Once you get more and more into the game, you can shut off these systems and feel another aspect of the game's deep control, and, soon enough, you'll have the ability to change ANYTHING on your car to maximize your performance. This is a brilliant feature in a driving game, as you can really work yourself to make yourself- and your car- a better performer. Just make sure you know what you're doing- the wrong tire grade or modification could send you spinning. Fortunately, rookies can partake in the game's helpful tutorial mode, then take a spin out on the track in the driving mode before taking on the ferocious races that await. And I mean ferocious. Sega has tightened the game's artificial intelligence with enough smarts to leave you wondering...who's underneath those helmets? These guys aren't going to be conquered easy, but they're not total road hogs like 4 Wheel Thunder's bunch either. You'll certainly get your racing's worth here, complete with lots of challenge. I am utterly speechless at how much Yu Suzuki and his team have done- it's just as awesome an effort as the previously applauded Shenmue...just on a racing track and with no weird dancers trying to teach you moves.
Extras:: The game's two player mode is a beaut, as mentioned above, and the modifications you can perform on your car to make yourself the absolute best racer will keep you busy to the point that you've loaded your VMU with customizations. Fortunately, saves don't take too much space, so you're good to go there. You can unlock more tracks as you progress further into the game, and these tracks will require more attention and careful driving to achieve the first-place goal you so long desire. This is a driving game that really makes you work, but the rewards are tremendous.
Overall:: Those of you expecting the next Rush 2049 or Hydro Thunder will be sorely disappointed by this game. But, those of you looking for a challenge far greater than Sega GT or Sega Rally 2 will certainly want to dig in with controller in hand. Ferrari 355 Challenge has become the redefined Dreamcast driving experience, with challenging gameplay and realistic presentation that will leave you shaking after each race. The tutorial mode is a welcome delight for newbies and the two-player mode just makes it that much more entertaining. Who knew that an Acclaim release would be this damn good? Of course, we all know who the man behind the curtain is on this one.
Way to go, Yu.
Score:: 9.0/10
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