Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a racing game developed by Eutechnyx and published by System 3, based on the Ferrari Challenge, a single-marque motorsport championship. The Nintendo DS version features wireless multiplayer and the Wii version uses the motion sensing functionality for steering. The Nintendo DS, Wii, PS2 and PS3 versions are available. The game includes 14 race-able tracks and Ferraris' own Fiorano test track, a vinyl editor and online play. The game primarily features the driving and racing of the Ferrari F430 Challenge, along with a series of Ferrari road and racing cars that can be unlocked.
Gameplay
Driving is less arcade style and more of a simulation. It has a driving experience that is somewhere between Gran Turismo and the Need For Speed games or . The driving tutorial helps the player to get used to the driving experience. The player drives two laps around the Fiorano Circuit with the Ferrari F430 Challenge Car with professional race driverTiff Needell talking and walking through the steps of how to get the most speed out of the F430. There are four main areas the tutorial focuses on: throttle control, use of brakes, apex accuracy, and race line accuracy. It also has a card game for distraction between races. The cars in the game range from road cars to GT production vehicles. The main car of the game is the F430 Challenge, which does not have to be unlocked and appears at the beginning. The other cars are unlocked by winning trophies with different cars or progressing through the Challenge mode of the game. Despite System 3's claims of over 50 Ferraris on disc, no one has ever found more than 22. The in-game tips actually mention the presence of only 22 cars. There are more included in the DLCs, but the idea of 50 cars is supported by the ability to have up to 64 cars in the Showroom feature of the game.
Downloadable content
Two DLC packs are released. These new cars and tracks are available individually or as part of a DLC pack. PlayStation 3 users must download the latest patch for the game in order for the DLC to work. "Pack 1 - Ferrari Pack" contains one new track and five new Ferrari cars: Enzo Ferrari, 430 Scuderia, F330 P4, 599 GTB Fiorano and 612 Scaglietti Sessanta. Pack one was released in 2009 for the PlayStation Network. Also "Pack 2" contains one new track and five new Ferrari cars: 288 GTO, 365 GTS, F430 Spider, F512M 1994 and F40 GT. Pack two was released in 2010 for the PlayStation Network.
Other versions
Ferrari Challenge: Deluxe is a retail promotion that was released at a lower price in 2009. Publisher System 3 had to call it a different name in order to sell it "cheaper". This Deluxe edition was released in Europe for the PS2, PS3, Wii and DS.
Reception
The game received "mixed or average" reviews on all platforms according to video gamereview aggregatorMetacritic. The Brazilian site Baixaki Jogos rated the PlayStation 3 version of Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli 7.4 out of 10, while the Nintendo Wii version received 6.5 out of 10.
Expanded sequel
Ferrari The Race Experience is a racing simulator and an expanded sequel to Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. It was also developed by Eutechnyx and published by System 3. Ferrari The Race Experience was released for the PlayStation Network in 2010. The retail release for the Nintendo Wii was released in 2011. The majority of the 17 circuits and 32 cars have been recycled from Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. Vehicle roster is now extended to include Ferrari models 599XX and 458 Italia. There is a new career mode, with three racing classes. The PS3 version has also 1-16 player LAN and online multiplayer.
