Ferrari's turn me on (F355 Challenge Passione Rossa (DC))

Member Name: JammyB

Product:	F355 Challenge Passione Rossa (DC)
Date:	25/03/01 (121 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautifal sounds, very realistic, detailed graphics, 2-player mode

Disadvantages: Large learning curve

The first thing you must know about this game, is that, errr, it's more of a simulation than a game. I know this could put a lot of people off but really this game can be very fun if you're prepared to put some time into learning how to play.

Being a simulation, the cars handle very realistically - one mistake and you can find yourself off the track and into the dirt. This can make the game frustrating, but with frustration comes extreme satisfaction when you finally beat your rivals.

Although the difficulty curve may be off putting, the designers have done a good job in easing people into the game. There are 4 different aids such as traction control right through to braking assistance (one which needs to be turned off soon to really experience the game).

Graphically this game is one of the best on the Dreamcast, everything is finally detailed, textures are top quality and the frame rate never jerks.

Ohhh but the best thing about this game? The engine sounds are a joy to the ears. The engine sounds so perfect as you burn around, if only I could have a Ferrari too...

There are only 6 tracks, but they've kept me interested. This may seem like relatively few, but the thing that keeps you going is trying to master the tracks, and shave a few miliseconds of each lap.

There's also a 2-player mode which is fun, but only if you can find friends who are bothered to learn how to play. The split screen mode runs smoothly with no slow down and not much loss in visual quality.

As I keep saying, the game is fun, but only when you've spent some time with it. Not one for the "post-pub sessions" as it were.

Summary: