Metascore
71 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 37
  2. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. An excellent racing game. The tracks and the cars are very interesting. Too bad the cockpit view slows things down. [Sept 2008]
  2. With a promise to feature every Ferrari ever made via downloadable updates, on top of a proper physics engine, you're getting one of the most complete licensed products out there.
  3. 83
    System 3 has managed to produce a thoroughbred racing experience that manages to retain so much of the charisma of its source material - and for those so inclined its one of the best racers available on the PlayStation 3.
  4. Ferrari Challenge is an accessible racer. It will lead beginners by the hand and allow them to take the training wheels off when they are comfortable. Racing enthusiasts with a penchant for expensive cars will drool over this offering.
  5. 82
    A solid little racing game with plenty to keep you entertained. Some frustrations, mainly down to save points and a shabby model system, drag enjoyment down a notch.
  6. It's a serious, focused and for the most part excellent sime that's more dynamic than "Gran Tursimo Prologue." [Aug 2008, p.96]
  7. Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli is a very tough, rewarding game that caters to a more hardcore audience. Racing simulation addicts and car buffs will love the way the title looks and handles.
  8. This is not Gran Turismo, but nor does it claim to be. A solid racing title for fans of the prancing horse, and those that simply like to admire from afar. Think simulation rather than arcade and you'll have a ball.
  9. The hardcore racing sim is underrepresented on the PS3, and genre devotees should find this a suitable substitution until the endlessly delayed Gran Turismo 5 is released. Everyone else should look elsewhere for his or her automotive thrills.
  10. An accomplished sim that deserves the Ferrari badge, even if it values realism over fun. [Sept 2008, p.72]
  11. If you are looking for the next great next-generation racer then Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli is not quite it.
  12. Racing the cars is a fun and enjoyable experience, but the modes on offer make it more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.
  13. The biggest problem with Ferrari Challenge is the same one that plagues most racing games that choose to focus on one specific vehicle; lack of variety.
  14. We've come to expect big things from full-priced racers and this is just a fair racing sim. [Sept 2008, p.74]
  15. In spite of its commitment to a single brand, Ferrari Challenge is rich in content for those prepared to navigate its obtuse structure. [Aug 2008, p.97]
  16. Dedicated followers of the brand will obviously find much to enjoy, as will those who like their racing dry and technical. It's just a shame the game doesn't do more to win over everyone else.
  17. The attention to detail and responsive handling make for a thoroughbred racing experience, with plenty of challenges for the dedicated Ferrari fan.
  18. If you're willing to put in the effort and push past the unforgiving difficulty and slightly rough edges, you will find an extremely deep racing experience that few other games can match.
  19. You've got to be slavish in your love for Ferraris to really enjoy this. I was dying to climb behind the wheel of something else after a couple of hours. It's an accomplished racer, but I was expecting the prancing horse to give me more of a kick.
  20. Although not as visually spectacular as "GT5: Prologue" or as deep and exciting as Microsoft's "Forza 2," Ferrari Challenge is a very competent racer with a clear focus: Ferraris.
  21. This is as close to a realistic Ferrari experience you can get on a home console right now. Unfortunately the developers haven't focused enough on everything else which means that there isn't enough to be exited about apart from the Ferrari experience. The gameplay lacks variation and the multiplayer mode lacks depth. This is nevertheless a great driving experience that grows with your interest in Ferrari cars.
  22. There isn't anything particularly stunning or ground breaking about this game. It's just your everyday racer with a truckload of Ferraris. But if you like sim racing games, this may be one to add to your collection.
  23. By far the best game from Eutechnyx, it is still behind other titles in this genre. Recommended only to diehard Ferrari fans, or those who look for a more realistic style of driving. [Sept 2008]
  24. Another problem is with the measly amount of game modes on offer.
  25. Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli feels like a Ferrari diorama. Everything is presented with class, respect and little show-boating. There is no way any racing fan (especially the Ferrari lovers) should avoid this game or at least not giving it a shot but do not go in with high expectations.
  26. If you're an avid Ferrari fan, go ahead and ignore all the negative points I've made, because Ferrari Challenge was made specifically for you. If, however, you're just looking for a good time, Ferrari Challenge gets the job done, but not without a few hiccups along the way.
  27. 68
    Ferrari Challenge does a handful of things right, especially the core racing engine, but the experience isn't nearly robust as it could, and should, be.
  28. Exciting for Ferrari fans, but take away the licence and you're left with a competent racer with only average looks, poor AI opponents, and not enough variety.
  29. 65
    While it can't compare to the likes of Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport 2, Ferrari Challenge proves to be a satisfying drive for the fanatical Ferrari gamers out there.
  30. Ferrari Challenge is lagging behind a Race Driver GRID or a Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.
  31. It's a noble failure with much to admire, but it is still a failure. All very well harping on about the handling then have to contend will really terrible damage modelling.
  32. Ferrari Challenge is not a great game, nor is it very good, it's more of your average racer.
  33. For the players who love the Ferrari brand to death and want a game that demands every ounce of patience they possess, there might be something valuable hidden within Ferrari Challenge. But know that most players will not be able to find it.
  34. Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli is a mediocre racegame. The cars all look very detailed and sound great, but cannot be wrecked. The AI cars can barely find their way around the track. There are multiple 16-player online modes, that work great and run smooth, but unfortunately there's hardly any people online to compete with. This rearing horse seems crippled.
  35. The track selection is adequately varied, and online play is functional enough--but on the whole, Ferrari Challenge is just plain forgettable. [Nov 2008, p.89]
  36. But sim racing fans will find it sorely lacking in key details, and arcade racing fans will find the game far too boring and long-winded for their taste.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. LedZ
    8
    Playing this game with a G25 wheel and no assists using the **** view is a great experience. The feeling you get via the FFB of the wheel is really good, quite close to what you can get with PC sims like rFactor or GTR2. Yeah, the physics might be more forgiving than in PC sims but honestly quite good for console, much better and realistic than in dreadful arcades like GRid. IA is a mixed bag. Races are usually entertaining because IA cars will fight you for position, they'll block the inside line, they'll outbrake you, sometimes they'll bump you from behind, etc... I mean, you can complain that is far from perfect, but at least is far from boring and aseptic like in GT saga. Graphics are not great, can't compare to GT or GRid, but it doesn't ruin the experience. By the way, the wet races are superb. The range of tracks and cars, although not great, is quite good imo, I like the circuits included (I love Spa, man!) Honestly for racing games, I don't need 100 cars, because eventually I'll use the same 4 o 5 cars most of the time. After all I find this to be a very good game that unfortunately falls in empty land because it lacks the graphics to appeal the casual gamers and besides it demands patience and learning the handling. So, although it seems to be sim-oriented in their physics and handling, it lacks some details like damages, tyre wear... In the end, however, once you are in the track you forget all the minor issues and enjoy a good racing experience. Full Review »
  2. ChrisS
    9
    Very difficult to master. Expect many hours of frustration as you learn the proper driving lines and breaking points for each track. Success is dependent on this. The difficulty ramps up further when it rains. This is a simulation. Do not buy this game if your looking for an easy pick up and play experience. The AI is as good as you will find. The tracks look fantastic and the Ferrari's are all beautifully rendered with very nice **** views. Framerate has periodic stutter but I never found it to be annoying or detract from the overall experience. If you like this type of game I am sure you already own it. Full Review »