10 reasons why Ferrari Challenge is better than GT5P

[Tenacious D]

once you are very familiar with the little quirks of the course, it is a very exciting track to race on - against a skilful opponent you need to push very hard, getting close to the edge, without actually losing control of the balance of the car. 👍

Take a look at the leaderboard times & you will see what is possible at VR with practice.

I stumbled into a Trophy race which enabled me to practice it with the quirky 360 Modena, not the best combo, but I finally managed to learn and unlock the track. However, I'm resigned to the fact that because I have to fight the ENTIRE game, mostly because of the driver view, I'll never get past a brick wall. I'm consistently a second or two behind the "record" lap, and thirty seconds worse than the leaderboard record.

Yeah, there's room for improvement, but I'll never find that much. Looks like it's GT5 online for me. In fact, I got so tired of fighting FC that I took a break a couple of nights ago to play GT4 again, and wow, am I having fun! It is SO cool being able to see the track, position to take a turn the way I want to, and feel like I'm actually in control of a car for a change, instead of some virtual monster. I don't know when I'll be picking up FC again.

By the way, I came up with the name Tenacious D because it was a play on Initial D, the anime/manga series. Then it turns out that Jack Black named his group that, so I've been using the name Tenacious R elsenet.

 

[Nicko]

Ferrari Challenge sounds like an awesome game. Judging from what I've read in this thread and heard around the forum, it is indeed an awesome game and I must look at buying it sometime soon.

 

[Biggles]

I haven't played FC so I can't comment directly on it but,

How come I can jump directly from GT5P to iracing on PC (a undisputed sim) and back again and they feel so similar there is hardly any adjusting?

That's a very good question. Unfortunately, I can't answer it - I'm a long-time Mac user & haven't had the opportunity to try any PC sims.

Within the FC community there are some players who consider the physics/FFB (with a wheel) superior to GT5P & PC sims, there are others who don't. My own opinion about GT5P is that the physics are very good & quite detailed, but the FFB doesn't give you much information & the effects of weight transfer are underplayed. On the other hand, in FC the FFB gives you A LOT of information - you can feel much more about what the tires doing than you can with GT5P - it's quite an amazing feeling to come around the downhill corners at Spa & actually FEEL the weight of the car shift & the tires struggle for grip. There is absolutely no equivalent to this feeling in GT5P - I don't know about the PC sims, but it's possible that Eutechnyx is the first developer to really achieve this FFB feel.

I admit it's also possible that FC does not precisely model the physics of each car as accurately as GT5P or some PC sims, but the overall FEEL of the driving is very convincing IMO, the physics are certainly very challenging, & the track selection is outstanding. At this point I've played GT5P & FC about the same amount, & although I've had plenty of good online races with GT5P, I've definitely had far more with FC.

In the end, all I can tell you is that myself & a number of other GTPers really enjoy this game & want to share that enjoyment with others. At a $20 cost & with GT5 still perhaps many months away, FC is definitely worth the investment... 👍

 

[Blitz187]

That's a very good question. Unfortunately, I can't answer it - I'm a long-time Mac user & haven't had the opportunity to try any PC sims.

Within the FC community there are some players who consider the physics/FFB (with a wheel) superior to GT5P & PC sims, there are others who don't. My own opinion about GT5P is that the physics are very good & quite detailed, but the FFB doesn't give you much information & the effects of weight transfer are underplayed. On the other hand, in FC the FFB gives you A LOT of information - you can feel much more about what the tires doing than you can with GT5P - it's quite an amazing feeling to come around the downhill corners at Spa & actually FEEL the weight of the car shift & the tires struggle for grip. There is absolutely no equivalent to this feeling in GT5P - I don't know about the PC sims, but it's possible that Eutechnyx is the first developer to really achieve this FFB feel.

I admit it's also possible that FC does not precisely model the physics of each car as accurately as GT5P or some PC sims, but the overall FEEL of the driving is very convincing IMO, the physics are certainly very challenging, & the track selection is outstanding. At this point I've played GT5P & FC about the same amount, & although I've had plenty of good online races with GT5P, I've definitely had far more with FC.

In the end, all I can tell you is that myself & a number of other GTPers really enjoy this game & want to share that enjoyment with others. At a $20 cost & with GT5 still perhaps many months away, FC is definitely worth the investment... 👍

They should hire you to sell this game You sound like me when I first got my PS3, telling everyone around me about it... I sounded like a salesman as well I cant say much about the game though I havent played it yet

 

[JosVerstappen]

the force feedback spike in the center is so annoying, correcting oversteer has no feeling at all.

 

[RACECAR]

They should hire you to sell this game You sound like me when I first got my PS3, telling everyone around me about it... I sounded like a salesman as well I cant say much about the game though I havent played it yet

Isn't that technically what he has been doing with this thread?

 

[jjaisli]

Isn't that technically what he has been doing with this thread?

Indeed. But it serves a purpose too. The more quick paced GTP players who take up Ferrari Challenge, the better it is for the Ferrari Challenge players.

 

[Biggles]

Indeed. But it serves a purpose too. The more quick paced GTP players who take up Ferrari Challenge, the better it is for the Ferrari Challenge players.

Exactly. One of the biggest downsides to FC is not enough people playing online, while at the same time there are many GT5P players saying (understandably) that they are getting bored with running the same tracks over & over. FC is far from being a perfect game: it has many flaws but it is well worth owning if you are a PS3 sim racing fan.

As far as a FFB "spike" is concerned: I think it's entirely possible that the FFB in FC is not entirely "accurate", but it does create a more convincing equivalent of weight-transfer & G-forces IMO, which is what makes the driving so enjoyable.

 

[JDMKING13]

Dont mean to get off topic, but is there anyway PD can fix the FFB for GT5P/GT5?

 

[G.T.Ace]

Why not?
I dont know the tech behind it or how complex that stuff is but it should be "patchable".

 

[Biggles]

Do you mean "fix" - there's nothing exactly wrong with it as far as I can see - or do you mean improve?

 

[JDMKING13]

Do you mean "fix" - there's nothing exactly wrong with it as far as I can see - or do you mean improve?

Ok improve It.. I was asking because I read from many people that the FFB is weak In GT5P. I have my FF on 10 so its pretty strong, but after reading some of the post in this thread i wanted to know How PD could make it better thanks.

 

[Biggles]

Yes, we FC aficionados really like the FFB in FC & would like PD to incorporate more of this feel in GT5. On the other hand, some GTPers, like JosstheBoss hate FC's FFB. Either way, PD never seem to pay much attention to what other developers are doing.

 

[impreza_22b]

Im a huge Ferrari fan and i adore all Ferraris that's y i bought FC
but i was shocked! i was disappointed of the game ! how can the call this game Ferrari challenge and it cant match Ferrari's elegance and class!
for God's sake its a ferrari game but its not even close for Ferrari's reputation!
Graphics r rubbish game play is bad
the only great thing about it is the engine sounds
took a look at the Ferraris in GT5P ! specially the F1 ! come on man no game in the world can compete with it!!!
and there is no game can beat GT no matter what!
so get real guys!

 

[RACECAR]

I'm a huge Ferrari fan

Really? With that username, I'm surprised. Anyhow, welcome to GTP.

and I adore all Ferraris that's why I bought FC
but I was shocked! I was disappointed with the game! How can they call this game Ferrari challenge and it cant match Ferrari's elegance and class!
For God's sake its a ferrari game but its not even close for Ferrari's reputation!
Graphics are rubbish, game play is bad,
the only great thing about it is the engine sounds.
Take a look at the Ferraris in GT5P ! Especially the F1 ! Come on man no game in the world can compete with it!!!
And there is no game can beat GT no matter what!
So get real guys!

We are all obviously aware that GT is vastly superior in Graphics(even the thread starter mentions it), but can you say whats horrible about the gameplay? Can you at least describe it in Detail? Also,

 

[Biggles]

Elegance & class is more Gran Turismo's forte. FC is first & foremost a racing game.

 

[Tenacious D]

While I'm having a bear fight with FC because of the driver views and had to quit for a while, I wouldn't say that the game play is crap.

It is pretty obvious that Eutechnyx licensed the Forza 2 engine, juiced it up with PhysX, and got it to run on the PS3. The physics are similar but more realistic. The graphics are actually pretty good, they certainly seem to outshine any PC racer I'm aware of, and Forza 2 in certain aspects. The bots are practically the same. The only thing different is how they'll move inside to let you pass, but you'd better be quick or they will slam right back into you. Odd bots, very much right out of Forza 2.

 

[jjaisli]

For anybody who's still interested in giving Ferrari Challenge a go, it can now be purchased in North America from Amazon for $17.99 and is eligible for free super saver shipping. (Link below). It can also be purchased on-line through HubbaGames from their Amazon storefront, brand new for $13.79 + $3.95 shipping.

Direct From Aamzon. http://www.amazon.com/Ferrari-Challenge-Playstation-3/dp/B001AS4TTE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1237903820&sr=8-1

HubbaGames via Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001AS4TTE/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

If you're bored waiting for GT5 (or NFS: Shift or Super Car Challenge, etc ) it's almost a no brainer at this price.

 

[Blitz187]

If you're bored waiting for GT5 (or NFS: Shift or Super Car Challenge, etc ) it's almost a no brainer at this price.

Is NFS: Shift going to be good??? I know they worked together with the guys from GT Legends and GTR2.... but a NFS game being that good? I dont know....

 

[jjaisli]

Is NFS: Shift going to be good??? I know they worked together with the guys from GT Legends and GTR2.... but a NFS game being that good? I dont know....

Good question. I'm staying optimistic that it will be a real contender. There's a discussion going on here...

 

[JDMKING13]

For anyone who has FC and a G25 how different is the FF compared to GT5P, For example When driving in a straight line the G25 is dead. It has no feeling, now i dont if PD just made the Track surfaces to smooth because if you go over the Stripes you feel the rumble through out the the Wheel. When it comes to driving in a straight line no sensation. In FC is this also the case? If so i might have to try out those Fanatec wheels. I saw in a review that just during acceleration the wheel rumbles giving the driver the feeling of the motor. I really love my G25, but the lacking of FF during straights is making me I hope PD can get more feedback in the wheel.

 

[jjaisli]

There is a very noticeable dead zone with FC as well. You can't get away from it.

 

[Tenacious D]

Keep in mind that if the FFB is jiggling the wheel all the time, it will wear out faster.

 

[bicycleshorts]

There is a very noticeable dead zone with FC as well. You can't get away from it.

Could anyone comment on this? I'm so close to buying this game (mainly because of this thread and Biggles ). But if there is a big deadspot in the middle of the wheel, I feel it will ruin the game for me.

I'm from the UK - so I'm guessing it will be the EU version. Somewhere earlier it was commented that one of the versions was "fixed".

 

[JDMKING13]

Hmm so your saying the G25 wont get not FF during straight Well i hope PD can make the tracks more bumpy IMO they are to smooth. You feel a small amout of terrain during racing on the tracks. The i want to see the interior shaking more. I also hope they can try to get the G25 to make the driver feel the car better. Just as someone mentioned before when it comes to feeling the weight tranfer through out the car or riding on different elevation change through out the track I just dont feel that much going on with G25 during GT5P. If they can get more performance out of the G25 This will be a huge + for GT. I am going to rent FC, but I still love GT so much. I only want to play FC to feel the FF and compare it to GT5P.

 

[Biggles]

First, on the topic of FFB "rumble":

I wouldn't say that FC is appreciably better than GT5P in this respect. Because there are a greater variety of tracks in FC, there are some tracks (Virginia, Spa, Infineon & Vallelunga for example) that have bumpy sections that throw the car off balance somewhat. However, this is modelled more through weight-transfer than actually feeling "bumpiness" in the track through the wheel. F1CE is the only PS3 game I have played that really models track bumpiness through the wheel's FFB - it's a great effect & I wish it were present in other games (it is very noisy, however!). It doesn't have anything to do with the G25, it has to do with what is programmed into the game.

With regard to the "deadzone":

I have the NTSC version of FC, which supposedly had an additional modification of the deadzone. There is still a deadzone - the steering is not as precise as in GT5P. In practice what that means is you have to "guide" the wheel through a corner at every point, or the small play in the steering may bite you. I tend to think of it as representing the slight element of unpredictability IRL racing. In contrast, the steering in GT5P has a somewhat "clinical" feel.

Other than that, the information conveyed by the FFB in FC goes way beyond what GT5P provides - you can actually feel the weight transfer to the outside of the car under cornering, to the front of the car under braking, & (incredibly) you can actually feel as the tires spin & slip when you start to lose traction. I can't speak for PC sims, but there is definitely no equivalent for this feeling in GT5P.

I feel like I've given enough time to this thread, so I don't know if I'm going to post much more. My motivation from the start has been to encourage others to share in the great racing experience this game has to offer. Anyone with half a brain in their head can see that the people promoting FC here are not "fanboys" but thoughtful posters. There are dissenters - I'm not dismissing their opinions, but I do suspect a lot of them have not spent enough time with the game to get beyond the relatively unrealistic graphics & different feel of the game. Personally, I wasn't at all impressed at first, & it took me a couple of weeks (at least 20 hours of game-time) before I began to really enjoy it.

At $20, & with SCC, Shift & GT5P at least another 3 to 4 months away, you'll definitely get your money's worth if you get FC...

 

[JDMKING13]

Thanks for the info. I went to rent FC and they didnt have it With the G25 issue ima have to try out that Porsche wheel, that rumble effect when you hit the gas pedal look pretty good. Once again thanks 👍

 

[bicycleshorts]

I have the NTSC version of FC, which supposedly had an additional modification of the deadzone.

This is what I've read/been told previously. I know that games are region-free but what about the updates? If I bought the NTSC version - can I still get updates through my UK PS3 (I know that's probably a stupid question )

I feel like I've given enough time to this thread, so I don't know if I'm going to post much more. My motivation from the start has been to encourage others to share in the great racing experience this game has to offer. Anyone with half a brain in their head can see that the people promoting FC here are not "fanboys" but thoughtful posters.

I haven't followed the whole thread - but bare in mind that you have probably persuaded a lot of people to buy a game that they wouldn't have on their own. It's been interesting reading the plus/minus points of a game against GT5p instead of the usual (deserved) praise for it. I hope that PD are doing something similar and comparing themselves against the competition - without doing so they're really hindering their development.

 

[MadMax]

1st thought that came to mind when I saw the topic title this:
Porche Challenge (PS1)
so bad game that I could almost cry.
Most likely Ferrari Challenge is nothing like it, but can't see myself buying the game yet.



MadMax

 

[Biggles]

I have no idea about the NTSC/UK updates issue. Perhaps someone with more technical smarts than me would know the answer to that question. I PMed the question to the admin on the Eutechnyx web site.

http://forums.eutechnyx.com/index.php/board,26.0.html

It seems that most PAL wheel users do not have any major complaints about the dead zone with the existing PAL patch, however, the only way to know for sure what the difference between the NTSC & PAL dead zone is, would be to directly compare them - I'm not sure anyone has actually done this.