Official Ferrari Challenge Thread

  • Thread starter kekke2000
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Played the game for a few hours so far. Using the g25 my take on the physics is that they are great. Brake late and try turn the wheel with the brakes fully applied, car will unsettle and spin. Accelerate too early in a low gear and you feel the rear slip out. In terms of physics, steering sensitivity (still experimenting with the settings), and force feedback the overall sensation gives you a better feel of what the car is actually doing. That's where I feel gt5 fails if at any point. While you can still feel it, it is more noticeable and immersive the feeling that you get at the wheel when a car is starting to lose grip in the front and rear.

The AI... GT5p they ignore your existance, FC they clearly know where you are. I guess ideally I would have liked a balance of the two but I feel that FC is probably more to my liking. Overtaking requires strategy and planning. You can't just dive into a corner and outbrake the opponent on the inside.
 
J-PaP
Played the game for a few hours so far. Using the g25 my take on the physics is that they are great. Brake late and try turn the wheel with the brakes fully applied, car will unsettle and spin. Accelerate too early in a low gear and you feel the rear slip out. In terms of physics, steering sensitivity (still experimenting with the settings), and force feedback the overall sensation gives you a better feel of what the car is actually doing. That's where I feel gt5 fails if at any point. While you can still feel it, it is more noticeable and immersive the feeling that you get at the wheel when a car is starting to lose grip in the front and rear.

The AI... GT5p they ignore your existance, FC they clearly know where you are. I guess ideally I would have liked a balance of the two but I feel that FC is probably more to my liking. Overtaking requires strategy and planning. You can't just dive into a corner and outbrake the opponent on the inside.
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I've just read a really in depth review of FC (see the link above) and it's funny his opinion and yours are poles apart. He thinks highly of GT5P and less so of FC (when it comes to handling). And Gamespot (not the best source of review) described the AI in FC as dumb. Although I would have to add that although the AI in GT5P isn't challenging (although the Aug 1st update somewhat rectified that), it does aknowledge your presence. I'm still waiting for this game and hopefully won't be dissapointed.
 
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Sorry should better explain myself. I'm not actually rating GT5P lower than FC in terms of handling physics. I'm differentiating between the physics of the game and the feel(response) you get using a wheel. Physics wise the games are very similar and I am indifferent to the two. However in steering feel, while using the g25, FC gives you a better feel of what the car is doing. I feel more in touch with the car and road in FC.
 
J-PaP
Sorry should better explain myself. I'm not actually rating GT5P lower than FC in terms of handling physics. I'm differentiating between the physics of the game and the feel(response) you get using a wheel. Physics wise the games are very similar and I am indifferent to the two. However in steering feel, while using the g25, FC gives you a better feel of what the car is doing. I feel more in touch with the car and road in FC.
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I concur.

If you compare the driving dynamics with the GT5P F40 and FC F40, GT5P's F40 feels like a joke (having the wrong spec doesn't help either). As I've said many times before the weight transfer and the tires adhesion model is very well done, which IMO, GT5P can't compare. However the FFB in FC is not very well defined as in GT5P.

However, the AI is the main turn off, at least for me. I am no professional race driver, but none of the racing school I went to was I taught to brake check people in the middle of the straight or in mid corner, nor was I taught to dart in front of the cars behind suddenly to block them at close range or to take the racing line at all cost if it means pushing people off track.

The AI's is by no means "difficult" in terms of speed as you can easily lap them at the end of a 7 lap race in some circuits. Getting past them to me feel like a street brawl than actual racing.
 
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Rocket Punch
I concur.

If you compare the driving dynamics with the GT5P F40 and FC F40, GT5P's F40 feels like a joke (having the wrong spec doesn't help either). As I've said many times before the weight transfer and the tires adhesion model is very well done, which IMO, GT5P can't compare. However the FFB in FC is not very well defined as in GT5P.

However, the AI is the main turn off, at least for me. I am no professional race driver, but none of the racing school I went to was I taught to brake check people in the middle of the straight or in mid corner, nor was I taught to dart in front of the cars behind suddenly to block them at close range or to take the racing line at all cost if it means pushing people off track.

The AI's is by no means "difficult" in terms of speed as you can easily lap them at the end of a 7 lap race in some circuits. Getting past them to me feel like a street brawl than actual racing.
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One of the biggest mistake people tend to make with GT5P is using the wrong sets of tires- in order to simulate the real world performance of the F430 in GT5P, use either the N3 or the S1 (the latter to simulate a fresh sets of rubber). The F40- N1 to N2. Anything above that (S2 or S3), will tend to be too grippy.
Although not a Ferrari, I've had a chance to race an 91-92 Acura NSX a few months back and I have to say the similarity when driving the same car in GT5P at the same speed is uncanny. But here the tires suggestion in the manual (N1-N2) isn't accurate- the N3 to S1 tires simulate the experience much better. Though in no way did GT5P actually simulate the experience, it does convey the main charateristics of the NSX- how well balanced it is from the steering to the braking aspect. It's very much like the precursor to the new japanese supercar, the Nissan R35 GTR, only less refined.
I will be picking up my copy of FC tomorrow (a delay up here in Canada). It's looking more and more that this game will not dissapoint but at the same time, I cannot for the life of me (especially being a console only gamer) live without GT5P. But I will enjoy comparing how the F430 behaves in either version.
 
myke6699
You have to download the pdf version of the magazine but the review is well written. Although not entirely favorable, the reviewer applauds System 3 decision to make FC into a full fledge sim instead if taking the easy and more profitable route like CM did with GRID:

AutoSimSport

Underneath the pic, you have the option of downloading different compression of the magazine (in pdf).
Click to expand...

I disagree with the part in that article when he talked about how GT5P is more intuitive than FC, and how in FC the cars are "unpredictible". With FC I get a much better feel that I am actually drving then in GT5P. I do agree about the part about the tires may be too grippy for certain cars in FC and the FFB is not as refined so one might feel tactile gaps from the steering.
 
I've had this game for about a week now. I wasn't very happy with it at first but after a couple of days I started to get into it and now I really like it a lot. So much so that I haven't loaded GT5P for five days now.
 
When will the F40 be unlocked, someone knows that ? I already have the FXX, but waiting for the F40.

And i would love to see a 288GTO in the game...i hope it will be in a future DLC (not that i can download it anyway right now, because stupid PSN is blocking my Mastercard).


Sil
 
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After playing some days, the lack of good graphics is really annoying in the game (while playing). The replays somehow are looking good, but ingame the graphics looks like 576p (and i'm playing in 1080p). Compared to GT5p the graphics quality in FC is low.

You will notice the different even more, if you play 2 hours FC and after that switch to any PC racing game....damn....^^


Sil
 
I don't agree with that - Ferrari Challenge is visually more appealing than GT5:P in-game

35003t5.jpg


Eutechnynx have done a great job with less man power and money.

Ferrari Challenege is just another example of how far Polyphony Digital are behind the times, they need a good kick up the ass.
 
Whistle Snap
I don't agree with that - Ferrari Challenge is visually more appealing than GT5:P in-game

Eutechnynx have done a great job with less man power and money.

Ferrari Challenege is just another example of how far Polyphony Digital are behind the times, they need a good kick up the ass.
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One thing I've certainly noticed is the amount of trackside detail in Ferrari Challenge. There aren't a lot of games that put in as much trackside detail as there is in FC. I think you screenshots prove my point.
 
Whistle Snap
I don't agree with that - Ferrari Challenge is visually more appealing than GT5:P in-game

35003t5.jpg


Eutechnynx have done a great job with less man power and money.

Ferrari Challenege is just another example of how far Polyphony Digital are behind the times, they need a good kick up the ass.
Click to expand...

That's a fantastic comparison, the graphics don't look that hot on my screen when I play FC but then I am using a SCART lead. Does it really make that much difference if I go out and get an HDMI cable?

In your comparison GT5P looks far to plasticy and clinical whereas FC looks like it's got real atmosphere. I'll have to get me an HDMI and get playing again when the patch comes out
 
The Problem for me is: On screens FC looks very good, in motion it isn't anymore good. Graphics always looks like, i said it already, very low resolution. I dont have that feeling in GT5p. Graphics there looks good, even if you are playing. But you're right with one thing: GT5p has far lesser details at the trackside. (Unfortunately you have choosen the most boring track in GT5p ;P ).

Bad thing in FC is, that many textures blendout in the mirror for example. Especially in Hockenheim.


Sil
 
After a long wait (up here in Canada), I finally picked the game up today. My initial thougnt about FC (after about a 2 hr gameplay):

The graphics is a major letdown. I was hoping it would look something like what Whistlesnap posted. But on my LG 1080p LCD, the rendering is even below the 720p GRID. I wouldn't say that it's PS2 quality because it's better than GT4 but barely. Using the setting I use for GT5P (Sharpness down, less saturation, less contrast and medium brightness) somewhat improved the look of the game but clearly the nothing was done to take advatage of what PS3 is capable of. Although running at 30fps there is a noticeable slowdown in all view but especially the cockpit view which makes it unuseable but it's also the only view where you do get a decent sound. Using the bonnet or fender view, you can barely discern the engine sound which makes it harder when you are driving manually.

With my G25, the steering felt stiff when I set the FF to medium and the sensitivity to medium as well. The F430 should be, due to its F1 pedigree (and through the review I've read), a lively with a somewhat twitchy character but in FC the car felt practically dead (and the lack of road surface bump didn't help either). Even when I turned all assists off and the the car becomes almost uncontrollable but it still felt as if the tires were made of the softest rubber. After a frustrating drive around Monza (my best time was 2:03), I decided to compare this to the F430 in GT5P. Driving around Suzuka East twisty track and using the lowest recommended tire for F430, N3, the car suddenly acquires a soul. With the S1 tires, the fun factor multiplies. Since I've never driven a real Ferrari F430, I cannot say which of the two is accurate. But if I were to pick which of the two Ferraris would I buy, without a moment hesitation it would the one by Polypohony Digital.

Suffice to say that after the anticipation, my initial reaction to the game is that of dissapointment. I realise that there is a steep learning curve and hoping that in due time the game will prove more that what I feel it is right now. I was hoping this would be the game that will fill the gap until GT5 proper is released but instead, I'm just itching for the GT5P Fall update.
 
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After a long wait (up here in Canada), I finally picked the game up today. My initial thougnt about FC (after about a 2 hr gameplay):

The graphics is a major letdown. I was hoping it would look something like what Whistlesnap posted. But on my LG 1080p LCD, the rendering is even below the 720p GRID. I wouldn't say that it's PS2 quality because it's better than GT4 but barely. Using the setting I use for GT5P (Sharpness down, less saturation, less contrast and medium brightness) somewhat improved the look of the game but clearly the nothing was done to take advatage of what PS3 is capable of. Although running at 30fps there is a noticeable slowdown in all view but especially the cockpit view which makes it unuseable but it's also the only view where you do get a decent sound. Using the bonnet or fender view, you can barely discern the engine sound which makes it harder when you are driving manually.

With my G25, the steering felt stiff when I set the FF to medium and the sensitivity to medium as well. The F430 should be, due to its F1 pedigree (and through the review I've read), a lively with a somewhat twitchy character but in FC the car felt practically dead (and the lack of road surface bump didn't help either). Even when I turned all assists off and the the car becomes almost uncontrollable but it still felt as if the tires were made of the softest rubber. After a frustrating drive around Monza (my best time was 2:03), I decided to compare this to the F430 in GT5P. Driving around Suzuka East twisty track and using the lowest recommended tire for F430, N3, the car suddenly acquires a soul. With the S1 tires, the fun factor multiplies. Since I've never driven a real Ferrari F430, I cannot say which of the two is accurate. But if I were to pick which of the two Ferraris would I buy, without a moment hesitation it would the one by Polypohony Digital.

Suffice to say that after the anticipation, my initial reaction to the game is that of dissapointment. I realise that there is a steep learning curve and hoping that in due time the game will prove more that what I feel it is right now. I was hoping this would be the game that will fill the gap until GT5 proper is released but instead, I'm just itching for the GT5P Fall update.
Click to expand...

I would stick with FC for a while. I've been playing it for about 10 days now, & it's grown on me with every session.

The graphics are not in the same league as GT5P - the whole look of the game - graphics & presentation - is very arcade, which is a bit disappointing after the extremely realistic (but rather bland) look of GT5P. Many of the track-side details are very hokey looking (the flags for example). But taken on its own terms the graphics are decent, although not very "realistic". The one noteable aspect to the graphics is the "wet" presentation, which is very well done & MUCH more attractive than the "dry" tracks which have very artificial-looking colours.

Overall, I would have to say that I prefer the look of F1CE's graphics - much simpler than GT5P's, but still much more realistic feeling than FC's.

I have not used the cockpit view very much, as I find it too restricted & almost claustrophic. The bumper view is too low, so I'm using the "hood view", which seems like a good compromise & actually gives a very good sense of speed (unlike the cockpit view).

The handling (with a G25), is dramatically different from GT5P, with very heavy FFB. Once you get used to this & learn the brake points on the tracks, it is possible to drive aggressively & throw the cars around with a much more physical feel to the driving than in GT5P. I find this very appealing & if they could just deal with the "dead-zone" issue, I think it would be possibly MORE enjoyable than the handling in GT5P. 👍
 
Biggles
I would stick with FC for a while. I've been playing it for about 10 days now, & it's grown on me with every session.

The graphics are not in the same league as GT5P - the whole look of the game - graphics & presentation - is very arcade, which is a bit disappointing after the extremely realistic (but rather bland) look of GT5P. Many of the track-side details are very hokey looking (the flags for example). But taken on its own terms the graphics are decent, although not very "realistic". The one noteable aspect to the graphics is the "wet" presentation, which is very well done & MUCH more attractive than the "dry" tracks which have very artificial-looking colours.

Overall, I would have to say that I prefer the look of F1CE's graphics - much simpler than GT5P's, but still much more realistic feeling than FC's.

I have not used the cockpit view very much, as I find it too restricted & almost claustrophic. The bumper view is too low, so I'm using the "hood view", which seems like a good compromise & actually gives a very good sense of speed (unlike the cockpit view).

The handling (with a G25), is dramatically different from GT5P, with very heavy FFB. Once you get used to this & learn the brake points on the tracks, it is possible to drive aggressively & throw the cars around with a much more physical feel to the driving than in GT5P. I find this very appealing & if they could just deal with the "dead-zone" issue, I think it would be possibly MORE enjoyable than the handling in GT5P. 👍
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I tried playing it again tonight- with my Dualshock controller which is unfortunately feels better than when I was using the G25 wheel. I wish to keep the game but PURE is coming out next week (EB games has a 1 week return/exchange policy). And I agree, racing in the rain is quite splendid.
 
myke6699
The graphics is a major letdown. I was hoping it would look something like what Whistlesnap posted. But on my LG 1080p LCD, the rendering is even below the 720p GRID. I wouldn't say that it's PS2 quality because it's better than GT4 but barely. Using the setting I use for GT5P (Sharpness down, less saturation, less contrast and medium brightness) somewhat improved the look of the game but clearly the nothing was done to take advatage of what PS3 is capable of. Although running at 30fps there is a noticeable slowdown in all view but especially the cockpit view which makes it unuseable but it's also the only view where you do get a decent sound. Using the bonnet or fender view, you can barely discern the engine sound which makes it harder when you are driving manually.
Click to expand...

Thats exactly what i thought of the graphics. On Screens it looks very good, but when you play it, it kinda sux (ok, it isnt really bad).

I also noticed the cockpit thingie. I never play any game in Cockpit View, because i dont like it of the claustrophobic view, also. But yesterday i played 2 hours in cockpit view and wondered how ****** slow the game is. Its really not usable. If you switch to full view the game is noticable faster. So Cokcpit is a no go, even if you have the better sounds there.

myke6699
With my G25, the steering felt stiff when I set the FF to medium and the sensitivity to medium as well. The F430 should be, due to its F1 pedigree (and through the review I've read), a lively with a somewhat twitchy character but in FC the car felt practically dead (and the lack of road surface bump didn't help either). Even when I turned all assists off and the the car becomes almost uncontrollable but it still felt as if the tires were made of the softest rubber. After a frustrating drive around Monza (my best time was 2:03), I decided to compare this to the F430 in GT5P. Driving around Suzuka East twisty track and using the lowest recommended tire for F430, N3, the car suddenly acquires a soul. With the S1 tires, the fun factor multiplies. Since I've never driven a real Ferrari F430, I cannot say which of the two is accurate. But if I were to pick which of the two Ferraris would I buy, without a moment hesitation it would the one by Polypohony Digital.
Click to expand...

Thats what i noticed, too. Unfortunately ALL tracks are just flat, no bumps, nothing. That makes me feel the car a bit boring. I dont get any responding from the car while driving on straights or corners. Same problem is in GT5p, all tracks there are completely flat (or did an update help there? Wasnt playing it for months now), what makes them kinda boring.

myke6699
Suffice to say that after the anticipation, my initial reaction to the game is that of dissapointment. I realise that there is a steep learning curve and hoping that in due time the game will prove more that what I feel it is right now. I was hoping this would be the game that will fill the gap until GT5 proper is released but instead, I'm just itching for the GT5P Fall update.
Click to expand...

At first i was really disappointed about the game. But playing it a bit longer, i got used to the feel of the cars, and i can enjoy the game. The only thing i feel cheated about from the manufacturer is, that it stated 50+ Ferrari cars. And what the heck, they put approx 30 F430 Modells in it...WTF ??? So there are only 22 other cars in it.


Sil
 
Sil3nc3r-
Thats exactly what i thought of the graphics. On Screens it looks very good, but when you play it, it kinda sux (ok, it isnt really bad).

I also noticed the cockpit thingie. I never play any game in Cockpit View, because i dont like it of the claustrophobic view, also. But yesterday i played 2 hours in cockpit view and wondered how ****** slow the game is. Its really not usable. If you switch to full view the game is noticable faster. So Cokcpit is a no go, even if you have the better sounds there.



Thats what i noticed, too. Unfortunately ALL tracks are just flat, no bumps, nothing. That makes me feel the car a bit boring. I dont get any responding from the car while driving on straights or corners. Same problem is in GT5p, all tracks there are completely flat (or did an update help there? Wasnt playing it for months now), what makes them kinda boring.



At first i was really disappointed about the game. But playing it a bit longer, i got used to the feel of the cars, and i can enjoy the game. The only thing i feel cheated about from the manufacturer is, that it stated 50+ Ferrari cars. And what the heck, they put approx 30 F430 Modells in it...WTF ??? So there are only 22 other cars in it.


Sil
Click to expand...


In GT5P, some tracks you can feel the road bumps and others you can't. The one most noticeable is Daytona (Road and Oval Course). You might feel it at Eiger or even London.
 
I would say that there IS some feel of the bumps & irregularities of the tracks in FC - more so than in GT5P. Neither game does this as well as F1CE, which communicates the bumps really well through the FFB.

As you progress through the game, the AI gets tougher & you are forced to drive harder & explore the boundaries of the handling. This is really satisfying. I would not give up on the G25, because once you get used to it, it feels pretty convincing IMO. I would say that the only thing limiting the realism of the driving is the arcadey look of the graphics - the tracks never feel like "the real thing" because of this. Other than that, I'm really enjoying it...
 
The last 6 postings are right on the button. Personally, I didn't really know what to expect, I just had to have this Ferrari-fest. Now I've had a few sittings with it, one thing is clear, the biggest problem is the FFB: to heavy and/or a direction stability robbing dead-zone. Most people seem to agree on this aspect. Sometimes the mind boggles at how a company can do so much great design and coding and then miss so terribly at a very basic and important element.

Right now the car (430) feels wooden and unwieldly, and I think that the FFB is the main culprit. Underneath, there seems to be an interesting sports car. One can only wonder how it would feel with better FFB - a lot more nippy and agile? While I'm at it, my other main wishes woud be a working clutch and neutral gear for H shifters, standing starts, look to apex and adjustable seating position and FOV in cockpit view.

I suspect that the game will end up being played mostly by hardcore'ish simmers, so it would be good if it caters for the excpectations of those. A non-busted FFB would be a good start. Just a 'plain' one with no strangely conceived 'tricks' like the force dead zone; just e.g. an FFB strength slider and a lock-to-lock angle slider instead please - for patch V3 perhaps?

DJ
--
 
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Biggles
I would say that there IS some feel of the bumps & irregularities of the tracks in FC - more so than in GT5P. Neither game does this as well as F1CE, which communicates the bumps really well through the FFB.

As you progress through the game, the AI gets tougher & you are forced to drive harder & explore the boundaries of the handling. This is really satisfying. I would not give up on the G25, because once you get used to it, it feels pretty convincing IMO. I would say that the only thing limiting the realism of the driving is the arcadey look of the graphics - the tracks never feel like "the real thing" because of this. Other than that, I'm really enjoying it...
Click to expand...

Which tracks are you refering to- on the track I've drive so far- Monza, Mugello, Fiorano, none have any surface FFB except when you hit the curbs or go off course. I tried the game again today- although my driving had somewhat improved- I still can't get myself to like or enjoy the driving. I still find the steering to be rubbery- the FFB just feels to tight . I want to like this game so much.
 
Sil3nc3r-
I also would like to know which tracks have bumps and things, since i'm really sure they are mostly flat. :)

Sil
Click to expand...

virginia raceway has a bump section on the main straight
if I drive a wild car sometimes I have to pull the gas off a bit there.
infineon raceway is quiet bumpy too.
 
Some of the tracks - Spa for instance - do have dips & bumps which cause the car to move up & down. However, I would agree that there are not nearly the variation s in road surface there should be - this is the same situation in GT5P. The only PS3 game I have played that models this aspect pretty well is F1CE, where the cars rattle around (the wheel aggressively "jiggles") over the rougher sections of road. 👍

I'm really liking the heavy FFB in FC. I think it gives a better sense of driving a powerful car "on the edge" than the very light FFB in GT5P. I am driving with the FFB set on maximum, which reduces the "dead-zone" effect. As I've become more used to it, I find the "dead-zone" easier to deal with - it just takes very focused driving. However, I would agree that it shouldn't be there - hopefully they will fix it...
 
hi to all 👍

I have from little FC and I believe both an interesting game with good potentialities', we hope in the next patch .
I have realized a video with the Ferrari 333sp to monza I didn't know where to post I hope both the correct place :)

link youtube( click on view in high quality):

http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=89wnbzKxt2U

I hope that can be managed better in the future the replay and the scenes.

hi everybody 👍

sorry for my english..... :)
 
Benvenuti Pino!

Mi piace molto la tua inglese! (Ma non si dice: "I have from little" come in Italiano - si dice piuttosto: "I just got") :)

I wonder: is Ferrari Challenge popular in Italy because of the Ferraris?
 

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