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SuperCar Challenge PS3 review

This is Eutechnyx’s second attempt at making a great racing simulator. With Ferrari Challenge as a prequel, they have big shoes to fill. But there is something different in this game.

Unlike Ferrari Challenge, this game features a completely new career mode that will allow you to drive across all continents in search of race points. With a curtain of points you will unlock a new track or car. We have found this method of unlocking extremely enjoyable and it is always a surprise what comes next. Other than unlocking new stuff and some trophies, there isn’t much to see here. You can also try the arcade mode. In this mode, you will drive through three tracks aiming for curtain targets such as finishing in the top 3. You will proceed to the next difficulty level once you have finished your target. But, unfortunately, annoying decisions for developers are made here. For one that you can’t save between each attempt. Which means that when you finish two tracks on Expert difficulty, you won’t be able to stop without having to redo all three tracks. For this reason, this is also our least favorite mode. But there is more to the SuperCar Challenge. You can do a quick race, mark the time, paint your car, and more! In short, you will not get bored here.

The presentation of the SuperCar challenge is also top-notch. Graphics have improved from the previous challenge game. This time around, the colors feel more natural and the frame rate seems improved as well. We know this has to do with the fact that this game is exclusive to PS3 (the Ferrari challenge was not) because the engine looks quite similar. The sound is fantastic. The sound of the engine (or the music if you like) is better than ever and far above anything you’ve ever heard in a Polyphony Digital game. And if you don’t like the sound of a V12 screaming behind you, then you have the option of listening to your own MP3s in the background. To adjust the whole phenomenon of music versus engine sound, you have the option of attenuating engine sound and ambient sounds. This is the way to go Eutechnyx, well done.

Artificial intelligence and steering are essential in all racing games and thankfully, it is done here. The computer cars still block their lines, but they are not as aggressive as in Ferrari Challenge. We actually liked the blocking AI, but now it’s perfect. For example, in the past, the computer would try to block it even if the speed difference is immense, this time they still do it from time to time, but not as much. Driving with controller and steering wheel work well! We had a hard time driving some of the cars with a controller because some of the cars were very unstable when braking. But this is an advantage because the game should be relentless with everything turned off and even better, the cars really do drive differently in SuperCar Challenge. This effect is what makes this game a simulator and also a good one.

Now the last chapter of this review where we talk about the issues. First of all, while we think you can never have enough Ferraris, a little more variation would be nice. Of the 44 cars to choose from, more than 30 are Ferraris. But we won’t say this is a problem because Ferrari cars were already made for the prequel, so why leave something alone for a little more balance? More troublesome are the menus. They are elegant and full of animation, but maybe a little too much. This makes the interface feel slow at times. For example, when you have to wait for the car preview to load before you can select the car and continue. Another problem we encountered was the inability of the system to remember your driving aids at times. We tried to remove the race line, but it magically returned in some of the modes. But nothing that a brief visit to the menu cannot solve. To end the problems, we would really like to see a mixed car mode. Sometimes it is also fun to compete against other types of supercars.

SuperCar Challenge feels considerably different from its prequel. With good graphics and sound, its presentation is very close to Grand Turismo 5 Prologue. The driving is amazing and all the cars feel really different, just like in real life. But slow menus and a lack of variation in the car can limit your experience. Also, the game can be frustrating at times, especially with the arcade mode. Ultimately this game is highly recommended for simulation fans or people who really like cars.

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