Ferrari F355 Challenge by SEGA (arcade)

I believe this game is available on Dreamcast, but I am talking about the original arcade system.

We all know that SEGA has ceased making home gaming consoles, but they have always, and most likely will continue to create excellent arcade systems. When I first saw this machine (at various amusement centers scattered around Southern california, including Gameworks) I was fairly unimpressed; it appeared to be just another dark, low-tech, sit-down racer. Instead of having one large big screen, as most driving arcade games do these days, it had 3 average sized screens placed side by side, but angled around the player. The gameplay seemed slow and boring, and I wasnt about to pop in 4 quarters to take this simulated ride. However, I was fortunate enough to drop by on a cover charge/free-play day, so I gave it a go.

Most driving games are unrealistic, flashy, entertainment machines. The Gran Turismo line provides excellent at home simulation, and although it may seem slower than games like Ridge Racer, people actually are buying it much more than unrealistic racing titles. But what about at the gaming centers? I see no GT arcade machines, so what is to be done? Play Ferrari F355 Challenge.

The machine:
Even though the hardware appears dull, everything serves a purpose. The top is covered to prevent other sources of light from ruining the simulator effect. The odd looking triple screen actually recreates a real F355's windshield and side windows (<--this is EXTREMELY important when you are drifting or recovering from oversteer, since the car's nose will be pointed at directions other than where you are actually headed). Speakers lodged in the seat's headrest seem quiet from afar, but actually SCREAMS the tune of Ferrari's V8 into the back of your skull when you are seated. A riveting effect, considering that the engine actually feels as if it's mid-mounted. It has BOTH the F1 padde-shifters on the steering wheel, as well as a traditional manual shifter. 'So what' you say, since all racing arcades have stick shifters? This one HAS A CLUTCH, which wont allow the shifter to move unless the pedal is depressed. It's a great blend of modern electronic systems with old fashioned mechanics, and all this for a video game. Other interesting features include selectable grades of difficulty.

The gameplay:
The most novice grade has a tutorial-like system which helps you learn the basic art of racing, safe from the dangers of a real track, using automatic shifting, traction control, anti-lock braking, and other safety features lifted from real cars (each function can be turned on/off while racing). Intermediate players can use the clutch-less F1 shifter (kinda nice, since the F1 paddle shifter was actually available on one F355 model), but will have fewer control features. In my eyes, the most difficult level is the most entertaining. You must use the stick (a lot I might add) and will have none of the computerized aid. The skill required for this simulator mode is tremendous, but you wont find me playing on anything else. Although I can't even keep up with the flawless computer drivers, I'd rather spend my $1 punching through the gears and hanging ass-out on the corners. So, there are a lot of gimmicky features on this SEGA that make it seem real, but any Gran Turismo player knows that its the physics programmed into the game that make it all come alive. Wheelspin starts, loading the suspension, oversteer, weight transfer, threshold braking, lock-ups, and spin-outs... it's all there. It even feels mid-engined, rotating on an axis positioned right in the center of the simulated car. The accel/brake pedals have analog control, so you can take-off with just the right amount of wheelspin, or find the threshold point when you brake. The force-feedback wheel gives more than just pressure when you turn--its the communication system with the simulated road. When you spin out, the wheel will jerk or spin freely according to the direction you are pointed, and even the rumble strip alongside the track lets you know when you are near the edge. Of course, no one can tell you how something feels, you just have to experience it in person.

I know this is a long post for a video game, but I can't help myself when something unnoticed in life needs to be shared with others. If you've played it before, then you understand the level of realism. If you haven't yet, then hopefully you will find one of these machines soon. When you do, I just hope that destructive little kids haven't damaged the gearshifter.

That game has got to be the best arcade simulater i have played.
It's taken me a while to get used to but now i'm totally adicted.If only i could take the whole thing home.

Actually, I was crazy enough to look into buying one of these. I had a pal who once worked in an video arcade and he said that his Family Fun Center buys this specific machine for $2000. Pretty costly, don't you say? Haha...

i have it for dreamcast, i love it

Well console games will always be just that--console games. Even if one was to emulate the complexity of an expensive arcade system with a force-feed back wheel and accel/brake set, it would still lack the specialty components that only arcade machines can provide. The game developers know that the video arcade arena is a place where new gadgets and gimmicks can be put to use without needing to fear the loss that is always associated with home peripheral sales.

Multiple screens, solid 6-speed gearshifters, clutch pedals, car seats... SEGA knows how to built an arcade machine. Then there are other driving games that use machinery such as hydraulicaly actuated body rollers/pitchers, and even side-brake handles to further simulate the driving environment. And last but not least, the single greatest factor that sets apart the consoles from the coinpoppers: LINKED PLAY.

If you like F355 Challenge on Dreamcast, you MUST play it on the arcade. There is a difference.

yeah that doesn't mean it's a bad game on dreamcast

and it seems like arcades are loosing alot of money now, cause they open up and they close all over the place, i guess they're not as popular as 5-10 years ago...... except for playdium, playdium is sweet

is playdium just a canada thing or is it everywhere?

Gotta say that 6 speed is a pesky thing to get used to but it's fun.
At least i can say i drove a Ferrari:D

I never heard of Playdium, but it sounds like a really catchy name. Here in Southern California, we are plagued with Gameworks and Dave & Buster's. They use a nice blend of VRs, regular simulators, and alcohol. Some venues even have pool tables and other forms of fun. I think the smaller gaming zones are becoming wiped clean by the newer, larger, monopolizing entertainment centers.

Of course, my favorite place is still my local nickel arcade! With a $1.95 cover charge and most games being 2-4 nickels, you just can't beat that. They even seem to get their hands on many imported arcade systems. Plus, the older games are still in the back and run for free.

Yeah playdium is like a huge aracade virtual reality playground here in canada.

I've noticed that our book store called chapters in canada, is exactly the same thing as barnes and noble in the states... with the starbucks and everythin...... i wonder if it's the same thing

That's interesting: "Chapters".

Canada seems like a nice place to live, from what my parents have said. I don't know if they do the country any justice, but scenes from the movie "Score" show some really nice areas. Wouldn't mind taking a trip (plus, you guys probably get more rally action up North).

yeah it's pretty much the same thing...... my family lived in irvine and palo alto, California before we moved here.

I love that game :D I posted something about it in the F355 forum.

Are any of you good? I'm not. I'd appreciate some tips.

So far, I haven't gone any better than 5th in Monza and Long Beach. I haven't finished passed 7th in Suzuka and I haven't finished Sugo yet. Oval course is too boring for me to play in.

My best at long beach was 2nd but haven't played for a while. I just use the gears to slow down and that's all i can advise:rolleyes:

The only thing I might be able to add is proper braking. Doing so at the right time at the right amount can dicate whether you end up off the road or not through the turn. But then again, you all already knew that since threshold braking is essential in any real road course race. What can I say; the game is so real and accurate that well-honed racing skills are the best tricks for the game.