HOW often does a game adhere so much to realism that it eschews the need to cater to the masses?

Answer: Not often.

For better or worse, Ferrari Challenge is one of those games. Ferrari Challenge will appeal to the hardcore race car simulator fan in you.

It also helps if you lust after those beauties with the Italian prancing horse logo that you cannot afford, even if you sell your HDB flat.

Yet, the game's appeal - realism - is also its biggest problem.

No thanks to its steep learning curve, this Ferrari-licensed title will frustrate gamers looking for quick action on the virtual track.

From the very first corner that you take on, you will realise that every simple move requires precision. Steer too early and you end up in the sand.

Too late, or too little, and you end up on the other side of the bend.

If you do not maintain a tight line - taking the best possible route to negotiate a corner - you're likely to spend precious seconds recovering from an uncontrollable spin or reversing from a collision with the kerb.

Unlike other racing offerings like Racedriver Grid, the realism here is unforgiving.

A well-polished tutorial voiced by Le Mans driver Tiff Needell helps a little by advising you how to take on corners, when you have to brake early and when to speed up, for example.

Indeed, the game is one of the most polished in its class.

I played it on a 40-inch Full HD screen and I must admit I've never seen a Ferrari rendered so beautifully in a game before.

The Italian stallions are shown in 3D with all their shine and sex appeal.

You can even go to a virtual vinyl shop and create your own labels for your car if you don't like the default ones.

There are several modes you can play.

Among the choices, you can jump in for a quick race, or go for the actual Ferrari Challenge racing season, whichwill see you take on tracks in Italy, the rest of Europe and America.

If you want to run your car at top speed on the sixth gear, try Monza, Italy, where you will get long stretches of straight tarmac to burn.

If you like tight corners, Hockenheim in Germany will twist your fingers on the steering wheel or PS3 controller as you struggle to keep pace while keeping your balance around a turn.

Whichever track you choose to tackle, a lot of practice is needed.

If you are a Ferrari fan or are looking for a realistic simulator, this one's for you. For other gamers, the learning curve might make it more frustrating than fun.

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on 20 August 2008.

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