This year looks like it could be the strongest year for the racing genre in recent memory – and System 3 is getting in on the act by building on its 2008 hit, Ferrari Challenge.
For the sequel, SuperCar Challenge, the publisher has moved away from focusing on a single make of car and instead widened the scope to include all supercars.
Rather than forcing players to race with lesser models for the majority of the game, SuperCar Challenge allows them to get to grips with some of the hottest, fastest cars known to man from the word go.
“Whether it’s hardcore racing fans, casual gamers, professional racing drivers or racing car manufacturers, everyone agrees that this is without doubt the most realistic experience out there,” says System 3 CEO Mark Cale.
“From the very beginning, we’ve aimed to create the most realistic 16-player racing experience out there and, judging by the early feedback, that’s exactly what we’ve achieved. Through last year’s Ferrari Challenge and now SuperCar Challenge, we’re well on our way to achieving our long-term goal of being the best racing game developer in the world.”
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When it comes to marketing SuperCar Challenge, System 3 is taking a slightly different approach
than it has with previous titles. In addition to seeking the usual promotional activities, the main focus has been to give gamers the opportunity to sample the game for themselves.
Most notably, this has been achieved with the 16-player online beta trial, one of the first in the industry to involve more than a few thousand people. Initially open to 5,000 hardcore racing fans, the beta was then widened to another 5,000 CVG readers and an additional 50,000 gamers through a promotion in The Sun, with additional promotions in Shortlist and the Daily Mirror. Overall, 150,000 people will have taken part in the beta trial.
TRACK RECORD
Feedback from beta testers have been largely positive, with some even comparing the game favourable to the likes of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Additionally, initial reviews have been scored well, with four out of five in The Sunday Times.
Pre-order incentives were also used to entice gamers in the run-up to launch. Consumers who pre-ordered the game through GAME’s stores and website received a special code, granting them access to one of two exclusive in-game cars: The Ferrari 599XX or the Stirling Moss McClaren SLR.
System 3 has taken on board a lot of feedback from those who bought Ferrari Challenge and has used it to improve in several key areas.
There are three handling modes that have been tweaked from the original game (Assisted, Arcade and Simulation) that offer different experiences designed to cater for players of any ability.
The game also features a wide range of licensed tracks and cars from around the world, from Silverstone to Hockenheim.
The roster of cars on offer is even more varied, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and more, and all of these can be used in the numerous multiplayer modes, which support up to 16 players. System 3 believes the game is a comprehensive package that will please all petrolheads.
“With Ferrari Challenge, we learned that we can make great racing games that can compete with the big players,” says System 3’s COO Patrick Cadore.
“Simulation racing fans loved what the game offered and stood for, and in terms of car handling it has yet to be matched.
“The racing genre enjoyed a bit of a resurgence at E3 this year but that doesn’t change the fact that no other racing game can match our strengths: a wide range of handling options, including super-realistic simulation handling and assisted mode for the casual racer, 1080p graphics and competitive 16-player pack racing, both online and offline.
“You can’t race around a Grand Prix track such as Spa or Silverstone with anything less than 16 cars if you
want a proper racing experience and from the very start we’ve stuck to that benchmark.”
