Ferrari F355 Challenge

Ferrari F355 Challenge is a racing game based on the actual race car and Ferrari event. It was developed by the AM2 division of Sega for arcades under supervision of producer Yu Suzuki, and was later ported to the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2. The only model of car featured in the game is the Ferrari F355 Challenge model.

Some versions of the arcade cabinet are noteworthy for having three screens, allowing the player to look through the side windows as they would in a real car. The 3-screen cabinet version also features an H-shaped gear stick and 3 foot pedals, and presents a tough challenge to any player who decides to use them. The cabinet itself actually comprises 4 NAOMI units. One for each of the 3 screens and one to sync them all. The game also allows the player to use an automatic transmission or paddle-shift the gears. The Dreamcast version has link cable play for direct competition, however as of Jan. 2006, the online servers for F355 Challenge are now offline, and the website has gone offline.

The game features an original soundtrack that mimics the style of 1980's hard rock/heavy metal which is integrated into a radio station format during gameplay. The radio DJ (and the announcer) goes by the name of Alan J (the Voice).

Yu Suzuki is a keen Ferrari enthusiast who allegedly used data from his own Ferrari 355 at certain tracks to help with the game.

Circuits
The arcade version of the game includes six circuits:
 * Motegi (Oval Circuit)
 * Suzuka (Short Configuration)
 * Monza (1998 configuration)
 * Sugo
 * Suzuka (Full Configuration)
 * Long Beach

In addition, the home console versions of the game include five extra unlockable circuits. Depending on the version of the arcade machine, these tracks may also be selected:
 * Atlanta
 * Nürburgring
 * Laguna-Seca
 * Sepang
 * Fiorano (real life track used by Ferrari to test their cars)

All these circuits can be unlocked by either finishing in certain positions in a certain race or championship, driving over a certain cumulative distance in the game, or by entering a password in a revealable password entry screen.

Official websites

 * Official Sega F355 Challenge Website
 * Official Ferrari Challenge Website

General resources

 * About F355 Challenge game (French site)
 * F355 Challenge Vehicle Specifications, Profile, and Pictures