Test Drive: Ferrari Legends PS3/XBOX 360 | Page 3 | FerrariChat

Test Drive: Ferrari Legends PS3/XBOX 360

Discussion in 'Technology' started by WJHMH, Sep 4, 2011.

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  1. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

    Apr 12, 2005
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    #51 ricksb, Jul 4, 2012
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2012
    I must have super-human game driving abilities because I find the cars very manoeuverable and haven't seen the dire consequences of contact (surely they don't consider slowing down an unlikely result of contact). The "turn on a swivel" comment seems stranve also. Too much speed leads to oversteer but as I said it was critical to get the braking and throttle correct.

    Perhaps this just hit me in the right spot as a driving game/Ferrari fan. That's always possible, but I love it. So much better than any previous Ferrari branded title.
     
  2. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

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    Motor Trends' review is spot on with my experience...although it fails to mention the level of sound details. I said this was for hardcore racing/Ferrari fans. I question if GameInformer reflects that demographic:


    Although many modern console racing simulators feature new and classic cars, it’s rare to find a game that allows the user to experience the history of a particular brand. Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends offers just that experience for the first time since Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed, a game that was released over a decade ago.

    Ferrari Racing Legends is the newest game in the long-running Test Drive franchise and focuses specifically on the Ferrari marque from the late 1940s to the modern era. In career mode, players begin as budding test drivers and work their way up through numerous challenges to prove they have what it takes to be a full-fledged racing driver. The game starts with vintage models including a 1947 125 S (Ferrari’s first racing car) and progresses into later models like the 250 Testa Rossa, 250 GTO, 330 P4, and later the F40 Competizione, F50 GT, and FXX race cars.

    Ferrari Racing Legends distinguishes itself from other racing simulators by offering Ferraris that haven’t been modeled to this level previously on a console game (the 212 Export Spider Vignale and 612 Scaglietti, for example). The game incorporates 50 road and racing cars, giving the most comprehensive overview of the brand that’s ever been available in a single game before.

    The tracks are also impressive and some are exclusive to FRL. Best of all, only one circuit (the particularly tricky Misty Loch track) is fictitious. The rest of the circuits are tracks from past and present, and several circuits have multiple configurations to reflect how they have changed through the years. For example, while other simulators might feature Monza, few use the faster configuration from 1958 (though, sadly, the banking is still closed). The vintage Rouen circuit, a 1959 configuration of Silverstone (along with 1975 and 2009 versions), and a 1980 and 2004 version of Spa Francorchamps are also available. Imola, Mugello, the Nordschleife, Cote d’Azur, and Circuit de Catalunya are among the 39 different tracks and configurations.

    The game itself is modeled using the graphics engine from Need for Speed: Shift 2, and the modeling is very strong (we demoed an XBOX 360 version). The cars look quite realistic, though falling slightly short of Forza 4, and the unique engine sounds are also well done. The physics model is much like NFS: Shift 2, which straddles the line between a full-on simulator like GT5 and the arcade-style gameplay of many earlier Test Drive products. It’s a change for the better, in our opinion.

    Is Ferrari Racing Legends worth adding to your game collection? If you’re a Ferrari nut (or even a vintage racing fan), absolutely. Not only do you experience Ferrari models that haven’t been offered in a game before, but the same goes for vintage configurations of popular circuits that just aren’t available unless you’re onboard with iRacing or Grand Prix Legends – both PC-only game
     
  3. SPEEDCORE

    SPEEDCORE Four Time F1 World Champ

    Jul 11, 2005
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    I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with the reviews :eek: but after the disaster TDU2 was I'm not going to be in a rush to buy this :eek:

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZTlMoTJwiU[/ame]
     
  4. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

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    Lol...i don't think this guy was going to like it under any circumstance...who is he and what's with the voice (annoying).

    Hey. To each his own and I'm not out to sell any games. As you know, I'm a Forza die-hard and GT5 player. I find the game more enjoyable than any of the racers not named those two that I've played. Of course, I love racing history, I love Ferraris and I love historical tracks so give the cars decent handling, quality sound and good graphics and I'm sold.(Note: I try NOT to crash into barriers or cut chicanes so his points on that fall flat. The game's not for the 'crash and smash to pass' audience). I expected this to be like TDU or TDU2 (which I immediately didn't like), but it's quite different.

    I think the car guys will love it, the video game guys will find reasons to hate it...
     
  5. Str8shooter

    Str8shooter Formula 3

    Jan 31, 2011
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    Here's the problem I have with that YT review.

    1. He was comparing it to other driving games when it has a very specific niche, Ferrari fans. It would have been much more relevant if he had compared it to the previous Ferrari game. Then he would have said it was much better.

    He wants dynamic track like sun glare and bloom and all that other stuff that boosts the cost of the game and makes the difference between a $37.49 game and a $59.95 game.

    He is comparing the car customization or lack of with Forza which is a much different game.

    This game is about Ferrari and Ferrari only. It is not aimed at Lamborghini fans or muscle car fans or off road fans etc so why compare it to games that offer that.

    This game is about the history of Ferrari and you get to experience it by seeing and driving them through their history. Its not about buying a Ferrari and tuning it and painting it and making it unique. Customization is not part of their " story " so it is not in the game which also keeps the cost down.

    I'll see for myself what the driving physics are but it didn't look so great on the YT clip but neither does Forza. The closer it is to a sim the more money it costs to develop. I can accept a game for what it is and challenge myself to be a good driver whether it is in Forza or TDU2 or GRID. That is all part of playing the game.

    This game is a visual and audio trip through the history of Ferrari and you get to test drive each of the cars along the way. I love the concept and wish they made them for other manufacturers like Porsche. It is not nor is it meant to be like Forza and it shouldn't be compared to it.
     
  6. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

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    #56 ricksb, Jul 5, 2012
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2012
    You completely get it then. That said, it delivers beyond my expectations visually, audibly and in actual driving. As a dedicated Forza guy (tifosi918 is my gamer tag) I'm telling you this game is much better than the reviews above say. Also, I've completed probably 95% of my races without crashing out so you actually CAN live without a rewind button...it just forces you to stay on your toes the entire race. That's a little more challenge than some would like to handle.

    Only the Motor Trend one seems to get it right, but then again that's a car guy playing a video game, not a video game guy comparing video games.
     
  7. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

    Sep 22, 2008
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    Is this available boxed for PC or download only? Only reason I ask is my broadband modem at home got fried during the power outage this past weekend and I don't want to wait until the weekend (or later) for them to install a replacement to try this out. I have a ps3 as well but would rather go PC if I have the option.

    To the guy who asked about the 355's handling, I've only had mine on an autox course so far but it is very nimble and quick. I was only 2nd to a mitsu evo in the street tire class last time out (by .2). It's a great handling, responsive car. I will have it out to VIR either this fall or next spring to really push it.
     
  8. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

    Oct 22, 2006
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    I can't find the PC version anywhere, Atari's download site still says Pre-Order only.
     
  9. BlackBird007

    BlackBird007 F1 Rookie

    Feb 22, 2010
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    After reading some posts from this thread and the other one, I think I'll pick it up soon.
     
  10. Str8shooter

    Str8shooter Formula 3

    Jan 31, 2011
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    I was going to order it off Amazon today and saw that the price went back up to $49.95 so I went to my Target and bought it off the shelf for the same price.
    Hopefully I'll have some time to play it tonight :)
     
  11. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

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    Start with the Golden Era campaign...helps to ease in. Spend time with each car as mastering one doesn't equal mastering a circuit. The 125s is much different than the 512tr which is way different than the 512bb. The campaigns give you extended sessions with each car. Do drive the f1 87 though...i love that thing. It's fast at first, but once you nail your braking/throttle zones you can't stop driving it (until you realize that the 126 c2 still needs to be unlocked)
     
  12. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I bought the game but haven't put a lot of time into it, currently started the Golden Era campaign also. So far I'm enjoying it but I'd like it better if it offered Pista di Alta Velocità banking at Monza.
     
  13. Str8shooter

    Str8shooter Formula 3

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    I got to put a few hours in last night. I started with the " Golden Era " so I could follow the natural progression and got far enough to where they put some numbers on my car :)

    I'll start my impressions with the graphics. BTW, I'm playing on the xbox with a MS wireless wheel and a 50" plasma TV. I'd say the graphics were a notch better than TDU2 but not as good as Forza 4. You can see the distant background " drawing " as you approach and I had a lot of " jaggies " to the point where stuff like a guardrail would flicker or shimmer. The few tracks I drove have a lot of shadows from trees and it was kind of hard to see the track at times. I was only driving from the cockpit view which had a decent amount of detail but not quite as good as Forza 4.

    While all of that was noticeable at first, it didn't really matter once I began to focus on the driving. The sound is pretty good although I had to tweak the setting in options to get maximum engine noise. Going down the straight in 5th then downshifting almost to a stop to take a 180 degree turn and accelerate out of it put a smile on my face and doing it in a Ferrari is what its all about for me.

    I can't give an accurate review of the driving physics as my MS wheel was acting up. Apparently MS did a console update recently which affected all wheels with FFB. My wheel would work at times and then it would pull to one side or just saw back and forth on the straight. Hopefully MS will patch it before my wheel burns up.

    I only drove the cars made available in the career mode and didn't see the cars I had unlocked in my garage until it was time to quit. I'm going to try the F40 next time I play. The cars I did drive felt like I had to muscle and finesse them around the track much like a driver would of that era and that made it fun. Time will tell if the other cars can get my imagination running.

    One reviewer said the tracks were stale and lifeless. I don't see it that way at all. Again, the graphics weren't on par with Forza 4 but there is a lot of scenery that makes the tracks interesting. I raced at different times of the day, cloudy and sunny and saw stuff like flags waving along the fence. I hadn't driven Monza before so it was a new to me experience and there were a few others that helped make the game fresh to me. That plus open wheel cars makes this a different experience than TDU2 or Forza 4 which is a big part of the value to me.

    I'm barely in the game but my initial impression is this game looks and feels like it would've been the best driving game back in 2009. Its the concept that makes this game worth playing now. You get to test drive all the Ferraris in the three eras in several different types of competitions and experience their differences. A straight forward game with little depth but hours and hours of gameplay.

    It will be interesting to see what multiplayer is like. Might be fun to get a lobby full of cars from the golden era that can't be tuned and your only advantage is having the ability to muscle and finesse the cars like the real driver did :)
     
  14. Mr. Francesco

    Mr. Francesco F1 Rookie

    Oct 10, 2010
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    I bought it yesterday and played for a few hours.

    At first, I hated it. The controls were awful and took some time to get used to. I'm still disappointed that there's not enough customization with the controls, but overall it's a fun game. It's no Gran Turismo, but it's an enjoyable game and I'm looking forward to playing some more today now that I'm used to it :)
     
  15. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    The range of circuits featured in the game will include real and fantasy tracks across different eras. While some of the racetracks are taken from previous games made by developer Slightly Mad Studios, Ferrari Legends will feature several new additions, most notably several Italian circuits to go along with the Ferrari license. The announced list is as follows:

    Circuit de Catalunya – Spain GP
    Circuit de Catalunya – Spain National
    Circuit de Spa Francorchamps GP (1980) – Belgium
    Circuit de Spa Francorchamps GP (2004) – Belgium
    Casino Riviera-Cote d’Azur – France
    Cote d’Azur Monte Grande – France
    Cote d’Azur Monument Loop – France
    Cote d’Azur Port Boucle – France
    Donington Park GP (2009) – United Kingdom
    Donington Park National (2009) – United Kingdom
    Enna Pergusa – Italy
    Fiorano – Italy
    Fiorano Alternate – Italy
    Hockenheimring – Germany GP
    Hockenheimring GP (1982) – Germany
    Hockenheimring National – Germany
    Hockenheimring Short – Germany
    Imola (1981) – Italy
    Imola (2005) – Italy
    Misty Loch – fictitious Circuit
    Monza GP (1958) – Italy
    Monza GP – Italy
    Monza Junior – Italy
    Motorsport Arena Oschersleben – Italy
    Motorsport Arena Oschersleben B – Course-Italy
    Mugello GP – Italy
    Mugello Short – Italy
    Nordschleife – Germany
    Nordschleife Aremberg – Germany
    Nordschleife, Karussell – Germany
    Nordschleife Nurburg – Germany
    Road America Circuit dummy
    Rouen (1956) – France
    Rouen Short (1952) – France
    Silverstone GP (1959) – United Kingdom
    Silverstone GP (1975) – United Kingdom
    Silverstone GP (2009) – United Kingdom
    Silverstone International (2009) – United Kingdom
    Silverstone National (2009) – United Kingdom

    Car list:

    Ferrari 125 S - SPORT - 1947
    Ferrari 166 Inter - GT - 1948
    Ferrari 212 Export Spider Vignale - SPORT - 1951
    Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa - SPORT - 1957
    Ferrari 250 California - GT - 1957
    Ferrari 250 GTO - SPORT - 1962
    Ferrari 275 GTB - GT - 1964
    Ferrari 330 P4 Berlinetta - SPORT - 1967
    Ferrari Dino 246 GTS - GT - 1972
    Ferrari 365 GTB4 - GT - 1968
    Ferrari 365 GTS4 - GT - 1969
    Ferrari 308 GTS - GT - 1977
    Ferrari 308 GTB Quattrovalvole - GT - 1982
    Ferrari 288 GTO - GT - 1984
    Ferrari F40 - GT - 1987
    Ferrari F40 Competizione - SPORT - 1989
    Ferrari 512 BB - GT - 1976
    Ferrari Testarossa - GT - 1984
    Ferrari 512 TR - GT - 1991
    Ferrari 348 Spider - GT - 1993
    Ferrari F355 GTS - GT - 1994
    Ferrari F355 Spider - GT - 1995
    Ferrari F355 Challenge - SPORT - series - 1995
    Ferrari F333 SP - SPORT - 1994
    Ferrari F50 - GT - Ferrari - 1996
    Ferrari F50 GT - SPORT - 1997
    Ferrari 360 Spider - GT - 2000
    Ferrari Challenge Stradale - GT - 2003
    Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina - GT - 2000
    Ferrari 575M Maranello - GT - 2002
    Ferrari Enzo Ferrari - GT - 2002
    Ferrari FXX - SPORT - 2005
    Ferrari 612 Scaglietti - GT - 2004
    Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano - GT - 2006
    Ferrari F430 - GT - 2004
    Ferrari F430 Spider - GT - 2005
    Ferrari 430 Scuderia - GT - 2007
    Ferrari F430 Challenge - SPORT - series - 2006
    Ferrari 125 S Sport - Monoplace - 1947
    Ferrari 312 F1-67 - Monoplace - 1967
    Ferrari 312 B3-74 - Monoplace - 1974
    Ferrari 312 T4 - Monoplace - 1979
    Ferrari 126 C2 - Monoplace - 1982
    Ferrari F1-87 - Monoplace - 1987
    Ferrari F1-90 - Monoplace - 1990
    Ferrari 248 F1 - Monoplace - 2006
    Ferrari F2007 - Monoplace - 2007
    Ferrari F2008 - Monoplace - 2008
    Ferrari 458 Italia - SPORT - 2009 California GT 2009
    Ferrari 150° Italia - Monoplace - 2011
     
  16. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

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    So far the only car that has caused any frustration is the 512 BB...got through the series but the car was understeering all over the place. The tiny-wheeled 312 B3 was a little funky but you get used to its handling and adjust. The rest continue be good, imo. I want to do a test with GT5 vs TDFRL tonight (after the marathon update completes). I still read reviews saying the handling is tough, so I want to compare it to both of the lead racing games.
     
  17. Str8shooter

    Str8shooter Formula 3

    Jan 31, 2011
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    I had to stop playing as the FFB on my MS wheel has become unplayable. :(

    It started after a recent xbox live update. While playing Forza 4 I would get random FFB at unlikely times such has pulling left or right while going down a straight and I always seemed to be fighting the wheel.

    Then I got the Ferrari Legends and the first night the FFB problem was barely noticeable but the second night it was the worst ever. I really had to fight the wheel at times and one time it faded to being almost nonexistent. Then it began to saw the wheel back and fourth. I let the car coast into the guardrail and come to a stop as I watched the wheel continue to saw back and fourth on its own.

    I follow the Forza community and I'm aware of the problem that has affected many with different brands of wheels. Hopefully MS will come up with a solution and patch it. I'm afraid to use my wheel now as it would be very difficult for me to replace at this time if it were to burn up.

    I tried playing Ferrari legends with the hand controller so I could test drive the F40 but quickly got frustrated with the control layout which had me using different fingers than I do with other games. It was very awkward and stupid if you ask me and I set it down. Perhaps you can custom configure the controller scheme but I wasn't that interested because I'd really like to experience the game with my wheel.
     
  18. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

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    Still no word on the PC download. I ordered it last night, we'll see when it finally becomes available. Kind of bogus as everywhere says the pc download was released at the end of May, but it's still not available with no word from Atari on when it will be...
     
  19. Mr. Francesco

    Mr. Francesco F1 Rookie

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    Any word if there's a way to custom configure controller settings other than the 3 available options?
     
  20. Str8shooter

    Str8shooter Formula 3

    Jan 31, 2011
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    Played it this afternoon and my wheel problem wasn't as bad as the last time.

    I'm in the career mode starting from the beginning. I just got to drive the 250 GTO and it was a lot of fun. My first challenge was to beat a certain lap time and with my difficulty setting on Pro it took me about four sessions before I just barely broke the time.

    Driving the 250 GTO was fun and has already made the game worth it to me. You really have to throw that thing into your corner entry and it would side just enough to make you hold your breath hoping it will stick. Accelerating out of the turn, downshifting into the next, the sounds the car makes while doing it all just makes the whole experience fun. If the real 250 GTOs drive like that I must say it has to be one exhilarating experience to push one to the edge like that especially during a race. :)

    I'm really looking forward to what the other car experiences will be like.
     
  21. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

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    I'm up to the Silver era and racing to get the 126c3. Different cars are easier to handle than others...the Testarossa, 288 GTO and 308 are all pretty easy to drive around the tracks fast. The f1 cars are just completely different...super fast amd you have to go balls out. No easing them into turns.
     
  22. Str8shooter

    Str8shooter Formula 3

    Jan 31, 2011
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    Drove the 312 F1-67 today and I felt like I was James Garner in Grand Prix :D

    Now they want me to drive a 365 GTB4 and so far it's been a handful.

    I'm just glad they finally gave me some gloves to wear.
     
  23. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I've been having issues with the G27 for the on my PS3, the steering will not stay centered after the start up calibration & makes it impossible to control. I'm not sure if it's the software or maybe I have just worn out my wheel. This problem also appears in GT5 but nothing that a restart can't fix, after that the problem goes away but after a while the problem returns.
     
  24. Str8shooter

    Str8shooter Formula 3

    Jan 31, 2011
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    Just finished a ten lap race in the 312 F1-67 against 17 other cars on the Misty Loch circuit.
    It is a really fun track through the country side that does a great job of providing that sense of speed we crave.
    Tough racing that required both muscle and finesse as you round the turns just inches from stone walls. Now I'm moving on to the 330 P4.

    So far I've played 5 1/2 hours and I'm only 18% complete. I'm looking forward to unlocking more cars.
    I'm pretty sure I'll be getting my $50 worth out of this thing with no regrets :)
     
  25. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

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    I'm up to the 40th anniversary series (F40) which is awesome inevery way. That said, there is an autocross challenge on Imola that is just brutal. It's not that the autocross is difficult, it's the ridiculous time limit. I may need to drop the level down to pass this one...
     

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