Games Database
Xbox
Racing: Car
| Viewed: | 3D Combination | Genre: | Racing: Car |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Capcom | Soft. Co.: | Capcom |
| Publishers: | Capcom
(GB) |
Released: | 26 Sept 2003
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Wheel, Xbox Memory Unit | ||
Summary
As the PlayStation-exclusive Gran Turismo series continues to leap way ahead of the competition, both visually and technically, GameCube and Xbox owners are left without a substitute. Capcom however, has bravely attempted to match Polyphony’s efforts with a game of its own and the result is Group S Challenge for Xbox.
We try to resist comparing one game against another, but within the first few seconds of powering up Group S Challenge, the similarities to Gran Turismo 3 make themselves very apparent. There’s a stylish intro, a booming soundtrack, and even the hi-res menus and car select screens look familiar. There are a great deal of licensed cars, spanning several well known manufacturers including Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo and Chevrolet, and there are a large number of racetracks, including the famed Monaco circuit.
But Group S Challenge doesn’t claim to be “The Real Driving Simulator”. Instead it offers a more in-depth arcade feel. The game’s circuits are superbly designed to offer a mixture of straights, S-bends and hairpins, encouraging players to learn how to drive fast and drive properly. Alternatively, you can scrape your way around each of the game’s circuits, using the handbrake on every corner and forcing cars into walls. The realism and handling is there if you choose to use it, but it’s a lot more fun this way.
Group S Challenge also accommodates for all difficulty levels. After choosing cars and circuits, players must opt to race in Group C, B, A or S. Group C is forgiving, perhaps too much so, whereas Group S is relentless and other racers on the track drive perfectly. Pick a class that’s suitable to your own skill level.
Gameplay aside, Group S Challenge looks fabulous. Circuits and cars are in high resolution, and environments look smooth. The only side effect is an occasionally reduced frame rate. Other than that, there’s not much else to complain about. It’s a good effort from Capcom that will be enjoyed by many Xbox owners.
We try to resist comparing one game against another, but within the first few seconds of powering up Group S Challenge, the similarities to Gran Turismo 3 make themselves very apparent. There’s a stylish intro, a booming soundtrack, and even the hi-res menus and car select screens look familiar. There are a great deal of licensed cars, spanning several well known manufacturers including Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo and Chevrolet, and there are a large number of racetracks, including the famed Monaco circuit.
But Group S Challenge doesn’t claim to be “The Real Driving Simulator”. Instead it offers a more in-depth arcade feel. The game’s circuits are superbly designed to offer a mixture of straights, S-bends and hairpins, encouraging players to learn how to drive fast and drive properly. Alternatively, you can scrape your way around each of the game’s circuits, using the handbrake on every corner and forcing cars into walls. The realism and handling is there if you choose to use it, but it’s a lot more fun this way.
Group S Challenge also accommodates for all difficulty levels. After choosing cars and circuits, players must opt to race in Group C, B, A or S. Group C is forgiving, perhaps too much so, whereas Group S is relentless and other racers on the track drive perfectly. Pick a class that’s suitable to your own skill level.
Gameplay aside, Group S Challenge looks fabulous. Circuits and cars are in high resolution, and environments look smooth. The only side effect is an occasionally reduced frame rate. Other than that, there’s not much else to complain about. It’s a good effort from Capcom that will be enjoyed by many Xbox owners.
Artwork
