Group S Challenge

Publisher: Capcom

Platform: XB

Category: Racing

Rating Info

Release Date: 26/09/2003

Member Rating:

Number of Players: 1-2

Group S Challenge Description

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.

Screenshots

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Write a review of Group S Challenge

Reviewed by:	Date: 28/10/2004	Rating:
This game starts great - you can pick from loads of different car companies - then find you can only afford a Focus or a Punto. That's fair enough, but then you find that the Focus costs 40,000 and a Skyline cost 10,000,000! If you want realism like Gran Turismo, don't bother. You can't look behind you, the speed is in K/ph (and can't be changed), you have to win every race to continue, there is a "limited" number of modifications you can make but it all just feels like an arcade game. The cars look nice, but if you haven't got a fast one, you aint gonna win cos all the AI drivers just push you out of the way.

Features

Gripping realism - Photo realistic graphics and amazing detail
Unbelievable Lighting - Light sourcing technology will cast shadows as well as create reflective effects to deliver an uncompromising visual experience.
Speed through diverse racetracks - Group S Challenge will circle the globe featuring real world race cityscapes like Monaco, Tokyo and Australia.
Customise and adjust your car's performance parts in order to achieve the ultimate racing results.
Circuit Mode - Includes Championship Mode where players speed through the tracks and rise through the ranks to vie for the championship. In Line Mode players earn points as they practice and learn the best driving line. Duel Mode lets players collect custom or aero-part cars by racing one on one against rival cars.
Arcade Mode - All the cars and racing classes are accessible for immediate use. Gamers can also load the aero-part cars they earned during Circuit Mode.

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