Ferrari 355 - PlayStation 2

Despite the presence of an arcade mode and various driving aids to help break the player into the game, this isn't the kind of racing game that beginners will easily find enjoyable. Much practice and a patient, tactical approach win you races here--boy racers are strictly not welcome. Those more familiar with the genre will find plenty to get their teeth into: there are testing courses, good handling, competition with unexpectedly good computer AI cars and some really engrossing races. And you get to drive a Ferrari, even if it is only a virtual one. One of the new additions for the PS2 version, the Great Driver Challenge Mode, is a thoughtful feature. It continually evaluates your driving skill as well as assessing you via a traditional stopwatch.

Still, no matter how it's dressed up, Ferrari F355 is still a belated port of an excellent Dreamcast title. Despite commendable cosmetic enhancements and some nice extra options, it's the same old game at root, but this time it sits with the likes of Gran Turismo 3. Fortunately it has good quality, old-fashioned gameplay at its core, and it's not afraid to really test the armchair racer. And while it's not likely to be the first-choice driving game on many people's lists, it's certainly one that the accomplished fan of the genre will enjoy. --Simon Brew