F355 Challenge

The game offers training, free-driving and racing modes, with three selectable driving levels that vary the amount of assistance provided to the player. Its assistance systems include stability control (SC), traction control (TC), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and an intelligent brake system (IBS). Players can also select different transmission settings, ranging from automatic assistance to manual gear changing. At the end of an arcade session, the machine can print a data sheet showing driving performance, including information about braking, acceleration and racing lines.

The 1999 arcade version of the game includes six circuits:

Yu Suzuki is a keen Ferrari enthusiast who allegedly used data from his own Ferrari 355 at certain tracks to implement in the game during its development.

F355 Challenge was publicly unveiled at a press event on 19 May 1999, ahead of its Japanese arcade release in July. During development, director Yu Suzuki sought to create a driving simulator that would reward the acquisition of real-world racing skills rather than a conventional arcade racing game. He envisioned a game in which players could improve their driving through practice, particularly by learning racing lines, braking points and vehicle control.

Passione Rossa received "generally favorable reviews", while Ferrari F355 Challenge received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Dan Elektro of GamePro's December 2000 issue said of the former, "There will be no in-between when it comes to F355 Challenge – you'll either immerse yourself in truly mastering one of the world's most powerful sports cars, or you'll find this about as much fun as taking your driver's test. If you accept its inherent challenges, F355 will deliver the real deal." 23 issues later, Kilo Watt said of the latter, "What the game lacks in the bells and whistles department, it makes up for in its insane depth.

Ferrari fans who enjoy strict racing simulations, have a lot of patience, and enjoy using the control pad versus a racing wheel will get the most out of F355 Challenge." John Gaudiosi of NextGen praised the former's realistic driving physics, AI, the addition of assist programs for inexperienced players, and graphics, but noted the absence of online multiplayer despite the game featuring two-player option.