"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an exciting new racing game inspired by the acclaimed Art of Rally. This game brings an arcade-style, open-wheel racing experience that celebrates more than 50 years of Formula 1 history, albeit without official licensing. In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's progress, highlighting their dedication to authentically recreating various F1 eras, despite ongoing refinements in areas like AI behavior.

Formula Legends will feature 16 car models, each adorned with seven different liveries. These cars, while presented as chunky, toy-like caricatures, pay homage to some of the most iconic racecar designs in history. The team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, crucial for capturing the essence of older F1 cars. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, enhancing the game's replayability.

The game includes 14 circuits, each with multiple variations that reflect their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, drawing inspiration from real-world locations. Formula Legends’ story mode promises an immersive experience, guiding players through era-based championships that highlight pivotal moments in F1 history.

Racing in Formula Legends is set to be nuanced, with considerations for tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather. The game features 200 drivers, each with unique skill perks, including amusing names like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry. How 3DClouds balances these deeper elements with an accessible arcade approach remains a point of keen interest.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

View 18 Images

Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023’s New Star GP, an F1-themed homage to early 3D racing games, but aimed to create something slightly less arcade-focused. “We tried to move it in line between New Star GP and Art of Rally, in terms of gameplay,” Mantovani explained. “Art of Rally was the main inspiration we took for this game. We appreciate how they worked on the camera and on the tracks.”

While 3DClouds has previously developed licensed racing games aimed at younger audiences, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends marks a passion project for the studio. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the project's significance: “I think it’s a game that they’ve been wanting to make for a really, really long time, and finally we have the resources to do it.” She noted the studio's work-for-hire history has positioned them well as F1’s popularity grows. “With the increasing popularity of the sport and the strong passion, it just seemed like the right moment. The game is completely self-funded thanks to other games we’ve worked on.”

The studio's proximity to Monza, Formula 1’s legendary Temple of Speed, may have also contributed to their passion for the project. Formula Legends is set to launch later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, PC, and Switch. While the team currently lacks Switch 2 development kits, Migliori confirmed their intent to explore this opportunity as soon as possible.