Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an engaging arcade-style, open-wheel racing game inspired by the acclaimed Art of Rally. This title ambitiously captures over 50 years of Formula 1 racing history without official licensing. In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's progress, revealing a strong dedication to recreating various eras of F1, despite ongoing refinements to elements like AI behavior.
Formula Legends will feature 16 car models, each adorned with seven distinct liveries. While the cars are designed as chunky, toy-style caricatures, their inspiration from some of the most iconic racecar designs in history is unmistakable. The development team has placed significant emphasis on sound, crucial for capturing the essence of vintage F1 cars. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, which could significantly enhance the gaming experience.
The game includes 14 circuits, each with multiple variations reflecting changes from the '70s to the 2020s, inspired by real-world locations. Formula Legends’ story mode promises an exciting journey through F1's history, featuring era-based championships that highlight pivotal moments.
Racing in Formula Legends will involve nuanced gameplay, with 200 drivers, including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, each possessing unique skill perks. Factors such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, evolving racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather will add depth to the gameplay, blending these elements seamlessly with an accessible arcade experience.
Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots
View 18 Images
Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023’s New Star GP, a throwback to early 3D racing games, but aimed to create a less arcade-focused experience with Formula Legends. “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.”
Although 3DClouds has primarily developed licensed racing games for younger audiences, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends represents a passion project developed entirely independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori remarked, “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 highlighted the studio's work-for-hire history and the rising popularity of F1 as key factors in choosing this moment to launch the game. “The game is completely self-funded thanks to other games we’ve worked on.”
Located in Milan, near the iconic Monza circuit, 3DClouds' proximity to the “Temple of Speed” likely contributed to their passion for this project.
Formula Legends is set to launch later this year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Switch. While the team currently lacks access to Switch 2 kits, Migliori confirmed they are eager to explore this opportunity when available.
