Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, a captivating new game that draws inspiration from Art of Rally while offering an arcade-style, open-wheel racing experience. This game pays homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 racing, albeit without official licensing. In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's progress, highlighting their dedication to authentically recreating various eras of F1, despite ongoing refinements to elements like AI behavior.

Formula Legends will feature 16 car models, each boasting 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 team has placed a significant emphasis on sound, a crucial aspect for capturing the essence of older 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 to reflect their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world locations. Formula Legends’ story mode promises to be particularly engaging, offering era-based championships that guide players through pivotal moments in F1's storied history.

Racing in Formula Legends will be nuanced, with 200 drivers, including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, each possessing unique skill perks. Players will also need to manage tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather conditions. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these deeper elements with the game's accessible arcade-style approach.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023’s New Star GP, which itself harks back to early 3D racing games, but aimed to position Formula Legends between New Star GP and Art of Rally in terms of gameplay. “Art of Rally was the main inspiration we took for this game. We appreciate how they worked on the camera and on the tracks,” Mantovani explained.

While 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 is described as a passion project, independently created by the studio. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the team's long-held desire to create this game, made possible by resources from their previous work. “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,” she noted.

The studio's proximity to Monza, Formula 1’s legendary Temple of Speed, likely adds to their enthusiasm 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. Although 3DClouds does not currently have Switch 2 kits, Migliori confirmed they will explore that opportunity when ready.