"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an exciting new game that draws inspiration from Art of Rally and offers an arcade-style, open-wheel racing experience. This unlicensed homage celebrates over 50 years of Formula 1 racing, bringing the thrill and nostalgia of the sport to gamers worldwide.

In an exclusive early look shared with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's impressive commitment to recreating various eras of F1 history. While AI behavior is still being refined, the dedication to historical accuracy is evident. Formula Legends will feature 16 car models, each with seven distinct liveries. These cars, while styled as chunky, toy-like caricatures, pay clear homage to some of the most iconic racecar designs through their off-brand liveries. The team has also focused heavily on sound design, a crucial element 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.

Each of the 14 circuits in Formula Legends will have multiple variations, reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s. These circuits are inspired by real-life locations, adding authenticity to the game's setting. The story mode promises to be particularly engaging, taking players on a journey through the defining moments of F1's high-speed history through era-based championships.

The game aims to introduce a nuanced racing experience, with 200 drivers, including amusingly-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, blending deeper simulation elements with an accessible arcade style. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these aspects to create a compelling gameplay experience.

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 is an F1-themed homage to early 3D racing games. However, they aimed to position Formula Legends between New Star GP and Art of Rally in terms of gameplay. Mantovani noted, “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 primarily focused on licensed racing games for younger audiences in the past, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends stands out as a passion project developed independently by the studio. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the team's long-standing desire to create such a game, stating, “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 strategic timing, noting the rising popularity of Formula 1 and the studio's self-funded approach, thanks to previous projects.

Being based in Milan, close to Monza—F1’s legendary Temple of Speed—likely adds an extra layer of authenticity and passion to 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 currently lacks Switch 2 kits, Migliori confirmed they will explore this opportunity when ready.