Formula Legends is Art of Rally Meets F1

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an exciting new racing game that draws inspiration from the acclaimed Art of Rally while offering an arcade-style take on open-wheel racing. This game pays homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 history, albeit without official licensing. In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the impressive efforts to recreate various eras of F1, although elements like AI behavior are still being refined.

The game will include 14 circuits, each with multiple variations to reflect changes from the 1970s to the 2020s. These tracks are inspired by actual locations, enhancing the game's authenticity. Formula Legends' story mode promises to be engaging, offering era-based championships that will guide players through pivotal moments in F1's storied past.

Racing in Formula Legends will be nuanced, with 200 drivers, including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and current championship leader Osvald Pastry, each possessing unique skill perks. The game will also incorporate realistic elements such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather, which will add depth to its otherwise arcade-style gameplay. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these sophisticated elements with accessibility.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023's New Star GP, which is itself a throwback to early 3D racing games themed around F1. However, they aimed for Formula Legends to strike a balance 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 a history of creating licensed racing games aimed at a younger audience—such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem—Formula Legends represents a passion project developed independently by the studio. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the project's significance, 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 also highlighted the timing, given the rising popularity of Formula 1. "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."

Being based in Milan, near the iconic Monza circuit—known as the Temple of Speed and the third purpose-built race track ever constructed—has undoubtedly fueled the team's passion for this project.

Formula Legends is set to launch later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, PC, and Switch. Although the team does not currently have Switch 2 development kits, Migliori assured that they would explore that opportunity once available.