Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled their latest project, *Formula Legends*, an arcade-style, open-wheel racing game that draws inspiration from *Art of Rally* and pays homage to more than 50 years of Formula 1 racing, albeit without official licenses. In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's progress, emphasizing their dedication to accurately capturing various eras of F1 racing, despite still refining elements such as AI behavior.
*Formula Legends* will feature 16 car models, each boasting seven distinct liveries. While the cars are presented as chunky, toy-style caricatures, their designs clearly echo some of the most iconic racecar aesthetics in history. The development team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, crucial for capturing the essence of older F1 cars. Additionally, *Formula Legends* will support modding, allowing for customization of liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, which could significantly enhance the gaming experience.The game will include 14 circuits, each with multiple variations reflecting changes over the decades from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world locations. The story mode promises to be particularly engaging, guiding players through era-based championships that highlight pivotal moments in F1 history.
Racing in *Formula Legends* promises a nuanced experience. With 200 drivers, including playful names like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, each possessing unique skill perks, players will need to consider factors such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these deeper elements with an arcade-style approach.
Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots
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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the game takes inspiration from 2023's *New Star GP*, yet aims to strike a balance between that game's arcade feel and the more nuanced gameplay of *Art of Rally*. "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 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* stands out as a passion project, independently created by the studio. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the timing of the game's development, coinciding with the surge in F1's popularity. "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," Migliori stated. "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, close to Monza—known as Formula 1’s legendary Temple of Speed—has likely fueled the team's enthusiasm for this project.
*Formula Legends* is slated for release later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, PC, and Switch. Although the team does not currently possess Switch 2 kits, Migliori indicated they are open to exploring that platform when the opportunity arises.
