"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, a captivating new game that draws inspiration from Art of Rally to deliver 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 early look provided to IGN, 3DClouds showcased the impressive commitment to recreating various eras of F1, even though elements such as AI behavior are still in development.

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 team has placed a strong 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 will include 14 circuits, each with multiple variations to represent their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s. These tracks are inspired by real-world locations, adding authenticity to the racing experience.

Formula Legends' story mode promises to be particularly engaging, offering era-based championships that will guide players through the defining moments of F1's storied history. The racing mechanics are set to include nuanced elements such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather, alongside 200 drivers with unique skill perks, including amusingly named characters like Mike Shoemaker and current championship leader Osvald Pastry. How 3DClouds balances these sophisticated features with an accessible arcade approach will be fascinating to observe.

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 an F1-themed throwback to early 3D racing games. However, they aimed to create something less purely arcade-oriented 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."

While 3DClouds has primarily focused on 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 true passion project, developed entirely independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori noted, "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 emphasized that the studio's work-for-hire history has positioned them well, especially as F1's popularity continues to grow. "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, just a short drive from Monza, Formula 1's legendary Temple of Speed, likely adds to the authenticity and passion behind Formula Legends.

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 kits, Migliori confirmed they will "look into that opportunity as soon as we are ready."