"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, a new arcade-style, open-wheel racing game inspired by Art of Rally. 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, revealing a commendable dedication to recreating various eras of F1 racing, although elements like AI behavior are still being refined.

Formula Legends will feature 16 car models, each with seven distinct liveries. While the cars are stylized as chunky, toy-like caricatures, their designs clearly draw inspiration from some of the most iconic racecars in history. The team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, a crucial element for capturing the essence of older F1 cars. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing for customization of 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, inspired by real-world locations. The story mode promises to be engaging, with era-based championships that take players on a journey through the defining moments of F1's history.

The racing mechanics in Formula Legends are set to offer a nuanced experience. With 200 drivers, each with unique skill perks, and factors like tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather, the game aims to blend deeper simulation elements with an accessible arcade style. It will be interesting to see how 3DClouds balances these aspects.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023's New Star GP, yet aimed to position Formula Legends somewhere 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.

Despite 3DClouds' history of producing licensed racing games for younger audiences, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix and Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, Formula Legends is described as a passion project. Executive producer Roberta Migliori noted that the studio's work-for-hire history has enabled them to fund this independent project at a time when F1's popularity is surging. "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," Migliori stated.

Being located in Milan, near Monza—known as Formula 1's Temple of Speed—likely adds to the authenticity and inspiration for the game. Formula Legends is set to launch later this year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Switch. While the team does not currently have Switch 2 kits, Migliori confirmed they would explore that possibility once ready.