"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1 Thrills"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, a thrilling new game that draws inspiration from the beloved Art of Rally while embracing the excitement of arcade-style, open-wheel racing. This title pays homage to over five decades of Formula 1 racing, albeit without official licensing, and showcases the studio's dedication to recreating various iconic eras of the sport.

In an exclusive preview shared with IGN, 3DClouds demonstrated the game's progress. While AI behavior is still being refined, the studio's commitment to authenticity across different F1 eras is already evident and impressive. The game will feature 16 car models, each boasting seven distinct liveries. Though these cars are styled as chunky, toy-like caricatures, their designs pay clear tribute to some of the most iconic racecars in history. The team has also focused heavily on sound, crucial for capturing the essence of older F1 cars, which is promising for enthusiasts. Additionally, Formula Legends will support modding, allowing for customization of liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, which could significantly enhance the game's replayability.

The game will include 14 circuits, each with multiple variations that reflect their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, inspired by real-world locations. The story mode sounds particularly engaging, promising to guide players through era-based championships that highlight pivotal moments in F1's storied history.

Racing in Formula Legends will offer nuanced gameplay, with over 200 drivers, each possessing unique skill perks. Players will also need to manage factors like tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather, adding depth to the otherwise accessible arcade-style racing. How 3DClouds balances these complex elements with an approachable gameplay experience will be fascinating to see.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023's New Star GP, a throwback to early 3D racing games with an F1 theme, but aimed for a balance that leans less toward pure arcade racing. "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 aimed at 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 developed 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 highlighted that the studio's previous work-for-hire projects have positioned them well to capitalize on the growing popularity of F1. "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—Formula 1's legendary Temple of Speed—has likely influenced the project positively. 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 access to Switch 2 development kits, Migliori assured that they will explore this possibility when the time is right.