"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled their latest project, Formula Legends, an exciting new take on arcade-style, open-wheel racing inspired by the acclaimed Art of Rally. This game pays a loving, unlicensed homage to more than 50 years of Formula 1 racing history. Early previews given to IGN show that, while aspects such as AI behavior are still being refined, 3DClouds' dedication to recreating various eras of F1 is already remarkable.

Formula Legends will showcase 16 car models, each adorned with seven unique liveries. Though these cars are presented as chunky, toy-style caricatures, their designs clearly echo some of the most iconic racecars in history. The sound design has been a major focus for the team, a crucial aspect especially for capturing the essence of older F1 cars. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, adding a significant layer of personalization and community engagement.

The game features 14 circuits, each with multiple variations reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, inspired by real-world locations. The story mode promises to take players on a journey through key moments in F1's storied past, with era-based championships.

Racing in Formula Legends will offer nuanced gameplay. With 200 drivers, including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, each with unique skill perks, players will also need to manage tyre wear, fuel consumption, racing lines that evolve with use, car damage, and dynamic weather conditions. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these deeper elements with an accessible arcade experience.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that while New Star GP from 2023 inspired the team, they aimed to position Formula Legends between the arcade style of New Star GP and the more simulation-focused Art of Rally. "We tried to move it in line between New Star GP and Art of Rally, in terms of gameplay," Mantovani stated. "Art of Rally was the main inspiration we took for this game. We appreciate how they worked on the camera and on the tracks."

Although 3DClouds has primarily developed licensed racing games for 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, independently created by the studio. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the project's long gestation. "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 said, highlighting the studio's work-for-hire background that has now positioned them to capitalize on F1's rising popularity. "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 Monza, Formula 1's legendary Temple of Speed, may have also influenced the project's development.

Formula Legends is set to launch later this year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. While the team does not currently have Switch 2 development kits, Migliori confirmed their intent to explore that platform "as soon as we are ready."