Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, a thrilling new game that draws inspiration from Art of Rally and brings an arcade-style, open-wheel racing experience to fans. This game pays homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 history, albeit without official licensing, offering a unique tribute to the sport's iconic eras.
In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's development, highlighting their dedication to authentically recreating various periods of F1. Although aspects like AI behavior are still being refined, the attention to detail in capturing the essence of different F1 eras is already remarkable.
Formula Legends will boast an impressive lineup of 16 car models, each available in seven distinct liveries. While the cars are designed as chunky, toy-style caricatures, their liveries pay homage to some of the most iconic racecar designs in history, making their inspirations unmistakably clear. The development team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, a crucial aspect that enhances the authenticity of older F1 cars. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, which could significantly enrich the gaming experience.
The game will feature 14 circuits, each with multiple variations that reflect their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s. These tracks are inspired by real-world locations, adding depth and variety to the racing experience.
Formula Legends’ story mode promises an engaging journey through F1's history, with era-based championships that highlight the sport’s pivotal moments.
The racing dynamics in Formula Legends are set to be nuanced, with 200 drivers, including playful names like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, each possessing unique skill perks. Factors such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather will add layers of strategy and realism to the game. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these detailed elements with an accessible arcade-style approach.
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 between that game and Art of Rally in terms of gameplay. Mantovani noted, “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 a history of developing licensed racing games aimed at a younger audience, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends represents a passion project they've developed independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized this, stating, “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 also highlighted the timing of the game's development, coinciding with the rising popularity of F1, and noted that the game is self-funded thanks to their previous projects.
Being based in Milan, near the legendary Monza circuit, has undoubtedly influenced the game's development. 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 access to Switch 2 development kits, Migliori confirmed they will explore that opportunity when ready.
