"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an exciting new racing game inspired by the aesthetics and gameplay of Art of Rally. This title offers an arcade-style, open-wheel racing experience that celebrates over 50 years of Formula 1 history, albeit without official licensing.

IGN had the privilege of an early preview, where 3DClouds showcased the game's development. While certain aspects like AI behavior are still in the refinement stages, the studio's dedication to accurately recreating various eras of F1 racing is already commendable.

Formula Legends will include 16 car models, each boasting seven unique liveries. These cars, while stylized in a chunky, toy-like manner, are clearly inspired by some of the most iconic racecar designs in Formula 1 history. The development team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, crucial for capturing the essence of older F1 cars. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, enhancing the overall experience.

The game will feature 14 circuits, each with multiple variations to represent their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world tracks.

Formula Legends’ story mode promises an engaging journey through the pivotal moments of F1 history, structured around era-based championships.

Racing in Formula Legends will involve nuanced gameplay mechanics. With 200 drivers, including amusing names like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, players will need to consider skill perks. Other factors such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, car damage, and dynamic weather will add depth to the racing experience. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these detailed elements with an accessible arcade feel.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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

While 3DClouds has a history of developing 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 passion project developed entirely independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the studio's long-term desire to create this game, made possible by their work-for-hire success and the rising popularity of Formula 1. "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.

The studio's proximity to Monza, the legendary Temple of Speed in Formula 1, has likely contributed to the project's authenticity.

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 does not have access to Switch 2 kits, Migliori confirmed they are keen to explore that platform in the future.