"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, a captivating homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 racing, drawing inspiration from the acclaimed Art of Rally while embracing an arcade-style approach to open-wheel racing. Despite the unlicensed nature of the game, 3DClouds has given IGN an exclusive sneak peek, showcasing their dedication to authentically recreating various eras of F1, although some elements like AI behavior are still being refined.

Formula Legends will boast an impressive array of 16 car models, each available in seven distinct liveries. While the cars are designed as chunky, toy-style caricatures, they pay clear homage to some of the most iconic racecar designs in history. The team at 3DClouds has placed a significant emphasis on sound, a crucial element for capturing the essence of older F1 cars. Moreover, the game will support extensive modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, which could greatly enhance the gaming experience.

Speaking of tracks, Formula Legends will feature 14 circuits, each with multiple variations reflecting their evolution from the '70s to the 2020s. These circuits draw inspiration from real-world locations, promising a diverse and historically rich racing environment.

The game's story mode is particularly promising, offering era-based championships that will guide players through the defining moments of F1's storied history. The racing mechanics are set to introduce nuanced elements, including skill perks for the 200 drivers, such as the playfully named Mike Shoemaker and current championship leader Osvald Pastry. Players will also need to manage tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather conditions. The challenge for 3DClouds will be to seamlessly integrate these deeper elements into an accessible arcade-style experience.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani revealed that while taking inspiration from 2023’s New Star GP, 3DClouds 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.

Although 3DClouds has primarily developed licensed racing games for younger audiences, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends is a passion project, developed entirely independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the studio's long-standing desire to create this game, 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 highlighted that the timing was perfect, given the soaring popularity of F1 and the studio's successful work-for-hire history, which has enabled them to self-fund the project.

Being based in Milan, near Monza—Formula 1's legendary Temple of Speed—has undoubtedly added 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. While the team does not currently have access to Switch 2 kits, Migliori confirmed they will explore this opportunity when ready.