"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, a new racing game inspired by the acclaimed Art of Rally and paying homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 racing with an arcade-style twist, though without official licenses. In an exclusive preview with IGN, the game showcases a commendable dedication to recreating various eras of F1 history, despite ongoing refinements in areas like AI behavior.

Formula Legends will feature 16 car models, each adorned with seven distinct liveries. These cars, while stylized as chunky, toy-like caricatures, pay clear tribute to some of the most iconic racecar designs through their off-brand aesthetics. The development team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, which is vital for capturing the essence of vintage F1 cars. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, potentially enhancing the game's replay value.

The game includes 14 circuits, each with multiple variations reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world locations. Formula Legends' story mode promises to be engaging, offering era-based championships that chronicle the pivotal moments of F1's storied past.

Racing in Formula Legends is set to be nuanced, with 200 drivers, each possessing unique skill perks. Players will need to manage tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, car damage, and dynamic weather conditions. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these complex elements with an accessible arcade-style approach.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that while drawing inspiration from 2023's New Star GP, which evokes early 3D racing games with an F1 theme, the team aimed to steer Formula Legends towards a balance more akin to Art of Rally. "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."

Although 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 represents a passion project developed independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the studio's long-held desire to create such a game, now made possible through resources from previous projects. "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," Migliori stated, highlighting the timing with the rising 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."

The studio's proximity to Monza, the legendary Temple of Speed and one of the earliest purpose-built race tracks, may have also inspired their dedication to the project.

Formula Legends is slated for release later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, PC, and Switch. While 3DClouds does not yet have access to Switch 2 development kits, Migliori confirmed they are keen to explore this opportunity as soon as feasible.