"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled their latest project, Formula Legends, a captivating take on arcade-style racing inspired by the acclaimed Art of Rally. This game offers an unlicensed homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 history, bringing a unique twist to open-wheel racing.

In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the impressive progress of Formula Legends. Although elements like AI behavior are still being refined, the studio's dedication to accurately recreating various eras of F1 racing is already evident. The game will feature 16 car models, each boasting seven distinct liveries. While the cars are designed as chunky, toy-style caricatures, their inspiration from iconic racecar designs is unmistakable. Sound has been a key focus for the team, essential for capturing the unique identity of older F1 cars. Additionally, Formula Legends will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, enhancing the game's replayability.

The game includes 14 circuits, each with multiple variations reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world locations. The story mode promises to be a highlight, offering era-based championships that guide players through pivotal moments in F1's storied history.

Racing in Formula Legends will be nuanced, with 200 drivers, including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, each possessing unique skill perks. Players will also need to manage tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather, adding depth to the otherwise accessible arcade-style gameplay. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these elements.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023's New Star GP, a throwback to early 3D racing games, but aimed to create something less arcade-focused for Formula Legends. "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."

While 3DClouds has primarily developed 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 independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the studio's long-held desire to create this game, made possible by their work-for-hire history and the rising popularity of F1. "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. "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, Formula 1's legendary Temple of Speed, likely adds to their enthusiasm for the project. Formula Legends is set to launch later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, PC, and Switch. Although 3DClouds does not currently have Switch 2 kits, Migliori confirmed they will explore that opportunity when ready.