Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled their latest project, Formula Legends, an exciting, arcade-style racing game inspired by the critically acclaimed Art of Rally. This game pays homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 racing, albeit without official licensing, promising a thrilling experience for fans of open-wheel racing.
In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's current development status. Although the AI behavior is still being refined, the dedication to recreating various eras of F1 is already striking. Formula Legends will include 16 car models, each adorned with seven unique liveries. While the cars are designed as chunky, toy-like caricatures, their inspiration from some of the most iconic racecar designs in history is unmistakable. The team has also placed significant 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, which could significantly enhance the gameplay experience.
Each of the 14 circuits in Formula Legends will offer multiple variations, reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world locations. The game's story mode is set to be a highlight, taking players through era-based championships and revisiting the defining moments of F1's history.
Racing in Formula Legends promises to 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 conditions. How 3DClouds balances these deeper elements with an accessible arcade approach will be fascinating to see.
Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots
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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that while drawing inspiration from 2023's New Star GP, which harks back to early 3D racing games, the team aimed to create a gameplay experience that lies between New Star GP and Art of Rally. "Art of Rally was the main inspiration we took for this game," Mantovani explained. "We appreciate how they worked on the camera and on the tracks."
Although 3DClouds has primarily developed licensed racing games for younger audiences in the past, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends represents a passion project for the studio. "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," said executive producer Roberta Migliori, highlighting the studio's strategic timing with the growing 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."
Located in Milan, near the iconic Monza circuit, 3DClouds is ideally positioned to draw inspiration from one of Formula 1's legendary tracks. 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 yet have access to Switch 2 development kits, Migliori confirmed they will explore this opportunity as soon as possible.
