Italian developer 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an arcade-style open-wheel racer inspired by Art of Rally that celebrates (in unlicensed form) over five decades of Formula 1 history.
3DClouds provided IGN with an exclusive preview, revealing that while AI behavior and other elements remain in development, their meticulous recreation of various F1 eras already shows remarkable attention to detail.
Formula Legends will include 16 distinct car models featuring seven liveries each. While presented in a charming toy-like aesthetic, each vehicle clearly pays homage to legendary racecar designs through creative non-branded interpretations. The development team has prioritized authentic audio design - particularly important for capturing the essence of classic F1 vehicles. The game will also support modding for liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, offering significant customization potential.
The game features 14 circuits, each with multiple configurations reflecting their real-world evolution from the 1970s through the 2020s. Formula Legends' story mode appears especially compelling, with era-specific championships designed to revisit pivotal moments in F1 history.
The racing mechanics promise surprising depth, featuring 200 drivers (including humorously named characters like Mike Shoemaker) with unique skill perks. Additional racing elements include tire wear, fuel consumption, dynamic racing lines, vehicle damage, and changing weather conditions. The studio's ability to balance these simulation aspects with accessible arcade gameplay will be fascinating to observe.
Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots
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Producer Francesco Mantovani explained their creative direction: "We drew inspiration from 2023's New Star GP but aimed for something less purely arcade-oriented. Our gameplay sits between New Star GP and Art of Rally - especially in terms of camera work and track design, where Art of Rally was our primary reference."
While 3DClouds' portfolio includes licensed racing titles for younger audiences (such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix), Formula Legends represents the studio's independent passion project. Executive producer Roberta Migliori noted: "This is a game we've wanted to create for years. The growing popularity of F1 and our accumulated resources from previous projects made this the perfect time for our first self-funded title."
The studio's Milan location - conveniently close to Monza's legendary racetrack - likely provided additional inspiration. Formula Legends launches later this year across Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Switch platforms. While Switch 2 development kits aren't currently available, Migliori confirmed they'll explore this option when possible.
