"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled their latest project, Formula Legends, an engaging arcade-style racing game inspired by Art of Rally and paying homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 racing, albeit without official licenses. 3DClouds provided IGN with an exclusive preview, showcasing their dedication to authentically recreating various eras of F1 racing, despite AI behavior still needing refinement.

Formula Legends will boast 16 car models, each with seven distinct liveries. Although these cars are stylized as chunky, toy-like caricatures, their designs clearly echo some of the most iconic racecars in history. The development team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, crucial for capturing the essence of older F1 cars. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing for customization of liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, which could significantly enhance the gaming experience.

The game will feature 14 circuits, each with multiple variations to represent their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, inspired by real-world locations. The story mode promises to be a highlight, taking players through era-based championships that highlight key moments in F1's storied past.

Racing in Formula Legends will offer a nuanced experience, with 200 drivers, each with unique skill perks, alongside considerations like tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather. Balancing these complex elements with an accessible arcade approach will be key to the game's success.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023’s New Star GP, aiming to strike a balance between that game's arcade feel and the more nuanced gameplay of 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."

While 3DClouds is known for licensed racing games aimed at younger audiences, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix and Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, Formula Legends is a passion project developed independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the timing and resources that enabled this project: "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. 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 an extra layer of authenticity to the project. 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 their intent to explore this platform when feasible.