"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an exciting new racing game inspired by the acclaimed Art of Rally, which offers an arcade-style experience reminiscent of over 50 years of Formula 1 racing. Although the game is unlicensed, it pays homage to the iconic sport with great detail and passion.

In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's development progress. While aspects such as AI behavior are still being refined, the studio's dedication to capturing various eras of F1 is already evident and impressive.

Formula Legends will boast 16 car models, each featuring seven distinct liveries. These cars, while designed as chunky, toy-like caricatures, clearly draw inspiration from some of the most iconic racecar designs in history. The team at 3DClouds has placed a significant emphasis on sound, a crucial element for capturing the essence of older F1 cars. Moreover, the game will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, which could significantly enhance the game's appeal.

The game will include 14 circuits, each with multiple variations to reflect their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s. These tracks are inspired by real-world locations, adding to the game's authenticity and depth.

Formula Legends' story mode promises to be a highlight, offering era-based championships that guide players through pivotal moments in F1's storied history.

The racing mechanics in Formula Legends are set to be nuanced, with each of the 200 drivers, including humorously named characters like Mike Shoemaker and current championship leader Osvald Pastry, featuring unique skill perks. Players will need to contend with elements such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather, which will add layers of strategy to the otherwise accessible arcade-style gameplay. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these complex elements with an approachable gaming experience.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023's New Star GP, a game that evokes the nostalgia of early 3D racing games with an F1 theme. However, they aimed to strike a balance closer to that of New Star GP and Art of Rally for Formula Legends. "We tried to move it in line between New Star GP and Art of Rally, in terms of gameplay," Mantovani stated. "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 for younger audiences, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends marks a shift as a passion project developed independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the team's long-held desire to create such a game, saying, "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." She highlighted how the studio's work-for-hire history and the surging popularity of F1 have provided the perfect opportunity. "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, likely adds an extra layer of inspiration to their work.

Formula Legends is slated to launch later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, PC, and Switch. While 3DClouds currently does not have Switch 2 development kits, Migliori assured that they will "look into that opportunity as soon as we are ready."