"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1 Thrill"

Italian developer 3DClouds has officially unveiled *Formula Legends*, a vibrant, arcade-style open-wheel racing game that draws heavy inspiration from the legacy of Formula 1. With its stylized visuals and gameplay reminiscent of titles like *Art of Rally*, the game aims to celebrate over five decades of F1 history—albeit in an unlicensed format.

In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased how *Formula Legends* is coming together. While some aspects—like AI behavior—are still being refined, the studio’s dedication to capturing the essence of various F1 eras is already evident and impressively detailed.

The game will feature 16 distinctive car models, each offering seven unique liveries. Though the cars are stylized and simplified—almost toy-like in appearance—their design clearly pays homage to some of the most iconic racecars in motorsport history. The development team has also placed strong emphasis on sound design, recognizing its importance in capturing the spirit of classic F1 machines. Additionally, modding support will be available for customizing liveries, helmets, and even trackside sponsors—an exciting feature that could significantly enhance replayability.

Each of the 14 circuits included in the game will offer multiple variations, reflecting how real-world tracks have evolved from the 1970s through to the 2020s. These tracks, while not exact replicas, are inspired by genuine locations, further strengthening the game's nostalgic connection to F1's rich heritage.

An Engaging Career Experience

The story mode promises to be one of *Formula Legends*’ standout features, taking players through era-based championships that highlight pivotal moments in F1 history. This chronological journey offers both educational value and immersive gameplay, blending realism with arcade fun.

Beneath its colorful exterior lies a surprising depth of simulation. With 200 drivers—including humorously named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry—each bringing unique skill perks into play, the game introduces several strategic layers. Factors such as tyre wear, fuel management, evolving racing lines, vehicle damage, and dynamic weather conditions will all influence performance, adding complexity to the otherwise accessible gameplay style.

Gameplay Vision and Development Roots

Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team initially drew inspiration from *New Star GP*, though they aimed to create something less overtly arcade-focused with *Formula Legends*. “We tried to position it somewhere between *New Star GP* and *Art of Rally* in terms of gameplay,” he explained. “*Art of Rally* was our main source of inspiration, especially in how they handled camera movement and track design.”

While 3DClouds is best known for family-friendly, licensed racing titles like *Paw Patrol Grand Prix*, *Fast & Furious: Spy Racers*, and *Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem*, *Formula Legends* marks a significant departure—a self-funded passion project developed entirely in-house.

Executive producer Roberta Migliori noted that the studio’s previous work-for-hire projects helped build the foundation needed to bring this dream to life. “I think it’s a game that they’ve been wanting to make for a really long time, and now we finally have the resources,” she said. With F1’s global popularity at an all-time high, the timing feels just right for this release.

Being based in Milan, only a short drive from the legendary Monza circuit—often referred to as the Temple of Speed—also served as a constant source of inspiration throughout development.

Release Platforms and Future Plans

*Formula Legends* is scheduled to launch later this year across Xbox One and Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. While the development team currently does not have access to Switch 2 development kits, Migliori confirmed they’ll consider the platform when the time is right.