Formula Legends: Retro F1 Racing with Arcade Flair
Formula Legends, the brainchild of Italian studio 3DClouds, is poised to deliver a fresh take on open-wheel racing. Drawing inspiration from titles like Art of Rally, this arcade-style racer offers an unlicensed yet loving tribute to over half a century of Formula 1 history.
was given an exclusive preview of the game, and while some aspects, such as AI behavior, are still being refined, the dedication to recreating different eras of F1 is already evident. Formula Legends will feature 16 distinct car models, each boasting seven different liveries.
Paying Homage to F1 History While the cars in Formula Legends are stylized caricatures, their designs clearly evoke some of the most iconic race cars ever created. The development team has also placed a significant emphasis on sound design, understanding its crucial role in capturing the unique character of classic F1 vehicles.
Adding to the game's appeal, Formula Legends will offer modding support, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and even trackside sponsors. This feature has the potential to greatly enhance the game's longevity and community engagement. Speaking of tracks, the 14 circuits included will feature multiple variations, reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world locations.
A Deep Dive into Gameplay Formula Legends' story mode promises an engaging experience, with era-based championships that take players on a journey through pivotal moments in F1's rich history. The racing itself appears to have considerable depth. Each of the 200 drivers, including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, will possess unique skill perks.
Furthermore, players will need to manage tire wear, fuel consumption, and the ever-changing grip of rubbered-in racing lines. Damage and dynamic weather conditions will also play a significant role, adding layers of strategy to the arcade racing experience. It remains to be seen how 3DClouds will balance these intricate elements with the game's overall accessible nature. Producer Francesco Mantovani explained that while the team drew inspiration from New Star GP, they aimed for something less purely arcade-focused. Mantovani stated, "We tried to move it in line between New Star GP and Art of Rally, in terms of gameplay." He further emphasized, "Art of Rally was the main inspiration we took for this game. We appreciate how they worked on the camera and on the tracks.” 3DClouds, known for licensed racing games aimed at younger audiences, describes Formula Legends as a true passion project, developed entirely independently.
Executive producer Roberta Migliori confirmed, "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." Migliori also noted that the studio's history of work-for-hire projects has positioned them well as F1's popularity continues its upward trajectory. “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 fact that 3DClouds is based in Milan, a short distance from the iconic Monza circuit, likely contributed to the team's enthusiasm. Formula Legends is scheduled to launch later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, PC, and Switch. While the team currently lacks Switch 2 development kits, Migliori confirmed they will "look into that opportunity as soon as we are ready.”