"Formula Legends: Where Art of Rally Meets F1"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an engaging arcade-style, open-wheel racing game inspired by Art of Rally that celebrates over 50 years of Formula 1 racing history, albeit without official licenses. In an exclusive preview with IGN, the game's development showcased a promising commitment to capturing the essence of various F1 eras, even though certain aspects like AI behavior are still being refined.

With 16 car models, each boasting seven unique liveries, Formula Legends transforms these vehicles into charming, toy-like representations of iconic racecars. Despite their playful aesthetic, the homage to real-life designs is unmistakable. The development team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, a vital component especially for older F1 cars, ensuring an authentic auditory experience. Additionally, the game will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, which could significantly enhance the game's replayability.

The 14 circuits in Formula Legends will offer multiple variations, reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, and are inspired by actual locations. This attention to detail promises a rich racing experience. The story mode, structured around era-based championships, aims to immerse players in the pivotal moments of F1 history, adding depth to the gameplay.

Racing in Formula Legends will incorporate nuanced elements such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather. With 200 drivers, each with unique skill perks, including the amusingly named Mike Shoemaker and championship leader Osvald Pastry, the game aims to balance arcade accessibility with deeper racing mechanics. How 3DClouds integrates these elements into an approachable arcade framework will be a fascinating aspect to observe.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that while Formula Legends draws inspiration from 2023's New Star GP, which echoes early 3D racing games, the team aimed for a gameplay experience that sits between New Star GP and Art of Rally. Mantovani highlighted Art of Rally as the primary influence, particularly praising its camera work and track design.

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 significant departure as a self-funded passion project. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the timing of the project, coinciding with the surge in F1's popularity. She noted that the studio's previous work-for-hire projects have financially enabled this venture.

The strategic location of 3DClouds in Milan, near the iconic Monza circuit, 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 currently lacks access to Switch 2 development kits, Migliori expressed interest in exploring this platform in the future.