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

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled *Formula Legends*, a captivating new title inspired by the arcade-style racing of *Art of Rally*, which pays homage to over 50 years of Formula 1 racing without official licensing. In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's progress, highlighting their dedication to authentically recreating various eras of F1, despite ongoing refinements to elements like AI behavior.

*Formula Legends* will feature 16 car models, each boasting seven distinct liveries. While the cars are designed as chunky, toy-style caricatures, their inspiration from some of the most iconic racecar designs in history is unmistakable. The team has placed a strong emphasis on sound, a crucial element 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 include 14 circuits, each with multiple variations to reflect their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world locations. *Formula Legends*' story mode promises to be particularly engaging, offering era-based championships that guide players through pivotal moments in F1's storied history.

Racing in *Formula Legends* will involve nuanced gameplay, with each of the 200 drivers, including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, possessing unique skill perks. Players will also need to manage tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather conditions. It will be fascinating to see how 3DClouds balances these deeper elements with an accessible arcade-style approach.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from 2023's *New Star GP*, a throwback to early 3D racing games with an F1 theme, but aimed to position *Formula Legends* between *New Star GP* and *Art of Rally* in terms of gameplay. "Art of Rally was the main inspiration we took for this game. We appreciate how they worked on the camera and on the tracks," Mantovani explained.

While 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* is described as a passion project, developed independently. Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the studio's long-held desire to create this game, made possible by their work-for-hire history and the rising popularity of F1. "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," Migliori stated.

The studio's proximity to Monza, Formula 1's legendary Temple of Speed, likely adds to their enthusiasm for the project. *Formula Legends* is set to launch later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, PC, and Switch. Although 3DClouds does not currently have Switch 2 kits, Migliori confirmed they will explore that opportunity when ready.