Formula Legends: Arcade-Style F1 Tribute Unveiled by 3DClouds

Italian developer 3DClouds has introduced Formula Legends, an arcade-style racing game inspired by Art of Rally, celebrating over five decades of Formula 1 with an unlicensed homage.

3DClouds shared an early preview with IGN, showcasing a game still refining aspects like AI behavior but already excelling in capturing various F1 eras with striking detail.

Formula Legends includes 16 car models, each boasting seven distinct liveries. These toy-like vehicles, styled after iconic racecar designs, clearly reflect their real-world inspirations. The team prioritized authentic sound design, vital for evoking the essence of classic F1 cars. Modding support for liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors adds significant creative potential.

The game features 14 circuits, each with variations reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, drawing inspiration from real-world tracks.

The story mode in Formula Legends promises an engaging journey through F1’s most iconic moments via era-specific championships.

Racing dynamics are nuanced, with 200 drivers—including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and current leader Osvald Pastry—each with unique skill perks. Factors like tire wear, fuel management, track conditions, damage, and dynamic weather add depth to the accessible arcade experience. How 3DClouds balances these elements will be key to its success.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

Producer Francesco Mantovani noted that the team drew inspiration from 2023’s New Star GP, an F1-themed retro racer, but aimed for a gameplay style bridging New Star GP and Art of Rally’s finesse.

“We sought a balance between New Star GP and Art of Rally for gameplay,” Mantovani explained. “Art of Rally heavily influenced our approach to camera work and track design.”

While 3DClouds has a history of licensed racing titles for younger audiences, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends is a passion-driven, fully independent project.

“This is a game the team has dreamed of creating for years, and we finally have the means to do it,” said executive producer Roberta Migliori, highlighting how the studio’s past work-for-hire projects and F1’s growing popularity made this possible. “The sport’s rising appeal and our team’s passion aligned perfectly. This project is entirely self-funded from our previous titles.”

Located in Milan, near the iconic Monza circuit—Formula 1’s legendary Temple of Speed—3DClouds’ proximity likely fueled their inspiration.

Formula Legends will launch on Xbox One, Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Switch later this year. While Switch 2 support isn’t currently planned, Migliori noted they’ll explore that option when feasible.