Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an arcade-style open-wheel racing game inspired by Art of Rally, that celebrates over 50 years of Formula 1 history—unlicensed but unmistakably authentic in spirit.
In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game’s progress, revealing a deep dedication to capturing the evolution of F1 across decades. While aspects like AI behavior are still being refined, the attention to era-specific detail is already striking.
The game will feature 16 distinct car models, each outfitted with seven unique liveries. Though stylized with a chunky, toy-like aesthetic, the vehicles pay clear homage to some of the most legendary designs in motorsport history—reimagined with fictional branding that still evokes their real-world counterparts. Audio plays a crucial role in the experience, with engine sounds meticulously crafted to reflect the character of each era, especially the roaring beasts of vintage F1. Additionally, Formula Legends will support modding, allowing players to customize liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors—an exciting feature that could greatly extend the game’s longevity.
The 14 circuits included are also inspired by real-world locations, each offering multiple configurations that reflect their historical transformations from the 1970s through to the 2020s. This dynamic track evolution reinforces the game’s chronological journey through F1’s legacy.
A standout element is the story mode, which structures gameplay around era-based championships, guiding players through pivotal moments in F1’s high-octane history. It’s not just a nostalgic tour—it’s a racing experience layered with depth. With 200 drivers on the grid—including playful nods like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry—each brings unique skill perks into play. On-track realism is enhanced by mechanics such as tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, vehicle damage, and dynamic weather, all balanced within an otherwise accessible arcade framework. How 3DClouds integrates these simulation elements with the game’s stylized, approachable core will be fascinating to see at launch.
Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots
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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that while 2023’s New Star GP served as initial inspiration—a game known for its retro, simplified take on F1—the team aimed for something more nuanced. “We tried to move it in line between New Star GP and Art of Rally, in terms of gameplay,” Mantovani explained. “Art of Rally was the main inspiration we took for this game. We appreciate how they worked on the camera and on the tracks.”
While 3DClouds has previously focused on licensed, family-oriented racing titles like Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, Formula Legends marks a bold departure—a passion project developed entirely in-house and self-funded through the studio’s prior successes.
Executive producer Roberta Migliori emphasized the personal significance of the project: “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.” She noted that the studio’s experience from previous work-for-hire projects positioned them perfectly to launch this title amid surging global interest in 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.”
Being based in Milan—just a stone’s throw from Monza, the iconic "Temple of Speed" and one of the world’s oldest purpose-built racetracks—has undoubtedly fueled the team’s connection to the sport’s heritage.
Formula Legends is set to release later this year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. While the team does not yet have access to Switch 2 development kits, Migliori confirmed they will “look into that opportunity as soon as we are ready.”
