"Formula Legends Blends Art of Rally with F1 Thrill"

Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled *Formula Legends*, a game that draws inspiration from *Art of Rally* and offers an arcade-style, open-wheel racing experience that celebrates over 50 years of Formula 1 history, albeit without official licenses. In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game's development, emphasizing their dedication to authentically recreating various eras of F1 racing, although AI behavior is still being refined.

*Formula Legends* will feature an impressive lineup of 16 car models, each boasting seven distinct liveries. While these cars are designed as chunky, toy-style caricatures, their inspiration from iconic racecar designs is unmistakable. The team at 3DClouds has also placed a strong emphasis on sound, a vital aspect 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 includes 14 circuits, each with multiple variations to represent their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, inspired by real-world locations. The story mode promises to be engaging, offering era-based championships that explore pivotal moments in F1's storied past.

Racing in *Formula Legends* is set to be nuanced, with 200 drivers, including playfully named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry, each possessing unique skill perks. Players will also need to manage tyre wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather, blending these deeper elements with an accessible arcade-style gameplay. The balance 3DClouds achieves between these aspects will be crucial to watch.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that the team drew inspiration from *New Star GP* but aimed to position *Formula Legends* between *New Star GP* and *Art of Rally* in terms of gameplay. Mantovani highlighted *Art of Rally* as a primary influence, particularly praising its camera work and track design.

While 3DClouds is known for developing licensed racing games aimed at younger audiences, such as *Paw Patrol Grand Prix*, *Fast & Furious: Spy Racers*, and *Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem*, *Formula Legends* marks a passion project developed independently by the studio. Executive producer Roberta Migliori expressed that this game has been a long-cherished dream for the team, made possible by the resources gained from their previous work. The timing of the game's development aligns perfectly with the rising popularity of F1, and it is entirely self-funded.

The studio's proximity to Monza, known as Formula 1's Temple of Speed, likely adds to their passion and authenticity in developing *Formula Legends*. The game is set to launch later this year on Xbox One, Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Switch. Although 3DClouds currently lacks access to Switch 2 development kits, Migliori assured that they would explore this opportunity once feasible.