Italian studio 3DClouds has unveiled Formula Legends, an arcade-style, open-wheel racer inspired by Art of Rally that pays unlicensed homage to more than five decades of Formula 1.

3DClouds offered IGN an early preview of the game's development. While aspects like AI behavior are still being refined, the dedication to recreating multiple F1 eras is already striking.

Formula Legends will include 16 car models, each with seven distinct liveries. These chunky, toy-like caricatures of real cars are dressed in off-brand tributes to some of motorsport's most iconic designs, making their inspirations unmistakable. The team has prioritized authentic sound design, which is crucial for capturing the character of classic F1 cars. The game will also support modding for liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, adding significant potential for community content.

The 14 circuits will feature multiple variations reflecting their evolution from the 1970s to the 2020s, all inspired by real-world locations.

The story mode is especially promising, with era-based championships designed to guide players through the defining moments of F1's high-speed history.

The racing mechanics also appear nuanced. Each of the 200 drivers—including cheekily named stars like Mike Shoemaker and current points leader Osvald Pastry—will have unique skill perks. Factors like tire wear, fuel consumption, rubbered-in racing lines, damage, and dynamic weather will further influence races. It will be interesting to see how 3DClouds balances these deeper simulation elements with the game's accessible arcade core.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

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Producer Francesco Mantovani explained the team drew inspiration from 2023's New Star GP—an F1-themed nod to early 3D racers—but aimed for a slightly less pure-arcade feel for Formula Legends.

"We tried to position it between New Star GP and Art of Rally in terms of gameplay," said Mantovani. "Art of Rally was our primary inspiration, particularly in their approach to camera work and track design."

While 3DClouds' past racing games, such as Paw Patrol Grand Prix and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, targeted younger audiences with licensed properties, Formula Legends is described as a true passion project developed independently.

"This is a game they've wanted to make for a very long time, and we finally have the resources," confirmed executive producer Roberta Migliori. The studio's work-for-hire projects have positioned it well as F1's popularity grows. "With the sport's rising profile and our team's strong passion, the timing felt right. The game is entirely self-funded thanks to our previous projects."

Being based in Milan, just a short drive from the legendary Monza circuit, certainly doesn't hurt the atmosphere.

Formula Legends is set to launch on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch later this year. The team currently lacks Switch 2 dev kits but plans to "explore that opportunity as soon as we are ready."