Italian studio 3DClouds has introduced Formula Legends, an arcade-inspired open-wheel racing game drawing from Art of Rally, celebrating over five decades of Formula 1 history with an unlicensed tribute.

3DClouds shared an early preview with IGN, showcasing promising progress despite ongoing refinements to AI behavior. The game’s dedication to recreating various F1 eras stands out as particularly striking.

Formula Legends will include 16 car models, each sporting seven unique liveries. These toy-like, chunky designs pay homage to iconic racecar aesthetics with clear inspirations, despite their off-brand styling. The development team has prioritized sound design, crucial for capturing the essence of vintage F1 cars. Modding support for liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors adds exciting potential for customization.

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

The story mode in Formula Legends promises an engaging journey through pivotal moments in F1’s thrilling history, with era-specific championships.

Racing depth is another highlight, 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, dynamic racing lines, damage, and changing weather add complexity. How 3DClouds balances these elements with arcade accessibility will be intriguing to see.

Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots

Producer Francesco Mantovani noted that the team drew inspiration from 2023’s New Star GP, a retro F1-themed racer, but aimed for a less purely arcade experience with Formula Legends.

“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 project, fully self-funded by the studio.

“This is a game we’ve long dreamed of making, and now we have the means,” said executive producer Roberta Migliori, highlighting how their work-for-hire projects and F1’s growing popularity aligned perfectly. “The sport’s rising appeal and our team’s passion made this the ideal time. The project is entirely self-funded, thanks to our past work.”

The studio’s location in Milan, near the iconic Monza circuit—Formula 1’s Temple of Speed—likely fueled their inspiration.

Formula Legends is set to release on Xbox One, Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Switch later this year. While Switch 2 kits are not yet available to the team, Migliori noted they will explore that option when ready.