Italian studio 3DClouds has officially unveiled Formula Legends, an arcade-style open-wheel racing game inspired by Art of Rally. The game serves as an unlicensed homage to over five decades of Formula 1 history, blending retro charm with modern gameplay mechanics.
In an exclusive preview with IGN, 3DClouds showcased the game’s current development state. While certain elements—like AI behavior—are still being refined, the studio's dedication to capturing the evolution of F1 racing across multiple eras is already evident and highly impressive.
Formula Legends will feature 16 distinct car models, each offering seven unique liveries. Though stylized as exaggerated, toy-like renditions of classic F1 cars, their design inspirations are unmistakable. The development team has also placed a strong emphasis on authentic sound design—an essential component in bringing the high-octane atmosphere of vintage F1 racing to life. Additionally, the game will support modding for liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors, opening the door for extensive player customization.
The game includes 14 real-world-inspired circuits, each featuring multiple configurations that reflect how these tracks have changed from the 1970s through to the 2020s. This dynamic approach adds historical depth and variety to the racing experience.
A standout feature is the story mode, which organizes championships by era, guiding players through pivotal moments in F1 history. Gameplay depth extends beyond visual nostalgia, incorporating realistic elements such as driver skill perks (including humorously named characters like Mike Shoemaker and Osvald Pastry), tyre degradation, fuel management, evolving racing lines, vehicle damage, and dynamic weather conditions. How these systems integrate with the game’s otherwise accessible arcade style will be key to its appeal.
Formula Legends Reveal Screenshots
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Producer Francesco Mantovani shared that while the team drew inspiration from New Star GP—an F1-themed throwback to early 3D racers—they aimed for a more nuanced balance between arcade fun and simulation realism.
“We tried to position it somewhere between New Star GP and Art of Rally in terms of gameplay,” Mantovani explained. “Art of Rally was our main influence, especially in how they handled camera movement and track presentation.”
Although 3DClouds has previously focused on licensed racing titles for younger audiences—including games like Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem—Formula Legends marks a personal milestone for the studio. It is being developed entirely independently as a passion project.
Executive producer Roberta Migliori confirmed that years of work-for-hire projects have enabled the team to finally pursue this dream. With F1’s global popularity at an all-time high, she noted that now felt like the perfect time to bring Formula Legends to life.
“[It’s] a game we’ve wanted to make for a very long time,” said Migliori. “Thanks to the success of our previous titles, we now have the resources to do it right.”
Being based in Milan, just a short drive from the historic Monza circuit—often referred to as the Temple of Speed—has certainly helped fuel the team’s enthusiasm for the subject matter.
Formula Legends is set to launch later this year on Xbox One and Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. While the team does not currently have access to Nintendo Switch 2 development kits, Migliori stated that they will explore that option once the game reaches a more stable phase.