Italian Studio 3DClouds has revealed Formula Legends, an arcade-style open-wheel racing art that pays for (no license required) tributes to paying tributes to more than 50 years of Formula 1 races.
3DClouds early on seeing how the game is shaped, and while elements like AI behaviour are still polished, the level of commitment to recreating the different eras of F1 is already very impressive.
Formula Legends comes with 16 car models, each with seven different livelies. While this car may be a genuine, thick toy style caricature, it may be covered in an unbranded ode in some of the most iconic race car designs in history, the inspiration behind each is very clear. Sound was a big focus for the team. This is a good thing to listen, especially considering how important it is to the identity of older F1 cars. Formula Legends also features mod support from livelies to Helmets and Trackside Sponsors.
Speaking of tracks, the 14 circuits come in multiple variations that reflect how they evolved over the years, from the 70s to the 2020s. These are also inspired by real places.
The story mode in Formula Legends sounds particularly promising. The ERA-based championship will be on tour through the decisive moments of Formula 1’s high-speed history.
The lace seems to have a considerable nuance. Not only does each of the 200 drivers in Formula Legend (including the Mike Shoemaker named Cheekley and current Championship leader Ozvaldo Pastry), there are skills perks to consider, but tire wear, fuel consumption, rubber-in racing lines, damage and dynamic weather are all factors. It will be interesting to learn how 3DClouds will ultimately blend these deeper elements with other accessible arcade approaches.
Producer Francesco Mantovani explained that the team took inspiration from the new 2023 star GP (it’s itself a throwback to a F1-themed 3D racing game), but wanted a bit more arcade-oriented version of the Formula legend.
“We tried to move it side by side between the new Star GP and the art of the rally from a gameplay perspective,” Mantovani said. “Art Oblary was the main inspiration I took on this game. I’m grateful for how it worked with the camera and track.”
The history of racing games at 3DClouds is certainly trending towards licensed racing games, including games like Paw Patrol Grand Prix, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, but the legend of the formula is described as a true passion project for the studio.
“I think it’s a game they really wanted to make, really, really long, and finally we have the resources to do that,” executive producer Roberta Miguriori said the studio’s employment history set it up just as Formula 1’s popularity continues to skyrocket. “The sport has grown in popularity, there’s a strong passion, and it seemed like a good moment. The game is fully funded thanks to the other games we’ve worked on.”
Located in Milan, 3DClouds is a short drive from Monza (the legendary speed temple in F1 and the third dedicated racetrack ever built).
Formula Legends will be released on Xbox One and Series X | S, PS4 and PS5 and PC, switching later this year. The team currently doesn’t have two kits, but Migliori confirmed that they will “examine the opportunity as soon as they’re ready.”
Luke is a senior editor of the Passthecontroller Review Team. You can track him down on Bluesky @Mrlukereilly and ask him about things.
