Formula Legends set to release later this year

I might have, just ever so slightly, mentioned once or twice that I’m a fan of racing. Just a little bit, though. Between F1, F2, F3, and F1 Academy, WRC, Formula E, WEC, and so on, I’m surprised I have time to sleep or play games. Nonetheless, revealed today, Formula Legends looks to be the best of both worlds when it comes to the history of Formula racing and also the history of Formula-style racing games of late. The majority of which have been focused on “realism,” kind of. Formula Legends wants to blend arcade racing with a hint of “hardcore” racing.

The press release states: “Italian studio 3DClouds is delighted to unveil an all-new racing experience that emulates the world’s most-beloved motorsport series, Formula Legends, which is set to launch on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5[,] and PC platforms (Steam, Epic Games Store) later this year.

Formula Legends is an over-the-spoiler racing game that perfectly blends arcade accessibility with the strategic nuance found at the peak of competitive motorsports. Tyre-wear, fuel consumption, rubbering in of racing lines, damage simulation[,] and changeable weather are just some of the elements that make the moment-to-moment gameplay of Formula Legends challenging, unpredictable[,] and most importantly, fun.

Race faithful reimaginings of some of open-wheel racing’s most iconic cars across tracks inspired by fan-favourite locations. Developed with a deep passion and reverence for motorsports, 3DClouds is building Formula Legends with established racing game fans in mind and those who are just stepping into the virtual cockpit for the first time.“

The trailer highlights some of the tracks you might be able to glean their inspiration from, including Monaco, classic Spa, Yas Marina, and maybe some others. The trailer also highlights that not only are you playing with cartoonish-looking versions of the cars we have in Formula 1 today, but also the cars of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and I think 2000s. The press release in particular notes of 16 unique car models throughout the decades, with 14 tracks inspired by real-life race tracks.

Play across leaderboards for the best time in time attack mode and even play in the story mode, with the press release noting, “Story Mode invites you to relive the defining moments of Formula racing. Compete in era-based championships, master legendary cars, and carve your name into history.” You can also set up custom races and even championships, and something for the PC players in particular, “personalize your ride with modding support—from liveries to helmets and trackside sponsors.“

CEO at 3DClouds, Francesco Bruschi, said of the announcement, “Race fast and have fun is a mantra that has driven this game’s development from day 1. We’ve made lots of racing games before (from Xenon to Paw Patrol Karts to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and more) but Formula Legends is a true labor of love. We have some of the biggest motorsport fans in the world in our office which is only a stone’s throw away from Monza, so all of us being able to put our unbridled passion and expertise into this game has been an absolute joy.

We really hope fans will dig Formula Legends and that we can help kickstart an arcade racing renaissance once more.”

In the pre-amble we get before the part of the press release we’re meant to quote, the comparisons given for Formula Legends is compared to Art of Rally and Circuit SuperStars. Given the art style, I’d probably make a crude comparison to F1 Race Stars, which is far from the gameplay of Formula Legends, as far as we’ve seen it is sort of laughable. Formula Legends looks to be a lot less Mario Kart-like and more of just a fun short racing game that isn’t too heavily focused on perfection, but will have hints of it.

I can’t wait to see more and get hands-on with Formula Legends later this year. As already mentioned, Formula Legends will be released on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via the Epic Games Store and Steam sometime later this year.