A new title from Italian developer 3DClouds is set to bring a unique look at the history of top-tier open-wheel racing with a cutesy arcade spin, when Formula Legends lands later in 2025.
Designed as both a highly accessible game and an interpretative homage to F1, Formula Legends promises some surprisingly deep simulation mechanics to what is in effect a third-person racer with some of the cutest car models inspired by the real deal that we’ve seen in a racing game in a while. Well, since F1 Race Stars anyway.
Unlike that title, Formula Legends doesn’t have an official licence to the sport, which means the game isn’t so much a recreation of F1 as it is a tribute to it — using the history to underpin what looks like a pretty fun experience from our short preview of it earlier this month.
That means that the 16 car models, spread across seven decades, and 14 circuits that the game will have at launch are all inspired by the real thing — and easily recognizable as such to F1 fans — but have their own individual look and names.
It’s a lineup that reminds us very firmly of the first Microprose Formula One Grand Prix title — the first of Geoff Crammond’s F1 titles — from the 1990s, though perhaps tilted more towards Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge’s roster, with teams like Ferenzo, McLauden, and White Horn, and drivers Mike Shoemaker and Luis Hammerton, not being too distant from the McPherson team of the former and the likes of Nijel Mainsail and Mickey Louder from the latter.
Nonetheless, the 16 launch-day car models are highly reminiscent of some of the most iconic vehicles of their respecting eras, with each coming in seven different liveries also inspired by leading teams of each period to pack out some colorful — and authentic-sounding — 14-car grids.
There are more to come too, with post-launch updates on the table and the team noting that some classics like the Tyrrell P34 and the high-wing era McLaren M7C aren’t in the game… yet.
Additionally the cars also support era-appropriate technologies and limitations. Modern cars come with hybrid power, “Battery Recovery System”, and “Wind Reduction System”, but cannot refuel, while older cars won’t have these technologies and must refuel in their pit stops — which also feature minigames to service the car properly, including repairing damage as indicated by a health bar. Driver aids like traction control and ABS are included where appropriate too.
The drivers, who number over 200, are also all based on the real deal, and each feature their own unique helmets and a perk system which can grant them up to two pre-set abilities similar to their inspirations’ real-world capabilities. Some may be better in the wet, or at preserving tires, for example, and when appearing as opponent AIs the legendary drivers will pose more of a challenge in addition to global AI difficulty.
Each of the 14 circuits is also inspired by the real thing, but adjusted to form a sort-of highlights package of the courses’ most recognizable features and for an appropriate length. They’ll also feature three eras — Vintage, Classic, and Modern — with different layouts; we saw the “Riviera” course in France and the “Ardennes” course in Belgium, with at least Abu Dhabi, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, and Japan also included. There’s even dynamic weather and course rubbering-in effects.
As for the racing itself, it all takes place in a sort-of extreme third-person view that 3DClouds refers to as “over-the-spoiler”, to give it a unique perspective and that accessible arcade feel.
While we’ve not had a chance to try it out for ourselves yet, the preview did include some gameplay — don’t worry, the tunnel at “Riviera” becomes transparent as you drive through it — and it seemed pretty slick. The high vantage point also gives a good look at the circuit surroundings, with its Sensible Software-esque spectators, and 3DClouds also noted there’d be some easter eggs for F1 fans dotted about too.
As you might spot in the image above, there’s different game HUD overlays that match the era of vehicle you’re racing and designed to resemble in-period TV broadcast graphics. The screen also gets a bit blurry when you’re racing in the wet, as water coats the lens.
A Story Mode will allow you to play through six decades of the sport, in different eras of the championship, unlocking cars and drivers through completion to use in other game modes — such as creating your own custom races and championships. Although there’s no head-to-head online multiplayer as yet — it’s something under discussion — there are online leaderboards in “Time Attack” mode.
There’s likely plenty more to come before the title launches later in 2025; we know that the game will include a photo mode, but while 3DClouds wouldn’t directly confirm an in-game livery editor yet there will be support for mods on liveries, helmets, and trackside sponsors.
While a more specific release date hasn’t yet been shared, the title is now listed on Steam and the Epic Games Store for wishlisting on PC, and will also arrive on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series, and Nintendo Switch.
“Formula Legends is a true labour of love,” says Francesco Bruschi, CEO of 3DClouds. “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.”
We’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on it, and we’ll bring you more information as we get it.
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