Formula Legends Pays Tribute to Motorsport’s Legacy

Formula 1 remains one of the world's most prestigious motorsports, so it's no surprise Formula Legacy wears that inspiration on its sleeve.

3D Clouds have built up quite the back catalogue of racing games across the years, usually as some sort of licensed tie-in. Transformers, PAW Patrol and Fast & Furious are just the most famous examples, so its next stop being a Formula 1-inspired racer is slightly surprising. Formula Legends promises a blend of arcade-like gameplay mixed with strategic considerations.

I was recently invited to a hands-off preview presentation to learn more, speaking with three developers from 3D Clouds. What's immediately clear is how much Formula Legends leans into the parody aspect. The cartoony graphics remind me of 2012's F1 Race Stars, while driver names take a similar approach to New Star GP. Humorous highlights include off-brand yet recognisable '80s and '90s talents like Alan Proust and Jill Veuvelle, racing in 16 vehicles with seven liveries each.

What's caught my attention is how the game transpires across six different decades, and I like how each track changes to reflect the times. Every circuit takes inspiration from historic racing circuits like the Circuit de Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps. This delivers some familiar turns mixed with original sections that push the limits of not having the licence, though I find myself wishing to drive across the actual circuits directly.

Strategy soon comes into play during races. Tyre wear, fuel consumption, damage simulation and dynamic weather with varying grip all need monitoring, as does battery management for extra performance and slipstreaming for increased speed. All seems reasonable, though not going hands-on makes that difficult to directly judge.

Formula Legends promises four different gameplay modes when it launches, chiefly featuring 'Story Mode' where you compete in era-based championships. Customizing your own races and championships is a great addition on paper, while the 'Time Attack' mode lets you compete on global leaderboards. Modding support is also featured.

There's not much else I can say for now, but I'll be keen to see more when Formula Legends arrives later this year on Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.