Simulation that meets arcade or?
“Formula Legends” is a colorful racing title that takes players on a nostalgic journey through the golden decades of racing cars. Although it has no official connection to Formula 1, names like “Jorsey” (a nod to Jordan), “Penault” (Renault), and drivers like Jason Blunton, Felise Massa, and Freddi Irpine bring a humorous parody, combined with toy-like visuals — familiar yet refreshing.
The game was launched on September 18, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
It was developed by the studio 3DClouds, which is also behind titles like Allstar Fruit Racing and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem. This is their most ambitious project to date, with a clear goal of attracting motorsport enthusiasts.
Spanning seven decades — from the 60s to the 2020s — Formula Legends offers a career mode full of unlocking cars, tracks, and drivers. The tracks change over time — from straw bales by the road in the 60s to safety barriers of the modern era. Although the cars are designed in a “miniature” style with humorous details, they still retain the characteristic elements from each era. One of the more interesting additions is the “Wind Reduction System” (WRS), or DRS for those following F1.
The game features over 30 cars, 60 drivers, and 14 carefully reconstructed tracks. The career mode provides a sense of progression — you unlock content through points, “story cups,” and mileage. It is clear that the creators seriously studied the history of motorsport and extracted what makes each era memorable, but presented it all in a more relaxed and accessible way.
It is not a replacement for Formula 1 simulation — that is not its intention. Instead, Formula Legends positions itself as a more relaxed alternative — a game for moments when you want a taste of racing without the pressure of simulation.
The studio 3DClouds characterizes Formula Legends as a mix of simulation and arcade. The game includes tire wear, fuel consumption, weather conditions, and mini-games for pit stops. At the same time, assists like traction control, ABS, and the aforementioned WRS system help make the game accessible even for less experienced players.
Despite the “miniature” style, the cars are not easy to handle. You can lose control, spin out, or lock up the brakes under pressure. The tracks have strict limits — “invalidated” laps will remind you that mistakes matter. However, the physics do not aim for complete simulation — the game balances between the enjoyment of arcade and the feeling of motorsport.
Drawbacks and what could be improved:
The main problems arise on the track. The handling sometimes feels imprecise, reminiscent of earlier PS2/PS1 titles without analog controls. The entries into corners are not precise enough — you often rely on "controls" instead of perfecting your technique. AI opponents further complicate the experience — they vary from sluggish to unfairly strong and often ignore the same logic that the player must adhere to.
Collisions lack fluidity and predictability — expected in arcade racing, but sometimes irritating. During my two-hour trial, the collisions were unpredictable, but paradoxically fun — they added a dose of chaos that sometimes worked in favor of the experience.
After driving, I noticed that the optimal racing line is almost the only place where you get good grip. Even the slightest deviation from it causes a significant loss of speed. This is not typical for a simulation, but here it is very noticeable. Even braking is sometimes not enough to stop the car — so I often relied on "letting off the gas" and gentle acceleration instead of sudden braking. All of this confirms the impression — Formula Legends leans more towards arcade than true simulation.
Conclusion
Formula Legends manages to be a sort of fun introduction to the history of Formula 1. Its miniature style, witty parodies, and well-thought-out progression system make it a pleasant package at a fair price — 19.99 euros. For casual racing fans, it provides a playful break from demanding simulations.
A copy of the game for review purposes was provided by the development studio 3DClouds
