Review: Formula Legends

Developer – 3DClouds

Publisher – 3DClouds

Platforms –  PS4/5,Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch,PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

Formula 1 racing — the epitome of adrenaline-filled, fast-paced, high-action motorsport that keeps you on the edge of your seat. From the developers at 3DClouds comes Formula Legends, an arcade-style racer that captures the spirit of F1 from the 1960s up to today’s cutting-edge technology. But how does it stack up as an arcade racer, and is it worth your time?

Formula Legends falls into a unique niche within motorsport games. We rarely see Formula 1 represented in an arcade setting. When I think of F1 games, I picture a simulator or a “sim-cade,” but never a purely arcade experience. So heading into Formula Legends, my expectations were mixed: How will it play? Will it require skill? Will it deliver a true sense of speed?

Before diving into gameplay, let’s talk content. At launch, Formula Legends features 16 unique F1 cars spanning multiple eras — from the 1960s to the present day. Each era has its own physics and driving style, making every generation feel like a standalone experience. Alongside the vehicles are 14 real-life-inspired tracks, each with the option to run in modern or classic layouts. To add even more variety, the game includes a dynamic weather system that can catch you in a rainstorm, forcing you to pit for wet tires or risk spinning out. Most importantly, the developers have confirmed full mod support, which could greatly extend the game’s longevity by allowing the community to add new content.

I first played Formula Legends on my Steam Deck, and honestly, I think that’s where this game shines. For players with limited time, being able to hop into a story mode race for 15–20 minutes between daily tasks felt perfect. The physics can be surprisingly challenging at first, especially with options like tire wear, fuel usage, and damage turned on. These add a layer of simulation while keeping the fun and accessibility of an arcade racer.

The sense of speed is decent, though not flawless. At times, overtaking in a pack felt too easy, lacking the tense, wheel-to-wheel “dogfight” action you’d expect from F1. Hopefully, this balance improves with updates. Each car era, however, feels distinct: the raw, twitchy 60s and 70s machines contrast nicely with the stable and refined 2000s cars. Personally, I gravitated toward the 90s era, which struck the best balance of speed, handling, and overall excitement — fitting, since it’s my favorite F1 era.

Managing fuel and tire wear adds another layer of strategy, and pit stops bring a refreshing twist. Instead of a simple button press, you play a quick mini-game to complete your tire change. Your pit time depends entirely on how well you perform, and you can choose how much fuel to take or damage to repair, at the cost of time and potentially losing positions. It’s a clever mechanic that keeps things interactive. I’d love to see it expanded with additional mini-games for even more variety.

Overall, my time with Formula Legends was very positive. The art style has a charming simplicity, and the physics strike a nice balance between realism and fun. Still, I often found myself wanting more. Early-game content is solid, and story mode adds replayability, but long-term engagement is lacking. Currently, the only “multiplayer” is a time attack leaderboard — not nearly enough to keep players coming back. Even basic online lobbies would transform the experience, opening the door to more competition and community engagement.

That said, Formula Legends is a delight, though replayability and the absence of multiplayer lobbies leave room for improvement Whether you’re in for long sessions or quick races, it’s an easy game to pick up and enjoy. Its accessible physics, classic arcade spirit, and unique take on F1 make it worth recommending to players of all skill levels.