Formula Legends game review: here’s your chance to be Fyrrex driver Patrice Duepailler…

January 26th 2026

How about some old-fashioned arcade-style action with Formula Legends?

The latest offering from the Fyrrex Shed, with Patrice Duepallier showing six wheels are better than four. Bottom: toon-style graphics

Motor Sport

January 26, 2026

When Formula Legends arrived on PlayStation 5 last September, it promised fans of open-wheel racing something a little different: a celebration of motor sport history wrapped in an accessible yet strategic racing package. Developed by 3DClouds, this indie title isn’t trying to dethrone big budget racing sims — and that’s both its charm and its curse.

At its best, Formula Legends delivers a genuinely fun drive through eras of racing. The game features 16 vehicles inspired by legendary designs from the 1960s to the modern era and 14 reimagined circuits that evolve with changing time periods. This ‘race through time’ concept underpins the story mode, which lets you tackle era-based championships, mastering both classic machines and modern beasts as you go.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a colourful roster of drivers, including smooth operator Marlos Saez, aggressive fighter Mike Shoemaker and the quick Miki Laura, each offering unique perks that subtly influence race strategy.

The visuals lean into a stylised, slightly retro aesthetic that won’t wow like a AAA title, but suits the game’s overall tone. It runs solidly on PS5, with smooth performance and vibrant environments that keep the focus on the racing.

Driving itself strikes a middle ground between arcade accessibility and light simulation nuance. Basic assists help newcomers stay on track, while deeper mechanics like tyre management, battery usage, slipstreaming and weather effects add layers for those who want more challenge.

There’s something satisfying about sliding a vintage car through a tight hairpin or managing evolving wet roads mid-race. However, the handling can be inconsistent: steering occasionally feels floaty or overly sensitive, making some corners frustrating rather than thrilling. AI behaviour has also drawn criticism for erratic pacing and unrealistic racing lines.

Where Formula Legends stumbles the most is in its features. There’s no online multiplayer, which is a surprising omission for the times, and single-player modes feel thin compared to its many competitors. The game’s customisation options are limited, while some presentation elements — such as penalties and camera choices — lack polish.

Despite its flaws, the game has a clear heart. Its passion for motor sport history comes through, fictional drivers have quirky perks, and period-specific styles are celebrated.

Formula Legends, in its own way, lets you step into some of the most iconic cars in racing history, from the sleek and pretty Lotus 49 in its classic British Racing Green dancing on the edge around a reimagined Monte Carlo to the razor-sharp McLaren MP4/4 dominating Silverstone with turbocharged precision and the sheer beauty of the Jordan 191 blasting round Spa-Francorchamps.

It won’t satisfy hardcore sim fans, but for players seeking a nostalgic, solo-focused racing game with charm and character, Formula Legends is an enjoyable ride. It’s a charming and engaging indie racer with historical flair and addictive core gameplay, held back by feature gaps and handling inconsistencies. Great for solo racing fans, then, but not a full rival to the genre’s heavyweights.