Formula Legends Review – A Racing Sim with Ambition but Not Enough Traction

Formula Legends, released on September 12, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, is a racing simulator from indie developer Apex Interactive, aiming to challenge giants like Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport. Focusing on the high-octane world of Formula racing, it promises realistic physics and a deep career mode. With a 68/100 (Mixed or Average), Formula Legends delivers moments of thrilling speed and authenticity, but inconsistent AI, limited content, and technical hiccups keep it from the podium. For racing sim enthusiasts, it’s a promising effort, but it struggles to keep pace with 2025’s more polished racers like Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

A High-Speed Dream with a Shaky Start Set in a fictionalized Formula racing circuit, Formula Legends casts players as a rookie driver climbing the ranks from local races to global championships. The 15–20-hour career mode blends racing with light management, letting players customize cars, hire crew members, and negotiate sponsorships. The narrative is minimal, focusing on rivalries and personal triumphs, but lacks the emotional depth of 2025’s EA Sports FC 26’s “Legacy Moments.” Cutscenes are sparse, relying on text-based updates, which feels dated. The game shines in its attention to racing culture, with detailed pit-stop mechanics and dynamic weather impacting strategy. However, the story feels generic, and rival drivers lack personality. X posts reflect the sentiment: “The racing feels real, but the career mode is barebones.” Compared to Forza Horizon 5’s vibrant world, Formula Legends’ narrative is functional but forgettable.

Racing with Grit but Inconsistent Handling Gameplay centers on simulation-style racing, with precise controls and realistic physics that demand mastery of braking points and tire management. Tracks, from Monaco-inspired city circuits to rural speedways, are varied, with dynamic weather adding challenge. Car customization is robust, allowing tweaks to aerodynamics and gear ratios, but the selection of 20 vehicles feels slim compared to Gran Turismo 7’s roster. AI opponents are a weak point, swinging between overly aggressive and inexplicably slow, disrupting race flow. Multiplayer supports 12-player online races with cross-play, but matchmaking lag and limited modes (time trials, standard races) disappoint. Accessibility options, like adjustable assists and colorblind modes, are solid, but the steep learning curve may deter casual players. X users noted, “Driving feels great, but the AI is infuriating.” Compared to 2025’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Formula Legends is more realistic but less fun, lacking the arcade flair to offset its flaws.

A Sleek but Underwhelming Presentation Visually, Formula Legends impresses with detailed car models and dynamic track effects, running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rain-slicked surfaces and glowing headlights create immersion, but environments lack the vibrancy of 2025’s Slime Rancher 2. The PC version suffers from texture pop-in and occasional crashes, only partially fixed by patches. The soundtrack, with generic electronic tracks, fails to excite, and sound design—while accurate for engine roars—lacks punch. PS5’s DualSense haptics enhance immersion, with vibrations for road surfaces and collisions, but the effect is understated. Compared to EA Sports FC 26’s polished visuals, Formula Legends feels competent but unremarkable.

A Promising Lap That Needs Tuning Priced at $50, Formula Legends includes extras like a digital car catalog and track editor, but its thin content and lack of polish disappoint. X feedback praises the driving—“Feels like real Formula racing!”—but slams the issues: “AI and bugs make it hard to love.” Compared to F1 24’s depth, it feels undercooked. Apex Interactive’s ambition is clear, but more content and refinement were needed.

Formula Legends earns its 68/100 for its realistic driving and career mode ambition, appealing to sim fans. However, inconsistent AI, limited content, and technical woes hold it back. It’s a decent first lap for Apex Interactive—here’s hoping their next race accelerates further.