I never thought I’d find myself captivated by a game where you’re riding a fixed-gear bike possessed by an entity named Skully. But that’s the beauty of attending events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC; the surprises are countless. Wheel World is a gem that offers an intriguing blend of open-world exploration, treasure hunting, and exciting races. With its upcoming launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC featuring Xbox Play Anywhere support, it’s racing straight to the top of my gaming list this year.
In this game, you step into the shoes of Kat, a cyclist chosen to rescue a quirky universe teeming with rival racers, valuable bike parts, and outhouses doubling as fast-travel portals. I have to say, the humor in Wheel World is one of its most charming attributes. The game enjoys keeping things light-hearted, which is only fitting when your bike is possessed by a spirit managing spirits between Earth and the Moon. Your main quest is helping Skully collect these spirits, and to do that successfully, you need to build the ultimate bike.
Exploring Wheel World in search of parts is like a treasure hunt. Each component you stumble upon allows you to tweak your bike’s specs—adjust frames, wheels, handlebars, and more to boost speed and handling. Occasionally, you might even discover Legendary components that grant special abilities, such as enhanced boost meters for those critical moments in a race.
Reputation is also a big deal in Wheel World. Want to access the more advanced zones? You’ll need to earn it by challenging fellow cyclists on the roads or racing against bike gangs. Thankfully, the races are exhilarating and thoroughly enjoyable.
Racing is pure fun in Wheel World, whether you’re dueling with a lone rider or outmaneuvering a whole gang. The game keeps things interesting with a fantastic soundtrack by Italians Do It Better to keep the adrenaline pumping. Mastering skills like slipstreaming—tailing another cyclist to minimize drag—and deploying boosts at just the right moments increases your chances of victory. Plus, winning these races rewards you with coupons, which you can trade in for additional bike upgrades.
Riding through Wheel World feels incredibly organic. The bike physics impress with their realism, as you must consider speed while cornering, exert more effort uphill, or simply coast downhill. This attention to detail is crucial because it plays a significant role in the gameplay. The game’s stunning, cel-shaded landscapes bring to mind titles like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg, making exploration visually delightful.
Messhof, the indie developer behind Wheel World, describes the game as an ode to the joy and freedom of biking, and that’s precisely what it delivers. Whether you’re racing, modifying your bike, or simply cruising through the picturesque terrain, the spirit of biking freedom is unmistakably alive. Mark your calendars for Wheel World’s debut on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC later this year with Xbox Play Anywhere support.
