I hadn’t pegged riding a fixed-gear bike named Skully, under the influence of a peculiar entity, as a must-try game for this year. But that’s the magic of events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC—unexpected gems come to light. Wheel World, with its seamless blend of open-world exploration, scavenging for loot, and thrilling races, has definitely caught my attention. Set to launch soon on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, this game promises a fresh spin on bike racing.
In the vibrant world of Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a cyclist destined to rescue this quirky realm brimming with rival riders, spare bike parts, and even portal potties—those serve as your fast-travel spots. One of the standout elements during my gameplay was the witty humor. The game maintains a lighthearted vibe, fitting given that your trusty bike is possessed by Skully, a spirit tasked with ferrying souls to and from the Moon. Assisting Skully in gathering these spirits around Wheel World becomes your ultimate mission, but first, you need to build the ultimate bike.
Scouring the areas of Wheel World for spare parts is not only an essential part of the fun, but it’s also key to enhancing your bike’s performance. Everything—from the frame to the wheels to the handlebars—can be swapped out, affecting speed and handling. Many parts come with a ‘Legendary’ status granting special abilities, like extending your boost meter, which is a game-changer in races.
Gaining Reputation is critical to unlocking new zones, which involves challenging other cyclists on the road or going head-to-head with rival gangs in—yep, you guessed it—races. Racing in Wheel World is genuinely a blast.
The races I tried, whether against a solo competitor or a crew, provided just the right amount of challenge, set against an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack by Italians Do It Better. As I weaved through rival cyclists, mastering the art of drafting—where you tuck in behind another for less wind resistance—and timing your boosts just right became crucial strategies. Success in races also brings rewards—coupons for bike shops scattered throughout the game, opening up even more upgrade options.
The bike handling physics are finely tuned, requiring you to account for nuances such as your speed in curves, the effort of climbing hills, or coasting downhill. The gameplay feels downright enjoyable because of this emphasis. The cell-shaded world you ride through feels like a beautiful homage to games like Sable and Dungeons of Hinterberg—a true feast for the eyes.
Messhof, the independent developer behind Wheel World, emphasizes the game as a celebration of the joy and liberation that come from biking—and that’s exactly what it delivers. Be it racing, tweaking your bike, exploring, or simply cruising through the hills, the game embodies the essence of cycling adventure. Keep an eye out for Wheel World as it hits Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere support, later this year.
Messhof captures the thrilling sense of freedom in biking through Wheel World, where players can dive into epic races, customize their rides, and uncover mysteries across a mesmerizing open-world landscape. With its high-octane races, endless upgrades, and enchanting soundtrack, Wheel World promises hours of engaging gameplay, offering players a unique journey as they pedal toward a mission to maintain the universe’s balance. Ready your handlebars and gear up for an adventure that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!
