Radical Reimagining of Bike Racing: Wheel World

I never would have imagined trying out a game where you pedal a fixed-gear bike inhabited by a spirit named Skully, but that’s the kind of delightful surprise you get at events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC. It’s a place where unexpected gems catch your attention, and Wheel World certainly did just that. This game, with its intriguing mix of open-world roaming, treasure hunting, and thrilling competitive racing, has definitely made my must-play list as it gears up for release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support, later this year.

In Wheel World, players step into the shoes of Kat, a cyclist on a mission to rescue this quirky world filled with rivals, spare parts, and even portal potties—those handy outhouses double as fast-travel points! The humor in the game really shines, and it’s a refreshing take given that you’re riding a bike with a spectral co-pilot tasked with managing spirits on lunar commutes. Your main objective is to help Skully gather these spirits, which means piecing together the ultimate ride.

Navigating through Wheel World while scavenging for loot—essentially spare parts—is where much of the excitement lies. You come across various bike pieces like frames, wheels, and handlebars that you can swap out, impacting your bike’s speed and handling. Some parts come with a ‘Legendary’ tag, offering special bonuses such as a boost to your speed during races.

Reputation plays a crucial role if you want to unlock advanced zones, and you earn it by racing against other riders you meet or besting rival gangs. The racing itself is a blast! The game doesn’t just want you to pedal; it creates an experience that’s rightly a mix of strategy and fun.

Whether you face off against a lone biker or a whole group, the challenges are engaging yet manageable. The game’s soundtrack, supplied by Italians Do It Better, adds to the adrenaline rush, making every race invigorating. Tactics like drafting—riding in another biker’s slipstream to reduce drag—and precisely timed speed boosts are key strategies for claiming victory. Winning races also earns you coupons, which can be exchanged for more bike parts at in-game shops.

The game nails the physics of biking too; you’ll feel the need to adjust your speed on turns, pedal harder uphill, or just coast down a slope. This attention to detail makes the biking mechanics feel very genuine, which is central to the game’s charm. Visually, Wheel World’s cel-shaded style is stunning, evoking games like Sable and Dungeons of Hinterberg as you explore its vibrant environments.

Messhof, the indie developer behind the game, describes Wheel World as an ode to the joy and freedom found in a life revolving around bikes, and they’ve captured that sentiment beautifully. From intense races to leisurely exploration, to customizing your perfect bike, it’s an experience all about the joy of cycling. Keep an eye out for Wheel World when it comes to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC later this year, supporting Xbox Play Anywhere.

Set in an expansive open world, Wheel World invites players to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, uncover secrets, and engage in adrenaline-pumping races that demand your skills. Transform your bike with a plethora of parts, ranging from nimble racers to rugged off-roaders, allowing you to tailor your ride to your liking.

Racing against elite teams and eccentric competitors adds a thrilling edge to the game, with every second counting in these high-stakes events. Uncover rare components to create a bike that truly represents your style in this captivating universe. And with music composed by Italians Do It Better, the soundtrack perfectly complements the exhilarating races and awe-inspiring exploration moments.

In Wheel World, you’re not just cycling; you’re embarking on a quest to save the spirits and ensure the universe remains in balance. So, get ready to hit the pedals, embrace the race, and revel in the adventures that await.