This year, I was pleasantly surprised by a game not initially on my radar – a quirky gem featured at the ID@Xbox Showcase during GDC. It’s called Wheel World, where you find yourself racing on a fixed-gear bike possessed by an enigmatic entity named Skully. The game’s intriguing blend of open-world exploration, scavenging for loot, and engagingly competitive racing instantly caught my attention. With its release on the horizon for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support, it’s one I’ll be eagerly anticipating.
In this captivating game, you step into the shoes of Kat, a bike enthusiast on a mission to save a realm brimming with rival racers, spare parts, and curious fast-travel portals cleverly disguised as outhouses. The humor infused in Wheel World adds to its charm, never taking itself too seriously. After all, you’re guiding a bike possessed by an entity tasked with ushering spirits back and forth from the Moon. Teaming up with Skully to gather these spirits forms the crux of your adventure, but first, you must assemble the ultimate bike.
As you journey through Wheel World, hunting down loot (or spare parts) adds to the thrill. These treasures enable you to customize every component of your bike—whether it’s the frame, wheels, or handlebars. Each part influences attributes like speed and handling, with some legendary finds bestowing unique boosts, such as an expanded boost meter to give you that extra edge in races.
An integral mechanic of the game is Reputation, a currency essential for unlocking advanced zones. You accumulate it by racing against other riders or clashing with competitive bike gangs. The vibrant world of Wheel World makes every race an exhilarating experience.
The competitions I participated in, whether individual challenges or against a rival group, were a delightful mix of fun and a hint of challenge, set to an energetic soundtrack by Italians Do It Better. Mastering drafting—riding close behind opponents to minimize wind resistance—and using the boost strategically, were both vital to victory. Conquering races also rewards you with coupons that unlock additional bike parts from in-game shops.
The handling physics in Wheel World feels intuitive and authentic, incorporating elements like managing speed around bends or powering through uphill climbs. The beautifully cel-shaded environment, evoking vibes from games like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg, creates a visually pleasing experience as you traverse the diverse landscapes.
Messhof, the indie developer behind Wheel World, emphasizes the joy and liberation associated with biking, a theme palpable throughout the gameplay. Whether racing, exploring, or simply enjoying a scenic ride, the spirit of cycling and adventure is at the game’s heart. Keep an eye out for Wheel World later this year on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, where you can harness the freedom of riding and exploration all within one game.
