I didn’t expect that a game featuring a fixed-gear bike possessed by an entity called Skully would grab my attention this year, but a trip to the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC has a way of shaking up your gaming plans. The event introduced me to Wheel World, a game that artfully blends open-world exploration, scavenging for loot, and exciting races. It’s a captivating fresh twist on bike racing, and it’s headed to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support later this year.
In Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a cyclist destined to save a quirky world filled with rival bikers, spare bike parts, and uniquely enough, portable toilets that double as fast-travel stations. The humor woven into the experience was an unexpected delight. The game’s spirit is lighthearted and never overly serious—after all, it features a bike managing spirits to and from the moon with Skully’s help! Your primary mission? Help Skully by gathering spirits, but you’ll also want to upgrade your bike along the way.
The thrill of Wheel World lies in its exploration and the quest for loot—spare parts for your bike, offering a chance to tweak anything from the frame to the tires and handlebars. These modifications influence your bike’s performance, from speed to handling. If you’re lucky, you’ll find ‘Legendary’ parts that gift your bike unique boosts, like extra speed for those competitive races.
To unlock advanced areas, you’ll need to build up your Reputation, earned by challenging other riders or dethroning gang leaders—all through racing, naturally. And trust me, racing in Wheel World is an exhilarating experience.
During my time with the game, every competition, whether against a lone cyclist or a group, proved to be entertaining and just challenging enough. Italians Do It Better pumps the soundtrack, enriching the rush as you strategize—drafting to minimize wind resistance and timing your boosts just right. Emerge victorious, and you’re rewarded with coupons for more bike parts at the in-game shops.
The bike’s mechanics feel incredibly realistic. You’ll need to maneuver with finesse, considering your speed during turns, exerting effort uphill, or simply coasting downhill. This attention to detail is essential since it’s crucial to the gameplay. Plus, the game’s cel-shaded landscapes, echoing styles from games like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg, are simply gorgeous to cycle through.
Messhof, the indie developers behind Wheel World, encapsulate the freedom and joy of cycling in this game. Whether you’re racing, customizing your ride, or just soaking in the scenery, the essence of bike riding and exploration shines through. Prepare for Wheel World to pedal its way into your gaming library on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with full Xbox Play Anywhere functionality, coming soon.
