Wheel World: A Revolutionary Approach to Bike Racing

During my gaming adventures this year, riding a fixed-gear bike haunted by an entity called Skully wasn’t exactly on my radar. Yet, that’s the sort of unexpected delight that comes from attending events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC—you never quite know what will capture your attention. Enter Wheel World, a game that combines open-world exploration, scavenging for loot, and surprisingly engaging racing elements. This bold twist on bike racing is aimed straight at Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, promising Xbox Play Anywhere support upon its release later this year.

In Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a cyclist on a quest to save this fantastical realm filled with rival racers, spare bike parts, and quirky portal potties. Oh, and these outhouses serve as your fast-travel system. One aspect that really tickled my fancy during my time with the game was its humor. It never takes itself too seriously, which is a breath of fresh air considering it features a bike possessed by an otherworldly entity responsible for guiding spirits to and from the Moon. Your main mission revolves around helping Skully gather these spirits, but to do that, you’ll need to build the best bike possible.

As you traverse Wheel World’s landscape and hunt for loot—aka spare parts—you get to customize every inch of your ride. Think frame, wheels, handlebars, and beyond, all of which impact your bike’s speed and handling stats. Some parts even come with ‘Legendary’ status, offering unique powers like bumping up your boost meter during races.

Reputation is a key factor in unlocking new zones in this world. You gain it by racing other riders on the road or taking on rival bike gangs. And yes, racing is as enjoyable as it sounds. The thrill of riding through Wheel World is enhanced by its dynamic challenges.

The races I hopped into were nothing short of exhilarating, whether I was going head-to-head with a single rider or competing against a pack. The gameplay is a delightful mix of fun and challenge, accentuated by a lively soundtrack from Italians Do It Better. As I maneuvered through packs of competitors, mastering techniques like drafting—riding closely behind another to minimize wind resistance—and strategic boosting proved crucial. Victories also earn you coupons for bike shops throughout the game, where you can snag more bike parts.

The handling physics of the bike added to the immersion, making tasks like navigating sharp turns, pedaling uphill, or smoothly coasting downhill feel intuitive and polished. It’s a good thing, too, because the game hinges on getting this right. Furthermore, the cel-shaded world you ride through is stunning, reminiscent of other titles like Sable and Dungeons of Hinterberg.

Messhof, the indie developer behind Wheel World, captures the essence of bike riding joyfully and freely. Whether it’s racing, exploring, customizing, or simply taking a scenic ride, the game embraces the spirit of cycling adventures. Keep an eye out for Wheel World as it gears up for release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere, later this year.