I didn’t start this year thinking I’d be captivated by a game where you navigate a fixed-gear bike inhabited by an entity called Skully. But that’s the thrill of events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC—you’re bound to stumble upon unexpected gems. Wheel World, with its compelling mix of open-world discovery, loot hunting, and exhilarating racing competition, caught my attention. Soon, this innovative spin on bike racing will be speeding onto Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, encouraging players to dive in with the added convenience of Xbox Play Anywhere.
In Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a cyclist destined to rescue a world filled with quirky rivals, spare bike parts, and quirky portal potties that serve as fast-travel points. The game’s humor won me over—it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes sense when you’re dealing with a bike guided by a spirit-entity responsible for directing souls to and from the Moon. Your main task is to aid Skully in gathering these spirits, and for that, you’ll need to craft the ultimate bike.
As you traverse Wheel World, searching for loot such as spare bike parts is key to leveling up your ride. The game lets you swap out everything from the frame to the wheels and handlebars, each part impacting your stats like speed and handling. Some parts boast ‘Legendary’ status, offering special perks like an expanded boost meter to keep you ahead in races.
Earning Reputation is crucial in unlocking advanced zones. Show your prowess by challenging fellow riders on the road, or take out opposing bike gangs through, you guessed it, racing. This aspect of the game is incredibly enjoyable—it feels incredibly satisfying to dash around Wheel World’s sprawling landscapes.
The races I participated in were consistently entertaining, providing just the right amount of challenge, all backed by a dynamic soundtrack (thanks to Italians Do It Better). Mastering drafting—slipping into another rider’s slipstream to reduce wind drag—and using boosts strategically are vital for victory. Success provides coupons, usable in bike shops scattered throughout the realm, which let you purchase even more parts for your ride.
The game’s physics around bike control feels just right, demanding you to consider elements like speed when cornering, going all out on a climb, or cruising downhill. It’s a polished component, crucial to the experience. The cell-shaded environment you explore is impressive in its beauty, recalling the artistic charm of titles like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg.
Developer Messhof encapsulates the essence of biking with Wheel World, portraying the joy and liberty associated with the pastime. From racing and tinkering with your bike to simple leisurely rides through the hills, the game captures the spirit of biking and the exhilaration of exploration integral to it. Wheel World is set to launch for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support, later this year.
In Wheel World, you’re Kat, tasked with one monumental mission—protect this extraordinary universe that practically revolves around biking. Embark on a journey across a breathtaking open world, revealing secrets, conquering challenges, and partaking in races that push your biking prowess to its limits. Customize every facet of your bike, creating everything from lightning-fast racers to rugged, off-road monsters—there are endless ways to define your ride.
Wheel World is brimming with thrilling moments to savor:
Compete fiercely in Life-or-Death Races: Face off against top cycling teams and eccentric opponents where every moment is crucial.
Enhance Your Bike: Hunt rare parts to build the bike of your dreams, tailored perfectly to your preferences.
Fulfill Your Ultimate Fate: Retrieve your stolen Legendary parts to finally carry out The Great Shift ritual, restoring balance to the world—simple, right?
All this is accompanied by a killer soundtrack from Italians Do It Better, intensifying every race and awe-inspiring moment of exploration.
So gear up, pedal hard, and take your rightful place on the path of glory. The spirits of Wheel World await, and the universe is counting on you to ride to the rescue.
