Riding a fixed-gear bike possessed by an entity named Skully wasn’t exactly on my gaming radar this year. Yet, that’s the allure of events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC—you stumble across unexpected gems. Meet Wheel World, a game that combines open-world exploration, scavenging for loot, and thrilling competitive racing. It’s capturing attention as it prepares to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere later this year.
In Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a cyclist on a mission to save an eclectic world brimming with rival riders, spare parts, and portal potties—yes, that’s the game’s quirky take on fast-travel. It’s impossible not to enjoy the humor infused throughout, especially considering Kat’s bike is haunted by Skully, an entity tasked with shuttling spirits to and from the Moon. Your primary quest? Assist Skully in gathering these spirits by crafting the absolute best biking setup imaginable.
A significant part of the experience in Wheel World involves exploring its vast realm to hunt down loot, primarily spare bike parts. These pieces allow you to personalize your bike from top to bottom—frame, wheels, handlebars—you name it. Their quality affects attributes like speed and handling, and some even come with ‘Legendary’ status, delivering unique benefits like an enhanced boost meter to edge out the competition during races.
The game also introduces a Reputation system, which opens doors to advanced regions once you’ve built it up. You gain Reputation by racing other cyclists you meet along the way or by overtaking rival bike gangs—yes, more racing! And it’s exhilarating to ride through Wheel World’s expansive landscapes.
Races, whether one-on-one or against a pack, maintain a light, entertaining challenge with a fantastic soundtrack by Italians Do It Better playing in the background. As you weave through rivals, smartly drafting and using your boost at strategic moments are key tactics to clinch victory. Winning races rewards you with coupons for bike shop transactions, expanding your selection of upgradeable parts.
The bike handling physics in Wheel World feel intuitive and finely tuned. Whether it’s navigating tight corners, pushing hard up hills, or just enjoying the coast down, everything feels polished, which is crucial for a game centered around cycling. Plus, the cell-shaded beauty of the world is enchanting, reminiscent of games like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg.
Messhof, the indie developer behind Wheel World, emphasizes the game’s celebration of the joy and freedom found in cycling—and it delivers on that promise. From racing and upgrading your bike, to just cruising the open world, it captures the essence of biking adventures. Keep an eye out for Wheel World as it bikes its way to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere, later this year.
