I never expected to end up playing a game where you ride a fixed-gear bike haunted by an entity named Skully. Yet, surprises like this are what make events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC so exciting. You often stumble upon unexpected gems like Wheel World, a game that mixes open-world exploration, treasure hunting, and thrilling competitive racing. As it races towards its release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere later this year, it secured a spot on my must-play list.
In Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a biker on a mission to rescue a realm teeming with rival riders, spare parts, and quirky portal potties that double as fast-travel points. That explains one of the highlights of my experience with the game: its humor. The game maintains a lighthearted vibe, unsurprisingly, given its premise of a bike guided by a spirit tasked with ferrying spirits to and from the Moon. Your main goal? Assist Skully in collecting these spirits but to do that, you’ll need to assemble the ultimate bike.
As you explore Wheel World in search of loot—those valuable spare parts—you’ll find endless opportunities to customize your bike. From frames to wheels and handlebars, each piece you swap out impacts stats like speed and handling. Some parts, boasting ‘Legendary’ status, even offer unique abilities, like boosting your acceleration during races.
Reputation is another crucial element, unlocking higher-level zones as you build it up. You’ll earn this by challenging other riders on the road or by defeating rival bike gangs through—what else?—racing. The races are a blast, which is fantastic since racing forms the core of the game’s fun.
Each competition I tried, whether against a single rider or an entire group, was enjoyable, offering just the right amount of challenge. A lively soundtrack from Italians Do It Better sets the perfect atmosphere as you navigate through these races. You’ll find that techniques like drafting—riding behind someone to reduce wind drag—and well-timed boosts are vital for clinching victories. Success in races earns you coupons redeemable at in-game bike shops for more parts.
The bike handling mechanics feel impressively lifelike, considering speed on turns, uphill efforts, and the pure joy of coasting downhill. This attention to detail is crucial, as the game hinges heavily on these mechanics. Plus, Wheel World’s cell-shaded landscapes are a joy to traverse, evoking the visual charm of titles like Sable and Dungeons of Hinterberg.
Independent developer Messhof captures the spirit of freedom and joy associated with biking in Wheel World. Whether it’s racing, customizing, exploring, or just taking a peaceful ride through the hills, the game immerses you in the biking experience. So, keep an eye out for Wheel World when it launches on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC later this year, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support.
