I didn’t expect to be playing a game where I’d ride a fixed-gear bike haunted by an entity named Skully this year, but that’s the thrill of events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC – you never know what unique gems you’ll stumble upon. Wheel World has certainly grabbed my attention. With its enticing blend of open-world exploration, loot hunting, and exciting racing, it’s zooming toward a spot on the Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support.
In Wheel World, you take on the role of Kat, a cyclist tasked with saving this eccentric universe filled with rival riders, spare parts, and quirky portal potties acting as fast-travel stations. The light-hearted humor scattered throughout makes the game delightful; after all, you’re on a mission to assist Skully, the spirit-managing entity who’s all about shuttling souls to and from the Moon. Your main challenge is to help Skully by assembling the ultimate bike.
Exploring Wheel World is a blast, as you scour the surroundings for loot, specifically spare parts that let you upgrade and personalize your bike. Everything from the frame to the wheels and handlebars can be customized, impacting your ride’s speed and handling. Some of these parts have ‘Legendary’ status, offering special powers like boosting your meter during races.
A key element in this universe is Reputation, which unlocks access to more challenging areas. You earn Reputation by challenging other riders or defeating rival bike gangs through – you guessed it – racing. The best part? The racing itself is exhilarating, making every ride across Wheel World a joy.
All the races I tried, whether against individual riders or entire gangs, were infused with fun and a touch of challenge, all accompanied by an energizing soundtrack from Italians Do It Better. Outmanoeuvring competitors involves strategic drafting to minimize wind resistance and timely boosting. Victory in these races earns you coupons for acquiring more parts at in-game bike shops.
The game’s physics are spot-on, giving you a realistic feel of speed on turns, effort on inclines, and ease on descents. The gameplay heavily depends on this level of realism, making every ride smooth and satisfying. Moreover, the cel-shaded environment is breathtaking, bearing a striking resemblance to titles like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg.
According to independent developer Messhof, Wheel World aims to capture the sheer joy and freedom of biking. That mission is successfully accomplished, as the game invites you to race, tweak, explore, or simply cruise through picturesque landscapes. Wheel World is poised to roll out on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support later this year.
In this captivating game, Annapurna Interactive brings you into a vibrant universe where your cycling skills determine the fate of the world. Play as Kat, a cyclist on a mission to prevent Wheel World’s collapse. Venture through stunning vistas, unearth hidden treasures, and conquer races that challenge your abilities. Customize your bike with diverse parts, from speedy designs to rugged off-road variants – the customization possibilities are endless.
Wheel World invites you to dive into high-stakes races, improve your ride with rare components, and fulfill your destiny by retrieving stolen Legendary parts to perform The Great Shift ritual. All this unfolds to an original score from Italians Do It Better, fueling each thrilling race and stunning exploration.
Get ready to pedal into glory, save the spirits of Wheel World, and keep the universe running smoothly. Strap in, race ahead, and never look back.
