Riding a fixed-gear bike possessed by an entity named Skully wasn’t exactly on my gaming wishlist this year. But that’s the magic of events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC—you stumble upon gems you never knew you were looking for. Enter Wheel World, an exciting blend of open-world exploration, loot hunting, and unexpectedly intense racing. It’s quickly racing toward its release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, and it’s definitely one to watch later this year.
In this intriguing game, you step into the shoes of Kat, a bike rider with a mission to save her quirky realm. As you pedal through, you’ll encounter rival riders, spare parts, and even some fanciful fast-travel options like portal potties. What stood out during my time with the game was its sense of humor—after all, with a bike possessed by a moon-bound spirit marshaler, you can’t take yourself too seriously. Your main quest in Wheel World is to assist Skully in gathering spirits, but first, you have to deck out your ride with the best customizations possible.
Navigating the vast world of Wheel World and scavenging for loot is half the fun, as the customization options are endless. Discover parts that can morph your ride, swapping out everything from frames to wheels, altering speed, handling, and even aesthetics. Some components boast ‘Legendary’ status, granting unique perks like an extended boost meter—crucial for those nail-biting races.
A pivotal part of the game involves building your Reputation. This is your ticket to unlocking new zones, which you earn by taking on other riders or outpacing a rival gang. Racing, as it turns out, is a thrilling experience in itself.
My hands-on with the game included several races. Whether it was against a lone competitor or a whole group, each race was challenging yet immensely entertaining, especially with the energetic soundtrack blaring in the background, thanks to Italians Do It Better. Mastering tactics like drafting—sticking close behind another rider for reduced air resistance—and timing your boosts right can make all the difference. Winning also has its perks, like scoring coupons for bike shops scattered through the world, offering more spare parts and customization options.
The way the game handles the bike’s physics is impressively realistic. You need to account for speed on turns, tackle the tough pedaling uphill, or simply coast down a slope. These elements are finely tuned, which is good since they’re central to the game’s appeal. Riding through the cel-shaded environments feels like a blend of adventures in titles like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg, with stunning landscapes to explore.
The creators at Messhof have crafted Wheel World to capture the essence of life on two wheels. Whether you’re racing, tuning your bike, exploring, or just leisurely cruising through the hills, the spirit of biking and exploration is palpable. Prepare for Wheel World to swoop onto Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support later this year. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.
