Wheel World: A Revolutionary Approach to Bike Racing

This year, my gaming itinerary didn’t exactly include cruising on a fixed-gear bike commandeered by a mystical entity named Skully. However, surprises like these spice up events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC. Wheel World caught my attention with its intriguing blend of open-world exploration, loot hunting, and intensely competitive racing. It’s now racing its way onto Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support, and is slated for release later this year.

In Wheel World, you embody Kat, a cyclist tasked with restoring balance to a realm overflowing with rival riders, spare bike parts, and – quite hilariously – portal potties serving as fast-travel points. The game revels in its lighthearted humor, not taking itself too seriously—a welcomed relief when the premise involves a bike acting as a liaison for otherworldly spirits on journeys to and from the Moon. Your mission in Wheel World is to assist Skully by collecting spirits, which requires upgrading your bike to its utmost potential.

Exploring Wheel World, the quest for loot, primarily spare parts, is an essential thrill. These parts allow for extensive customization of your bike, affecting attributes like speed and maneuverability. You can swap out almost every part—from frames to handlebars—with some even reaching ‘Legendary’ status, offering special abilities like enhanced boost capacity during races.

A central aspect of this universe is the Reputation system. To unlock more advanced zones, you need to boost your reputation, either by taking on fellow riders you meet in your travels or by squaring off against rival bike gangs in exhilarating races—a task that’s as fun as it sounds.

During the competitions, whether it was one-on-one duels or battling a gang of riders, I had a blast. The challenges come accompanied by a lively soundtrack courtesy of Italians Do It Better. Mastering drafting—sticking close behind another rider to cut down wind resistance—and knowing when to deploy a boost were crucial to crossing the finish line first. Victories here reward you with coupons, redeemable at various bike shops scattered throughout the world for more parts.

The physics governing bike handling felt impressively realistic. You’ll find yourself carefully navigating turns, powering up hills, or simply enjoying a steep descent, all with a sense of precision. The game is visually impressive as well, with its cell-shaded aesthetic evoking the visual impact of titles like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg.

The indie creators at Messhof have crafted a homage to the freedom and pure joy cycling brings. Whether you’re racing, collecting, or just biking around beautiful hills, Wheel World packages the essence of biking adventure effectively. Look forward to its release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere features later this year.

Prepare to embark on a journey where the essence of the universe might just rest on your handlebars. In Wheel World, you play as Kat, a determined cyclist tasked with averting catastrophe. Explore the breathtaking landscapes and master challenging races. With a myriad of parts at your disposal, design your ultimate bike to suit any terrain, and prepare to take on the elite teams and quirky rivals.

Powered by a vibrant soundtrack, this game invites you to immerse yourself in trails of exploration and speed. Whether it’s collecting your elusive Legendary parts or perfecting your ride, every moment is a rush. Step onto your bike, speed through the realm, and take charge of your destiny as you pedal toward victory.