A Revolutionary Spin on Bike Racing with Wheel World

Riding a fixed-gear bike under the guidance of a spirit named Skully wasn’t on my gaming radar this year. Yet, that’s the beauty of events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC. You never know which game will unexpectedly grab your attention. Enter Wheel World – a thrilling blend of open-world exploration, loot gathering, and a surprisingly enjoyable take on competitive racing. This unique twist on the biking genre is heading towards Xbox Series X|S and Windows PCs, featuring Xbox Play Anywhere support, slated for release later this year.

In Wheel World, you take on the role of Kat, a spirited cyclist tasked with saving this quirky universe, where rival bikers and spare parts populate the landscape. And those portal potties? They’re cleverly repurposed as fast-travel stations. One element I truly enjoyed was the game’s playful sense of humor. After all, with a plot involving a spirit-driven bike managing interstellar traffic to and from the Moon, seriousness takes a back seat. Your mission is to aid Skully in rounding up spirits for this celestial task, assembling the ultimate bike as you go.

The thrill of Wheel World really shines in the treasure hunt for spare bike parts – a quest that lets you customize your ride extensively. From swapping out frames to selecting new wheels and handlebars, each change alters your bike’s performance, influencing speed and handling. Watch out for ‘Legendary’ parts too, which provide unique advantages like a boosted meter for that extra edge during races.

One thing to keep an eye on is your Reputation, which grants access to higher-level zones. Build your standing by challenging fellow cyclists or by racing against rival bike gangs. And honestly, racing around Wheel World is an absolute blast.

The races I participated in, whether facing a lone competitor or a gang, were an exhilarating experience, amplified by a dynamic soundtrack from Italians Do It Better. Drafting (tucking in behind a competitor to reduce drag) and timing boosts just right were key to victory. Winning these races can earn you coupons to spend at in-game bike shops, unlocking even more customization options.

The bike’s handling physics felt smooth and intuitive, responding to everything from sharp turns to intense pedaling uphill, or simply coasting downhill. This level of finesse is crucial, given how central biking is to the game.

The cell-shaded visuals create a breathtaking world reminiscent of titles like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg, making every ride a visual delight.

Developed by the indie team Messhof, Wheel World is an ode to the joy and freedom bikes offer. Whether you’re racing, modifying your bike, or simply exploring the scenic paths, it captures the essence of cycling beautifully. Keep an eye out for Wheel World’s upcoming release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, where it will be part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program.