Wheel World: A Revolutionary Approach to Bike Racing

I never imagined I’d find myself captivated by a game where you ride a fixed-gear bike inhabited by an entity named Skully. Yet, that’s exactly what happened at this year’s ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC. Events like these always surprise me with new and intriguing games. “Wheel World” combines open-world adventures with scavenging for loot and engaging in fast-paced, competitive races. This unique twist on bike racing has certainly caught my attention as it gears up for its release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere support, later this year.

The game features Kat, our intrepid protagonist, destined to save an extraordinary world brimming with competitive riders, spare bike parts, and quirky portal potties serving as fast-travel points. What really charmed me was the game’s sense of humor and how it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is fitting given its premise – a bike possessed by an entity tasked with shepherding spirits to and from the Moon. Teaming up with Skully, you’ll collect these spirits, but achieving this requires crafting the ultimate bike.

Exploration and scavenging for loot are central to “Wheel World.” As you comb through the realm, you’ll discover various bike parts to customize your ride – from frames and wheels to handlebars – each affecting your bike’s speed and handling. Some components even boast a ‘Legendary’ status, granting unique abilities like boosting your speed during races.

Reputation is another core element. Building it is crucial for accessing higher-level areas. You’ll increase your reputation by challenging fellow riders or besting rival bike gangs in thrilling races – which is wonderful because the racing experience is truly exhilarating.

The races I participated in, whether one-on-one or against a gang, were consistently enjoyable and offered a fair challenge. Accompanied by an energetic soundtrack from Italians Do It Better, the atmosphere was electrifying. Success depends on strategic drafting – minimizing air resistance by following closely behind another rider – and smartly using boosts. Victories can earn you coupons, which are redeemable at in-game bike shops for more parts to enhance your bike.

The physics in “Wheel World” reflect an impressive level of realism. The bike’s handling demands attention to speed through corners, intense pedaling when climbing, and a smooth ride on downhill runs. This realism is critical, given how much the game relies on an authentic biking experience. Moreover, its in-game world, with its beautiful cell-shaded graphics, evokes memories of titles like “Sable” or “Dungeons of Hinterberg.”

Created by the indie developer Messhof, “Wheel World” embodies the essence of biking – the mix of racing, tinkering, and exploring, or simply the joy of cruising through scenic landscapes. It captures the thrilling freedom a bike offers. Keep an eye out for “Wheel World” as it launches on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC later this year, supported by Xbox Play Anywhere.