Wheel World: A Revolutionary Approach to Bicycle Racing

I hadn’t anticipated riding a fixed-gear bike guided by an entity known as Skully as part of my gaming lineup this year. Yet, that’s the exciting unpredictability of attending showcases like the ID@Xbox event at GDC; you just never know which game will catch your fancy. Enter Wheel World, a game that seamlessly blends open-world exploration, treasure hunting, and exhilarating competitive racing. It’s a fresh spin on bike racing that has captured my interest as it races toward its launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support later this year.

In the heart of Wheel World, you embody Kat—a daring cyclist destined to save a peculiar realm bustling with rival bikers, spare bike parts, and quirky portal potties that double as fast-travel stations. One charming aspect of the game is its sense of humor. With a bike commandeered by a spirit involved in ferrying souls to and from the Moon, it’s clear the game doesn’t take itself too seriously. Your main objective while traversing Wheel World is to help Skully gather these spirits. To do this, you must craft the ultimate ride.

Exploring Wheel World and scavenging for loot (read: spare parts) is a crucial element of the gameplay. You’ll find various parts that allow you to tweak your bike’s frame, wheels, and other components, influencing important stats like speed and maneuverability. Some parts even boast ‘Legendary’ status, granting special abilities such as boosting your speedometer for a competitive edge in races.

Reputation is another key feature, essential for unlocking advanced zones. Earn it by challenging fellow cyclists or towering over rival gangs through—what else?—racing. It’s a delightful experience, cruising through the vibrant paths of Wheel World.

All the races I participated in, whether battling a single challenger or a whole group, were thoroughly enjoyable with just the right hint of challenge. The energetic soundtrack by Italians Do It Better adds to the thrill. Drafting behind competitors to reduce wind resistance and timing your boosts just right are crucial tactics for victory. Winners are rewarded with coupons that can be spent at bike shops throughout the world, offering even more spare parts.

The bike mechanics feel remarkably intuitive. You’ll need to account for speed as you take sharp turns, power uphill with heavy pedaling, or glide effortlessly downhill. It’s a finely tuned system that the game leans on heavily, partnered with a stunning cel-shaded landscape that is reminiscent of titles like Sable and Dungeons of Hinterberg.

Developer Messhof has captured the sheer joy of biking—an ethos that shines through with races, customizations, explorations, or simple joyrides across the hills. That spirit resonates deeply in Wheel World’s design, aiming to deliver the essence of cycling and exploration. Expect Wheel World to hit Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC later this year, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support.

In Wheel World, you step into Kat’s shoes, tasked with rescuing a world on the brink of collapse. This expansive realm invites you to unravel countless secrets and engage in races that test your mettle. Tailor your bike to your liking—whether it’s a sleek speed machine or a rugged off-road beast. With no shortage of activities, you’ll race elite teams, upgrade your bike, and reclaim stolen Legendary parts to perform The Great Shift ritual, all accompanied by an electrifying Italian soundtrack.

Prepare to blaze your path to glory, safeguard the spirits of Wheel World, and keep the universe spinning. Jump on, pedal hard, and don’t look back.