I wasn’t expecting to find myself captivated by a game that centers around riding a fixed-gear bike haunted by an entity named Skully, but that’s the thrill of being at shows like the ID@Xbox Showcase during GDC. You just never know which game is going to pull you in next. Wheel World certainly made an impression, mixing elements of open-world exploration, loot collection, and unexpectedly competitive racing to create an exhilarating experience. It’s set to race onto Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, aiming for a launch later this year.
In the game, you take on the role of Kat, a cyclist destined to save a world teeming with rival bikers, spare parts, and quirky portal potties that act as fast-travel stations. One of the elements that stood out to me during my playtime was the game’s clever humor. It’s hard to take things too seriously when you’re dealing with a bike channeling spirits to and from the Moon. Your mission in Wheel World is straightforward: help Skully gather these spirits. But to do so, you’ll need to put together the ultimate bike.
Exploring the realm of Wheel World in search of loot, which often means scouring for spare parts, is a big part of the fun. You can customize everything on your bike—from its frame to its wheels and handlebars—transforming both its look and its performance stats like speed and handling. Some parts even arrive in a ‘Legendary’ status, offering special powers like a boost increase for races.
Reputation plays a key role in this universe. You’ll need it to unlock advanced zones, earning it through encounters with other riders on the road or by taking down rival bike gangs, primarily by—no surprise—racing. The joy of navigating through Wheel World is bolstered by this mechanic.
Every competition I jumped into—whether against a single rider or a whole group—was both exhilarating and slightly challenging, set to a lively soundtrack from Italians Do It Better. Cutting through a pack of competitors was all about mastering the art of drafting (that’s the strategy of riding behind someone to cut down on wind resistance) and knowing exactly when to unleash your boost. Success in races can earn you coupons, redeemable at in-game bike shops, granting access to more spare parts for customization.
Handling on the bike felt impressively lifelike, with the game’s physics demanding attention to detail—whether you’re navigating sharp turns, powering uphill, or enjoying a downhill glide. This nuanced control is crucial, given that the biking mechanics underpin the entire experience. The cel-shaded environments, reminiscent of visually captivating games like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg, add an extra layer of beauty to the world you’re exploring.
Messhof, the indie developer behind Wheel World, describes the game as capturing the essence of freedom and joy found in cycling—and it truly delivers on that promise. From racing and customizing to exploring or even simply enjoying a ride through breathtaking landscapes, the game encapsulates the liberating spirit of bike adventures. Be prepared to dive into Wheel World when it launches for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, slated for release later this year.
