At the beginning of the year, hopping on a fixed-gear bike possessed by an entity named Skully wasn’t exactly on my gaming bucket list. But that’s the thrill of attending showcases like ID@Xbox at GDC—you get pleasantly surprised by gems you’d never expect. Enter Wheel World: an open-world bike racing game that blends exploration, treasure hunts, and fiercely fun races. It’s racing toward a release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, and it has certainly piqued my interest.
In Wheel World, you take on the role of Kat, an adventurous rider tasked with bringing order to a land filled with rival cyclists, spare parts, and quirky portal potties that double as fast-travel points. The game’s humor really struck a chord with me; it never takes itself too seriously—a wise move when your bike is overseen by a spirit-herding entity. Your main task is to assist Skully in gathering spirits, but to be successful, assembling an unparalleled bike is essential.
The excitement lies in exploring Wheel World. As you seek out spare parts, you can swap and customize your bike from frame to wheels to handlebars, affecting everything from speed to handling. And if you come across ‘Legendary’ items, they might grant unique boosts like an enhanced meter for those crucial race moments.
Reputation plays a crucial role here, too. To unlock advanced zones, you need to build it up, mainly by challenging other riders on your journey or defeating rival gangs in races. And weren’t they a blast! The blend of fun and challenge with a great soundtrack courtesy of Italians Do It Better made riding through Wheel World an invigorating experience.
The physics and handling feel wonderfully natural. Navigating turns and powering up hills require finesse, while coasting downhill is pure joy. The world itself is a visual treat, calling to mind games like Sable and Dungeons of Hinterberg with its stunning cell-shaded landscape.
Developer Messhof describes Wheel World as a game about the joy and liberty of cycling, and it truly embodies that ethos. Whether you’re racing, tweaking your bike, or just enjoying a scenic ride, it captures the essence of exploration and the thrill of cycling. Keep an eye out for Wheel World’s arrival on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC later this year—it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable ride.
