This year, I definitely wasn’t expecting to find myself racing around on a fixed-gear bike, especially one that’s possessed by an enigmatic entity named Skully. But that’s precisely the kind of surprise that makes the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC so thrilling. You never know which game will leap out and grab your attention. Wheel World has done just that for me, with its intriguing blend of open-world exploration, intense loot hunting, and unexpectedly entertaining racing. It’s now firmly on my radar as it gears up to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, supporting Xbox Play Anywhere later on this year.
In Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a determined cyclist on a mission to save a world bustling with rival bikers, scattered spare parts, and quirky fast-travel spots disguised as portal potties. A strong dose of humor weaves through the game, which I thoroughly enjoyed during my playtime. After all, it’s hard to take things too seriously when your bike is under the spooky management of Skully, an entity tasked with shuttling spirits to and from the Moon. Your primary mission is to assist Skully by gathering these spirits, which involves customizing and perfecting your bike to make it race-ready.
The thrill of venturing through Wheel World and scavenging for loot is a major draw. You can stumble upon a plethora of bike parts—from frames to wheels to handlebars—all interchangeable and impacting attributes like speed and control. Some pieces even boast a ‘Legendary’ status, providing special boosts such as enhancing your speed meter for an edge during races.
Building your Reputation in Wheel World is key, unlocking access to more challenging areas. You’ll earn reputation by challenging and defeating riders on the open road or by reigning supreme over rival gangs through racing. And let me tell you, racing around in Wheel World is a pure delight.
During my time racing—whether one-on-one or against a whole squad—I found a sense of light challenge paired with the backdrop of a pulsating soundtrack brought to life by Italians Do It Better. Strategies like drafting behind competitors to cut wind resistance and using your boost effectively were crucial to crossing the finish line first. Winning races lands you coupons, which can be swapped at local bike shops for more parts to upgrade your ride.
The bike’s handling felt remarkably intuitive, whether you were gaining speed around bends, pedaling hard uphill, or effortlessly gliding downhill—all key gameplay aspects that are finely polished. The game’s cel-shaded world is also a marvel to navigate, reminiscent of titles like Sable and Dungeons of Hinterberg.
Developer Messhof has crafted Wheel World with an emphasis on the sheer joy and liberty of cycling, a feeling that permeates every aspect of the game. From intense races to meticulous tinkering, exploring scenic routes, or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise, it captures that thrill of biking along with the freedom of exploring a vibrant world. Keep an eye out for Wheel World as it ventures onto Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support later this year.
