Wheel World: A Revolutionary Spin on Bike Racing

Honestly, I never imagined I’d find myself racing on a fixed-gear bike possessed by an entity named Skully this year. But that’s exactly the kind of surprise you get at events like the ID@Xbox Showcase during GDC. You never know what new adventure will grab your attention. Wheel World blends open-world exploration, scavenging for loot, and intense, fun racing, and it certainly caught my eye. As it gears up for its release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere compatibility later this year, it’s definitely revving up some excitement.

In Wheel World, you take on the role of Kat, a daring cyclist destined to rescue an intriguing realm filled with rival bikers, scattered bike parts, and even portal potties that act as quick-travel nodes. The humor woven through my experience was another highlight — the game doesn’t take itself too seriously. And why would it, when your trusty bike is possessed by a moon spirit traffic director named Skully? Your main mission is to help Skully gather these wayward spirits, but you’ll need to build the ultimate bike along the way.

Exploring Wheel World is a loot-finding adventure where you can gather all kinds of bike parts, from frames to handlebars. Every part is swappable and affects your bike’s performance in terms of speed and handling. The truly special ‘Legendary’ pieces can even grant unique abilities, like boosting your speedometer during races, adding another layer of strategy to your ride.

Your reputation in this world acts as a key, unlocking new zones and it’s earned by outpacing other competitors or defeating rival gangs in high-stakes races. The thrill of riding, racing, and outmaneuvering opponents felt right on point.

The races I participated in were a blast. Whether it was a one-on-one challenge or battling a group, the gameplay was engaging without being overly difficult. With a throbbing soundtrack by Italians Do It Better playing in the background, the races really pumped up the adrenaline. Tactics like drafting to cut down on wind resistance, and using your boost at just the right moment were vital. Victory in races comes with rewards, like coupons you can use in world bike shops to get more bike parts.

As for the bike mechanics, they were spot on. The handling felt natural, requiring attention to speed on curves, heavy pedaling uphill, and just enjoying the ride down a slope. It’s crucial, given how much the gameplay relies on these mechanics. Plus, the beautifully cell-shaded environment enhances the experience, reminiscent of the visuals in games like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg.

Messhof, the indie developer behind Wheel World, talks about capturing the sheer joy and freedom of life on a bike — and they’ve nailed it. The exhilarating races, the detailed bike customization, the pure joy of exploring, or just cruising through scenic hills, it all encapsulates the essence of biking. Keep an eye out for Wheel World as it races to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere support, later this year.

Welcome to Wheel World, where the universe’s fate hangs on what you can accomplish on two wheels. As Kat, your mission is clear: prevent Wheel World from falling apart. Discover a captivating open environment, filled with secret nooks and challenging races that push your limits. Build your dream bike from a massive selection of parts, tailoring it perfectly to suit your needs, from sleek speed machines to rugged all-terrain beasts.

Wheel World offers a ton of thrilling activities:
– Race to Dominate: Challenge top cycling teams and unique characters in heart-pounding races where every second is crucial.
– Upgrade Your Ride: Search out rare components to construct the ultimate bicycle.
– Complete Your Destiny: Retrieve your stolen Legendary parts to ultimately execute The Great Shift ritual and rescue the world. No pressure.

All of this is accompanied by an energetic soundtrack from Italians Do It Better, keeping your spirits high through every race and awe-inspiring moment of exploration.

Get ready to ride your way to greatness, safeguard Wheel World’s spirits, and keep the cosmic balance intact. Jump on, pedal hard, and leave your worries in the dust.