Wheel World: A Revolutionary Spin on Bike Racing

I definitely didn’t expect to be playing a game where you ride a fixed-gear bike possessed by an entity called Skully this year, but surprises like these are what make events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC so exciting. You never really know what’s going to grab your attention. “Wheel World,” with its intriguing mix of open-world discovery, scavenger-style loot hunting, and incredibly fun competitive racing, has definitely caught my eye as it zooms its way towards a release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. With the added benefit of Xbox Play Anywhere support, it’s set to release later this year.

In this fascinating game, you take on the role of Kat, a rider destined to save a world brimming with rival cyclists, spare bike parts, and quirky portal potties that double as fast-travel mechanics. One of the things I loved most about my experience with this game was its humor. It strikes a great balance, never taking itself too seriously, which is something you kind of expect when you’re dealing with a bike that’s under the influence of a spirit ferrying souls back and forth from the Moon. Your main objective in Wheel World is to aid Skully by collecting spirits, but to do so, you’ll need to assemble the best bike from the assorted parts you find.

Exploring Wheel World and hunting down loot (in the form of spare parts) is a huge part of the enjoyment. The game lets you uncover all sorts of pieces you can use to trick out your bike—from frames to wheels to handlebars—and these each affect your ride’s speed and handling. Some parts even have a ‘Legendary’ status, offering unique abilities like boosting your speed meter for those all-important races.

One of Wheel World’s defining features is Reputation, crucial for unlocking more advanced zones. You earn this by taking on other bikers on your journey or challenging rival bike gangs to races. Racing in this game is a blast, adding a layer of excitement and keeping you engaged as you navigate the spectacular landscape.

Every racing challenge, whether you’re pitted against a sole opponent or a pack, feels light yet fun, backed up by an energizing soundtrack from Italians Do It Better. As you speed past packs of competitors, mastering techniques like drafting—a strategic move where you ride closely behind another biker to cut wind resistance—and using your boosts wisely are key strategies for victory. Winning races also earns you coupons that can be exchanged for even more bike parts at in-game shops.

The bike’s handling physics feel realistic, making you consider your speed around curves, the effort needed for uphill climbs, or the ease of gliding downhill. This aspect, finely tuned, is crucial because the game leans heavily on it. Plus, the cell-shaded graphics offer a stunning world to explore, reminiscent of visual styles in games like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg.

Messhof, the independent developer behind Wheel World, describes it as capturing the essence of the joy and liberty that come with bike life—and it truly does. Whether you’re racing, tinkering with your bike, exploring the landscapes, or just enjoying a leisurely cruise through the hills, it embodies the spirit of cycling adventures and the freedom they offer. Keep an eye out for Wheel World as it gears up to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, fully supported by Xbox Play Anywhere, later this year.