I wasn’t expecting to find myself intrigued by a game featuring a fixed-gear bike possessed by some entity named Skully, but that’s exactly what happened at the ID@Xbox Showcase during GDC. Attending these kinds of events is exciting because you never know what might grab your interest. Wheel World has certainly done that for me. With its captivating blend of open-world exploration, the thrill of scavenging for loot, and some unexpectedly exciting races, this fresh take on bike racing has made its mark. It’s set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, featuring Xbox Play Anywhere, later in the year.
In Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a biker destined to rescue a world filled with competing cyclists, spare parts scattered everywhere, and quirky fast-travel points cleverly designed as outhouses. The game stands out for its humor—a lightheartedness that’s hard to miss, especially when your bike is under the influence of a spirit with connections to the Moon. That’s right, Skully is not just a name; it’s the overseer of spirit transit. Your mission is to assist Skully in collecting these spirits, but success hinges on crafting the ultimate bike.
Navigating the diverse landscapes of Wheel World while on the lookout for loot, primarily spare parts, is a major highlight. These parts allow extensive customization of your bike, from its frame and wheels to handlebars and more, altering performance stats like speed and handling. Some items even come as ‘Legendary,’ bestowing special abilities such as an expanded boost meter to give you an edge in races.
Another interesting feature of this universe is the Reputation system, essential for accessing more challenging areas. You build it up by racing against other riders or challenging rival gangs. The best part? Racing through Wheel World is a blast.
The competitions I experienced were delightfully fun with just the right amount of challenge, backed by an infectious soundtrack by Italians Do It Better. As I weaved through packs of riders, drafting—riding closely behind another cyclist to reduce air resistance—and timing boosts perfectly were strategies that proved vital. Victories on the track earn you coupons, usable at in-game bike shops to gather even more parts.
The bike’s handling felt intuitive and true to life. You have to consider your speed on turns, pedal vigorously uphill, or enjoy downhill coasting—all of which felt convincingly refined. That’s crucial since so much of the game hinges on these mechanics. The cel-shaded design of the world itself is a sight to behold, reminiscent of visually captivating games like Sable and Dungeons of Hinterberg.
Indie studio Messhof describes Wheel World as a celebration of the joy and freedom that comes with biking—an experience successfully captured here. Whether you’re racing, tinkering with bike parts, exploring the stunning game world, or leisurely cruising through the scenic hills, it truly embodies the spirit of cycling adventure. Be sure to keep an eye out for Wheel World, which will make its way to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere support, by year’s end.
