Wheel World: A Revolutionary Approach to Bike Racing

This year, I didn’t anticipate finding myself intrigued by a game about riding a fixed-gear bike haunted by an entity named Skully, but that’s precisely the charm of events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC. You never quite know what unexpected delight is going to grab your attention. That’s exactly what happened with Wheel World—a unique blend of open-world exploration, scavenger-like loot collection, and surprisingly exhilarating racing. It’s now firmly on my radar as it gears up to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support, later this year.

In Wheel World, you step into the shoes of Kat, a dedicated cyclist with a destiny to save this intriguing land. It’s a place brimming with rival riders, spare parts, and quirky fast-travel stations disguised as portal potties. One of the things I found most appealing during my time with the game was its humor. It never gets too serious, which is exactly what you’d hope for in a game that features a bike under the influence of an otherworldly entity tasked with guiding spirits to and from the Moon. Your primary mission in Wheel World is to assist Skully in spirit-gathering, but achieving that goal requires crafting the ultimate bike.

As you navigate through the distinct terrain of Wheel World, scavenging for loot—essentially spare parts—is an integral part of the experience. These parts allow you to customize every aspect of your bike—from frame to wheels and even handlebars. Each piece can alter key stats such as speed and handling. Some of these parts have ‘Legendary’ status, bestowing you with unique abilities like an extended boost meter to give you an edge in races.

Another key aspect of the game is Reputation, which you need to unlock more challenging zones. You earn it by going head-to-head with other cyclists roaming the roads or by outpacing rival bike gangs in races. And let me tell you, the thrill of racing through Wheel World is undeniably fun.

Every race, whether against a single competitor or a pack, offers a delightful challenge. A fantastic soundtrack from Italians Do It Better provides an electrifying backdrop as you glide through competitors. Mastering techniques like drafting—as in closely following another rider to cut down wind resistance—and hitting your boost at the perfect moment are crucial to clinching victories. Winning races also earns you coupons, which you can redeem at various bike shops scattered throughout the game to acquire even more parts.

The bike mechanics feel impressively realistic. Handling turns at varying speeds, navigating hills, or effortlessly coasting downhill—all of these come together seamlessly, which is essential given the game’s emphasis on riding dynamics. The game’s cell-shaded aesthetic is another highlight, evoking the visual style of games like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg.

Messhof, the indie developer behind this masterpiece, has crafted a love letter to cycling—the thrill, the exploration, and the tinkering that accompanies it. Whether racing, customizing, or simply cruising through scenic hills, Wheel World captures the liberating spirit of biking. Be on the lookout for its release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC later this year, thanks to the support of Xbox Play Anywhere.