At the ID@Xbox Showcase during GDC, unexpected gems like Wheel World caught my attention. This unique title is poised to offer an engaging mix of open-world exploration, loot collection, and competitive racing, all set to launch later this year on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere functionality.
Overview of Wheel World
In Wheel World, players step into the role of Kat, a bike rider tasked with saving a vibrant realm filled with rival cyclists, spare parts, and whimsical portal potties that serve as fast-travel points. The game carries a humorous tone throughout, featuring a bike called Skully, possessed by a spirit charged with guiding souls to and from the Moon. Your primary mission involves helping Skully gather spirits while assembling the best bike for racing and exploration.
Gameplay Mechanics
The core fun in Wheel World lies in treasure hunting for loot, specifically spare parts to enhance your bike. Players can swap out various components, such as frames, wheels, and handlebars, which directly influence performance metrics like speed and handling. Rare parts can even have ‘Legendary’ status, granting special abilities, such as boosting your speed during races.
Reputation and Competitions
Building your Reputation is essential for accessing higher-level zones. This can be achieved by racing against other riders encountered on the roads or by defeating rival bike gangs in competitive races. The exhilarating racing experience is complemented by an upbeat soundtrack from Italians Do It Better, enhancing the excitement as players navigate through packs of competitors.
Physics and Environment
The game boasts refined physics that require players to consider factors like speed during turns and terrain changes, such as ascending hills or descending slopes. The stunning cell-shaded world evokes the artistry found in titles like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg, providing a visually captivating backdrop for cycling adventures.
Developer Vision
Independent developer Messhof captures the essence of biking and exploration in Wheel World. The game emphasizes not just racing but also the freedom and joy associated with cycling—be it through competition, customization, or leisurely rides through picturesque landscapes. Gamers can expect an experience that embodies the thrill of the ride and the adventure of exploration when Wheel World launches later this year on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.