Wheel World: More Than Just Pedals – It's a Bloody Lovely Bike Dream
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
*Wheel World* is a surprisingly uplifting cycling game that blends open-world exploration with thrilling races, all while reminding you of the simple joy of riding a bike; Eurogamer reckons it's cracking, and I'm inclined to agree.
Right, so Annapurna Interactive's got a new game out called *Wheel World*, and fair dinkum, it’s a bit of alright. Eurogamer’s Christian Donlan reckons it's a "sweet, restorative wonder," and after having a good look at it myself, I'm inclined to agree. It's one of those games that looks familiar – races, open world, collectibles – but somehow manages to feel completely fresh. Ever had that feeling when you're tinkering with something and it all just…clicks?
Donlan points out the *Tony Hawk*, *Ubisoft*, and *Burnout* influences, but stresses that *Wheel World* isn't just a reskin of those. It's got its own vibe, a brisk, personal feel that's surprisingly uplifting. Imagine a game that actually *improves* your day. Bonza!
Now, the core of it all is bikes. Not motorbikes, mind you. *Pushbikes*. The game throws you into a world that worships cycling, complete with gods, myths, and a story where you're chosen to rebuild a magical bike. Sounds a bit bonkers, doesn’t it? But it works. You bomb around these compact open worlds, racing and exploring, all while piecing together your trusty steed.
And here’s the clever bit: the act of cycling itself. Donlan nails it when he describes how Kat, the hero, becomes one with the bike, a "thing of arcs and doodling lines." It’s this weird blend of real-world physics and dreamlike movement that makes *Wheel World* so special. You're connected to the earth, but you're also constantly moving, drawing lines across the landscape. It's almost meditative, in a pedal-powered, lycra-clad way.
The first open world, inspired by Italy (apparently Cezanne and Moebius were involved, somehow?), is a gorgeous mix of vineyards and quirky tractors. But it's not just pretty scenery. The world is designed for cycling, with grippy straights, winding paths, and curves that challenge you to master your bike. And when you're not racing, you’re exploring, hunting down new races, shrines, and bike parts.
Ah yes, the bike parts. You can swap out everything from forks to frames, each with its own stats and perks. Aerodynamics, grippiness, boost refills – it’s all there. But the genius is that most parts aren't strictly *better*, just *different*. This means you can tweak your bike for each race, depending on the terrain and challenges. It reminds me of when I tried to build a gaming PC for the first time - a never ending cycle of swapping parts!
Each race throws something different at you, from drafting and boosting to dodging traffic and aggressive cyclists. It sounds hectic, but Donlan reckons that once you internalize the fundamentals, it all just flows. The roads start to whisper to you, telling you when to boost and when to let gravity take over. Add in gears, and you've got a whole new layer of complexity to master.
Of course, it's not perfect. Donlan notes the lack of an instant restart after races and the tonal shift in the second, more dystopian area. But overall, it's the little things that make *Wheel World* shine: the hidden bike part packages, the perfect stretch of rugged coast, the fact that you have to dismount to talk to people, the ding of your bike bell at shrines. It's a game focused on the simple pleasure of pedal power, and it manages to combine dreamy exploration with thrilling competition.
*Wheel World* is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S (including Game Pass). Give it a go, mate. You might just find yourself having a bloody good time. Credit to Eurogamer for pointing me in the right direction! They've done a stellar review.
Tags: racing, indie games, open world, cycling, exploration
Original article: Eurogamer