Wheel World: When Bicycle Ghosts and Chill Racing Collide (and It's Surprisingly Good)
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Rock Paper Shotgun reviewed Wheel World, a chill open-world cycling game where you help a bicycle ghost recover his magical bike parts, and it sounds like a surprisingly delightful and low-stakes adventure, perfect for gamers who love a relaxed pace.
Right, so imagine a racing game, but instead of souped-up sports cars, you're on a bike. And your co-pilot? A washed-up bicycle ghost named Skully. Sounds bonkers, doesn't it? That's *Wheel World*, the latest offering from Messhof and Annapurna Interactive, and according to Rock Paper Shotgun, it's a surprisingly breezy ride.
Brendan Caldwell at RPS took it for a spin (pun intended, naturally) and reckons it's a low-stakes open-world cycling adventure that's more charming than challenging. You wake up, find a ghost who's obsessed with bike lore, and then embark on a quest to recover his magical bike parts. Forget saving the world; you're saving Skully's *wild wheels and arcane handlebars* – because, you know, cosmic consequences.
But don't let the initial lore dump scare you off. Caldwell assures us it chills out pretty quick. The real meat of the game is exploring a small, but beautifully crafted world filled with vineyards, forests, and city streets. Think chill vibes, happy-hearted races, and copious bicycle slang. You'll be battling wine connoisseurs through vineyards and corporate types in industrial wastelands – all while trying to become the ultimate cycling champion.
The racing itself sounds smooth and balanced, with a satisfying sense of weight to the bike. Slipstreaming is your friend, charging up a magical boost for that final sprint. Plus, there are sneaky shortcuts and ramps for pulling off some air time (no flashy tricks, though, sorry!). Crash? No worries, you're back on course in a flash. It's all about keeping that flow going, mate.
You'll earn "rep" by winning races and finding hidden parts, which you can use to upgrade your bike. Power, Aero, Handling – it's all there. Caldwell admits to min-maxing to create an all-rounder bike, because who has time to swap parts before every race? Racing games are about flow, after all, and fewer trips to the menu are always a win in my book.
Visually, *Wheel World* rocks a cartoony, cel-shaded style that's reminiscent of *Olli Olli World*. It’s silly and funny without feeling forced. Think portal-potties being used for fast travel – because why not harness the mystical "sewer of spirits?"
The soundtrack, courtesy of Portland record label Italians Do It Better, is described as upbeat and hopeful synth. Stressed? Not here, sunshine. *Wheel World* is all about chill vibes and good tunes.
Now, here's the rub. According to RPS, it's not exactly a nail-biter. A decent bike and some cautious cornering will likely see you through most races. The physics can be a bit wonky at times, leading to some hilarious (and sometimes frustrating) moments. But hey, Caldwell argues that a bit of easy wins is just what the doctor ordered after tougher racing games. Fair dinkum.
Comparisons are drawn to the *Descenders* series and *Lonely Mountains: Downhill*, but Caldwell finds it closer in spirit to *Season: A Letter To The Future*, but with more bubblegum and less emotion. The map's on the smaller side, which is fine by me; who needs endless sprawling worlds anyway? The game even dips its toe into Ubisoft territory with map-revealing shrines and corporate side gigs, but then redeems itself with the ability to initiate races by simply dinging your bell at other cyclists. Genius!
So, what's the verdict? If you're expecting something akin to Messhof's previous work, *Nidhogg*, you might be a tad disappointed. But if you're after a laid-back racing game with a quirky story, charming visuals, and a killer soundtrack, *Wheel World* might just be your next obsession. Just don't expect to break too much of a sweat. Sometimes a gentle coast is exactly what you need.
Tags: racing games, indie games, open world, bicycle, chill
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun