Last year, Annapurna Interactive faced an unusual situation when a significant portion of its team left the company. At the time, it was unclear whether their projects would continue to receive funding or remain in development. Fortunately, the worst-case scenario didn’t happen. Wheel World also underwent multiple rebrands and name changes, only to recently debut its demo during Steam Next Fest and it’s an experience you’ll likely fall in love with instantly.
Wheel World is an open-world cycling game that combines high-speed racing, bike customization, and a quirky, cosmic storyline. You play as Kat, a young cyclist tasked with saving the universe by recovering stolen Legendary bike parts and performing the Great Shift ritual. The game offers a mix of exploration, racing, and customization, all set to an energetic soundtrack.
It's time to save the world by cycling
A few key features make this game stand out. First, the driving mechanics are smooth, while the game recommends using a controller, it’s also playable with a keyboard. Turning and controlling the bicycle feels easy, and your main focus is on tailing other drivers and managing your boost, which lets you speed up. Ramps are also scattered across the racing route, adding an extra layer of strategy. Second, the game avoids collisions entirely; you simply pass through other racers when driving close to them. Lastly, you can dismount your bicycle to collect chests and other items, which are used to upgrade your bike.
Since the demo version is quite short, it’s difficult to gauge the variety of races, terrains, obstacles, and opponents in the full game. It’s also hard to assess the overall difficulty at this stage. Given that races consist of only a few fast-paced laps, it’s unclear how long the full game will take to complete or how lengthy individual races will be.
The game revolves around your reputation and your ability to communicate with ghosts, which means that building good relationships with different gangs and characters is crucial. The demo demonstrates this well, if you have a solid reputation, you can pass through blocked zones. If you need to boost your reputation, racing against others is an effective way to do so.
Wheel World could become a real hidden gem
Apparently, you will be able to take on side quests, collect rare bike parts, and discover hidden areas that add depth to the game in the full version. You can also upgrade and modify your bike with an endless array of parts, from sleek speedsters to off-road beasts. This allows you to tailor your ride to your playstyle, whether you prefer speed, durability, or handling.
Visually, Wheel World has the potential to be stunning, though I wasn’t a fan of the extremely pixelated graphics, which can feel a bit tricky for the eyes. That said, the game’s world is filled with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and breathtaking vistas. The demo suggests that each area will feel distinct, from the lush greenery of forests to the rugged terrain of mountains. My favorite aspect, however, is the quirky and memorable character designs, which add a unique charm to the game.
Wheel World could definitely be a fun cycling adventure, blending racing, exploration, and customization. I’m looking forward to seeing what the full version has to offer, especially since the demo at Steam Next Fest provided a solid showcase of the game’s potential.
English (UK) 
Hrvatski