[PREVIEW] Wheel World – Annapurna’s Hidden Hit

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Last year, Annapurna Interactive faced an unusual situation when a significant part of their team left the company. At that time, it was unclear whether their projects would continue to be funded or even remain in development. Fortunately, the worst-case scenario did not materialize. Wheel World also went through multiple rebrands and name changes, and only recently debuted with its demo version at Steam Next Fest, and you will probably fall in love with it at first sight.

Wheel World is an open-world biking game that combines fast-paced racing, bike customization, and a peculiar cosmic story. You play as Kat, a young cyclist who must save the universe by finding stolen legendary bike parts and performing the Great Shift ritual. The game offers a blend of exploration, racing, and bike customization, all set to an energetic musical backdrop.

Time to Save the World by Biking

Several key elements set this game apart from others. First, the riding mechanic is smooth; although using a controller is recommended, it is possible to play with a keyboard. Steering and cornering the bike also feel natural, and the main focus is on drafting other riders and managing your boost, which allows you to temporarily increase speed. Scattered jumps along the track add an interesting element to the races.

Second, the game completely avoids collisions; when you approach other riders, you simply pass through them. Third, you have the option to dismount the bike to collect chests and other items, which are used to upgrade your bike.

Since the demo version is quite short, it’s difficult to assess the diversity of races, terrain, obstacles, and opponents that will appear in the full version. Also, it’s unclear how challenging the game will be on higher difficulties. Given that the races consist of only a few quick laps, the question remains how long the entire game will be and how prolonged the individual races will be.

As the game revolves around your reputation and communication with spirits, building good relationships with different gangs and characters is crucial. The demo version illustrates this well; if you have a good reputation, you can pass through blocked zones. If you need to improve your status, racing against other riders is an effective way to do so.

Wheel World Could Become a Real Hidden Hit

Apparently, in the full version, we will be able to take on side missions, collect rare bike parts, and discover hidden zones that add depth to the game. We can also upgrade and modify our bike with an infinite array of parts, whether to create a balanced bike or perhaps focus only on speed. It’s nice that the game allows us to tailor the ride to our playstyle, whether we prefer speed, durability, or handling.

Visually, Wheel World has the potential to be beautiful, although I personally was not a fan of the highly pixelated graphics, which were hard on the eyes. Nevertheless, the game world is filled with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and stunning vistas. The demo suggests that each zone will have its unique feel, from lush green forests to cold mountain terrain. My favorite aspect is, however, the peculiar and memorable character designs, which give the game a unique charm.

Wheel World could definitely be a fun biking adventure that blends racing, exploration, and customization. The full version is something to look forward to, especially since the demo at Steam Next Fest provided a solid showcase of this title’s potential.