Wheel World, A Vibing Review

I have to admit that my vocabulary isn't modern enough to use terms like "vibe" and "vibing". For me, there are only refined vibes and vibrations! But as soon as I started playing Wheel World, my first thought was that it's really a "vibing" sort of game. 

The problem is that I can't explain it without understanding how the word "vibe" is used today and what exactly "vibing" is. So, I asked an unnamed AI assistant to explain it to me that rhymes with mapepete.

Want to try out something completely different? Check out our Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Hinokami Chronicles 2 review!

Discover the Unique Universe of Wheel World 

The undescript AI tells me that "vibe" is used as a universal description for something incredible, relaxed, pleasant, attractive… Essentially, "vibe" is an advanced version of something cool, because with "vibe" things come the verb "vibing". The vibe in Wheel World is like being in some paradise for cyclists, and you "vibe" by getting rewarded for all your cycling activities.

For winning a race, you get a reputation that unlocks boss races. For jumps, you get coupons that you can use to buy new bike parts. For risky driving and dodging cars and objects, you get acceleration. By exploring the world, you find free bike parts. This is the basic mechanism of the game, but let's delve deeper. The game features a variety of races, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. You can customize your bike with different parts, each affecting your performance in different ways. And the more you play, the more you'll discover about the game's mechanics and how to use them to your advantage.

Wheel World is an arcade game, so don't expect any simulation elements from it. This is like the cycling version of Need for Speed. It even features a challenge mode where you can challenge any driver to a race while driving, just like in the old Underground 2.

A Surprisingly Elaborate Driving Model

When I say the game is arcade-like, it may sound derogatory, but that's not the intention. Wheel World has a pleasant driving model that knows what's essential in conveying the feeling of riding a bike. For example, through the controls, you get the feeling like you're on a vehicle that can't brake as quickly as a car, and turning at higher speeds isn't as smooth as driving something with a steering wheel. 

Wheel World employs a surprisingly elaborate driving model, to the point where on some gears, you must manually shift gears. Initially, upgrading the bike may not be significant, as you constantly receive new parts that enhance your speed. However, later on, the game requires you to think about what kind of bike would be suitable for which race. 

Power and speed aren't always the most critical characteristics if the track is winding. One bike part will give you more acceleration from drafting, but another might help you on a dirt surface…

All in all, Wheel World does a good job of conveying the satisfaction of building your bike using different parts. It's a shame that it stops halfway, because it could have included designing stickers for bikes, changing colors, and more. Not to mention the unused potential of the rider's equipment.

The Good, the Bad, and the "Vibe"

She's actually less important to the story of Wheel World than her bike. I'm not sure what the plot of this game is, apart from the fact that you need to get somewhere. The story doesn't exist outside of the dialogue, which is packed with numerous bike-related jokes and puns. At first, it's funny, but by the end of the game, it becomes forced.

Wheel World is relatively short, lasting around four hours. Two maps are quite different in terms of atmosphere, but that difference isn't reflected in the gameplay. All the races in the game have the same set of tasks: collect the letters K-A-T, set a record time, and finish the race first. Although the tracks are well-designed and the racing itself can be interesting due to the driving model, more could have been done to enhance the experience. Given that it's a fantasy cycling game, it wouldn't hurt to include power-up items.

Experience the Joy of Wheel World and yet, playing Wheel World is an absolute blast. The background music for the races is well-chosen, the world looks stunning with its cel-shading style, and controlling the bike is a unique experience compared to other driving games. In fact, it's hard for me to think of something similar to Wheel World because we don't see cycling games around every corner, especially not ones that offer the freedom to explore the environment. It's a game that's sure to keep you entertained and excited.

Wheel World In Conclusion

Why I Recommend Wheel World that's why I wholeheartedly recommend Wheel World to other cycling enthusiasts. While it may not win you over with its story, and you might find yourself wishing for more, it's undeniably good fun, much like a leisurely afternoon bike ride. And if you're on PC or Xbox, you're in luck-you can find the game as part of the Game Pass subscription, making it even more accessible.

Rating: 7.5/10. 

The game earns this grade because it successfully conveys the feeling of cycling and features a pleasant driving model; however, it's relatively short and lacks depth in its story and gameplay mechanics.

Recommended age: 10+. 

I recommend this game to kids aged 10 and above because it's a fun, arcade-like cycling game that's easy to pick up and play. The game's controls and mechanics are straightforward enough for younger players to grasp, and its atmosphere is generally positive and uplifting.