Ghost Bike is dead. Long live Wheel World. The scenic cycling adventure from the creators of Nidhogg was released in 2023 with a darker storyline. Following a design pivot to “make it more fun to play” (always a good idea!), the new naming convention matches its upbeat vibe. Originally scheduled for this year, the Annapurna-published game is now scheduled for release in early 2025.
Wheel World is developer Messhof’s first 3D game, and the first to collaborate with a large team. The studio made its bones with Nidhogg, a side-scrolling swordplay game with old-school Atari-style graphics. For Wheel World, the team switches gears to a (sorry) gorgeous cel-shaded art style. Unlike Messhof’s previous titles, this one includes a story driven by characters and dialogue boxes.
Messhoff explained the rebranding in a press release. “[Ghost Bike]was a game about riding a bike, getting hit by a car, dying, and ending up in the Valhalla of cycling,” Messhof’s Mark Essen and Kristy Norindr write. “Although it was not directly based on a real-world ghost bike (a white bike commemorating a cyclist killed by its driver), there was enough overlap to feel that the name was justified, and the association goes both ways. ”, but as the gameplay landscape changed (to make it more fun to play) and thus the story (particularly the tone), it became less and less of a fit. ” Wheel World, yes.
Messhof / Annapurna
You play as Kat, a young cyclist determined to “save the Wheel World from complete collapse.” Its gameplay combines racing, upgrading bikes, recovering stolen parts, and ultimately performing the “Great Shift Ritual” to save the world.
The trailer also showcases a roaming mode if you want a relaxing gaming experience. An original soundtrack from electronic label Italians Do It Better will help you relax as you cruise through the beautiful cel-shaded countryside.
When it arrives in early 2025, Wheel World will be on Game Pass from day one. In addition to Xbox Series X/S, it will also be available on PS5 and PC.
