Ghost Bike died; long live Wheel World. A scenic cycling adventure from its creators Nidhogg It came out in 2023 with a darker storyline. After the design pivoted to “make it more fun to play” (always a good idea!), the new naming convention matches its lighter tone. Originally slated for this year, the Annapurna-published game will now arrive in early 2025.
Wheel World is developer Messhof’s first 3D game and first with a large team. The studio made its own bones Nidhoggside scrolling sword fighting game with old school Atari style graphics. with Wheel Worldteam shifts gears (sorry) into a gorgeous cel-shaded art style. Unlike Messhof’s previous titles, this one will have a story with characters and dialogue boxes!
Messhof explained the rebranding in a press release. “[Ghost Bike] It was a game about dying on a bike after being hit by a car and ending up in Valhalla for cycling,” wrote Messhof’s Mark Essen and Kristy Norindr. “While not directly based on real-world ghost bikes (those white bikes that commemorate cyclists killed by riders), there was enough overlap to feel that the name was justified and that the associations would be positive both ways. But as things change in the game (to make it more fun to play) and so the story (especially in tone) becomes less and less consistent. Wheel Worldit is.
You play as Kat, a young biker determined to “save the World of Wheels from total destruction”. Its gameplay combines racing, bike upgrades, recovering stolen parts, and eventually performing the “Big shift ritual” to save the world.
The trailer also showcases roaming for whatever times you want relaxing gaming experience. An original soundtrack from electronic label Italians Do It Better helps you relax while watching the beautiful cel-shaded countryside.
When it arrives in early 2025, Wheel World will be on Game Pass on the first day. Along with the Xbox Series X/S, it also includes PS5 and PC.
