The PlayStation 5 has a new open-world racing game that gamers will want to check out if they’ve had their fill of Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Horizon 5 or just want something with a bit more personality. Wheel World is a bicycle-based racing game that has you biking around an island while talking to an ancient spirit, collecting parts to better your bike, and competing in races. With a gorgeous art style and a fun vibe, it’s an incredibly charming adventure from Messhof (who indie games fans will know from Nidhogg and Flywrench).

The game’s narrative gives the racing game a fun structure, as you’re set loose to explore an island to find missing parts for your rusted bike and unlock boost upgrades. Your map gets filled up rather quickly with icons telling you where to visit, so there’s not a great sense of discovery, but since the world isn’t filled with life, it winds up working out. It is, however, often gorgeous to look at as the art style is perfect for creating some breathtaking vistas and it’s always fun to ride around in.

As you bike around the island, you’ll have to partake in races in order to increase your reputation — which the game uses to gate off content. These races are the real high point of the game, as you’ll have to draft your opponents and wisely use your special speed boost ability (you gain more by getting air and avoiding oncoming cars, Burnout-style) in order to win. The major races, which all have legendary bike parts on the line, really feel like events and are quite fun, although it’s not a particularly punishing racing game.

Wheel World can be finished in five or six hours. While this will be a bummer for some, and I certainly would’ve played more of it, this likely works to its advantage as its mechanics could be spread too thin if it was just an endless onslaught of races. There is also quite a bit of replayability for what is there, as there are bonus objectives (including beating a specific time and collecting hidden letters during a race). There are also friend leaderboards, so those with a competitive streak can try to top their buddies’ best times.

Wheel World Review: Final Verdict

While Wheel World isn’t the PlayStation 5’s best racing game, it’s a great diversion to play in between them. Good for a weekend of whimsy and adventure, this bicycle racing game is charming enough to win over any racing game fan. Just don’t be surprised if you finish it in a single sitting, as the parts system is incredibly rewarding and really gets its hooks in you.

Disclosure: The publisher provided a digital copy for our Wheel World PS5 review. Reviewed on version 1.001.000.

The post Wheel World (PS5) Review: Charming Open-World Racing Game appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.