Discover Wheel World: Ditch the Lycra for a Leisurely, Feel-Good Adventure!

Confession time: At the age of 37, I have yet to acquire my driver’s license. My brief attempt in the summer of 2021 ended quickly when, during my second driving lesson, my instructor inquired whether I was a frequent video game player. After I confirmed his suspicion, he remarked, “I thought so,” with a tone that was unmistakably critical. Unfortunately, my extensive experience racing in Mario Kart and wreaking havoc in Grand Theft Auto did little to prepare me for actual driving. The appeal of these games lies in their departure from reality.

As I still lack a driver’s license, my primary mode of transport is a bicycle—a large, bright orange bike that carries not only myself but also my two children on the back. It’s an odd sight, especially next to sleek, middle-aged cyclists in Lycra whizzing by on their high-tech bikes. My bike isn’t suited for rural or mountainous adventures, which leads me back to the world of video games for that type of thrill.

It’s surprising how few games focus on cycling, yet like my peculiar fondness for virtual golf, I’ve found myself drawn to the niche genre. One of my favorite titles is Lonely Mountains: Downhill, where you navigate a mountain bike down perilous slopes with only the sounds of nature and the occasional crash into boulders for company. Another gem is Knights and Bikes, a charming tale reminiscent of a 1980s summer vacation, featuring two kids exploring an island by bike.

Recently, I’ve been engrossed in Wheel World by California-based developer Messhof, known for the fencing game Nidhogg. This game lets you explore a vast island on a user-friendly racing bike, discovering hidden trails and ramps, and occasionally racing against local cyclists. It’s a tranquil, colorful version of Forza Horizon but on two wheels—a game that captures the essence and serenity of biking without the complexities of vehicle control.

After suffering a painful injury for most of the year, which has kept me from my regular contributions to the newsletter, I’ve welcomed the relief provided by low-stress, uplifting games like Wheel World. It’s a soothing racing game where you are chosen by an ancient bike spirit to compete against the island’s fastest riders in a quest to recover magical bike parts. The challenges are not particularly tough, and most of the time, I found myself winning races with ease. The experience of riding freely through the countryside, mingling with tractors and occasionally veering off the paved roads, is thoroughly enjoyable.

While I’ve played several games structured similarly to Wheel World, none have felt quite as relaxing. The game world is a delightful homage to cycling, uncomplicated and distraction-free. Customizing your bike is part of the fun, with each new component slightly altering your cycling experience. The soundtrack strikes a perfect balance, energizing during races and fading into the background as you explore. After mastering the game, I spent extra hours just exploring every unvisited corner of the island, each designed specifically for cycling enjoyment.

Sometimes, during recovery, you need a vast game to immerse yourself in; other times, a simple, joyful game does wonders for your spirits. Wheel World has made the absence of real-life cycling more bearable for me.

Recommended Games

Regular readers might recall my struggles with every Hideo Kojima game I’ve tried, but our critic Tom Regan was thrilled about the upcoming re-release of Metal Gear Solid 3, now titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. “Snake Eater is a streamlined Metal Gear experience, drawing as much from James Bond as it does from Apocalypse Now,” he comments. “Kojima’s love for Hollywood is evident, yet this game remains his most cinematic, balancing ridiculous fun with serious storytelling in a seamless blend of cold war tension and anime-like absurdity.”

Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox

Estimated playtime: About 20 hours

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Interactive Corner

This week, reader Tom poses a question:

“With all the remakes out there, why hasn’t anyone updated Vagrant Story, which is clearly in demand (at least by me)?”

We all have that one game we believe would shine with modern technology. Vagrant Story might not be too far-fetched; Square Enix has a history of honoring its classics. While a massive remake like Final Fantasy VII’s may be unlikely, I see a 50% chance of Vagrant Story returning, possibly as a delightful surprise in an upcoming major showcase, especially since Naoki Yoshida of Final Fantasy XIV counts it among his favorites. We’ve revisited the topic of desired remakes before, so let’s pose the question again: Which old games are you still hoping to see revived? If you have another question for our Interactive Corner—or any other thoughts—feel free to email us at pushingbuttons@theguardian.com.