The Annapurna-published biking journey Ghost Bike is now Wheel World

Ghost Bike is useless; lengthy dwell Wheel World. The scenic biking journey from the creators of Nidhogg was revealed in 2023 with a darker storyline. After design pivots to “make IT extra enjoyable to play” (at all times a good suggestion!), the brand new naming conference matches its lighter tone. Initially slated for this yr, the Annapurna-published sport will now arrive in early 2025.

Wheel World is developer Messhof’s first 3D sport and its first with a giant workforce. The studio made its bones with Nidhogg, a side-scrolling sword-fighting sport with old-school Atari-style graphics. With Wheel World, the workforce shifts gears (sorry) to a beautiful cel-shaded artwork fashion. In contrast to Messhof’s earlier titles, this one could have a story — with characters and dialog packing containers!

Messhof defined its rebranding in a press launch. “[Ghost Bike] was a sport about dying on a motorcycle after being hit by a automobile and ending up in a biking valhalla,” Messhof’s Mak Essen and Kristy Norindr wrote. “Whereas IT wasn’t immediately primarily based on actual world ghost bikes (these white bikes memorializing cyclists killed by drivers), there was sufficient overlap to really feel just like the title was justified and the associations can be a optimistic one from each instructions. However as issues modified within the gameplay (to make IT extra enjoyable to play), and thus the story (particularly in tone) IT match much less and fewer.” Wheel World, IT is.

You play as Kat, a younger bicycle owner decided to “save Wheel World from whole collapse.” Its gameplay combines racing, bike upgrades, recovering stolen elements and in the end performing “The Nice Shift ritual” to avoid wasting the world.

The trailer additionally showcases a roaming mode for occasions whenever you desire a enjoyable gaming expertise. An unique soundtrack from the digital label Italians Do IT Higher helps you relax whereas cruising the superbly cel-shaded countryside.

When IT arrives in early 2025, Wheel World can be on Recreation Go on day one. Along with the Xbox Collection X/S, IT will even be obtainable on PS5 and PC.