Summary
A newly announced game calledPocket Wheelsaims to pay homage to classic collectathon titles from the ’90s by blending 3D platforming with racing elements. This unique genre hybrid is in development forPCand a wide variety of modern consoles.
As the name suggests,collectathon games—sometimes called Collect-a-Thons—revolve around collecting items, thus placing a large emphasis on exploration. This gameplay focus naturally aligns with platformers, with some of the genre’s most famous examples includingSuper Mario 64,Banjo-Kazooie, and the recently releasedAstro Bot.
Another such title has now been announced in the form ofPocket Wheels. Made by soloindie developerFlorian Wolf,Pocket Wheelsis a 3D platformer with a racing game skin. The game tasks players with picking a miniature ride and then rushing through a wide variety of colorful courses filled with obstacles and collectibles alike. While driving is the primary means of moving around,Pocket Wheelsalso features alternate modes of navigation, such as grappling hooks and wings.
Pocket Wheels Promises Immense Level Variety
The setting ofPocket Wheelsresembles a child’s room full of creative toy setups. The game’s official announcement promises immense level variety, with stages inspired by cities, spooky basements, and flooded bathrooms, among other settings. Deck13 also hinted at lava- and moon-themed levels as being part of the package. Theupcoming indie gamewill have a mission-based structure, with each of its rooms offering unique challenges to overcome.
Pocket Wheels Demo Is Now Available
Pocket Wheelsis presently targeting a 2026 release. The game is in development for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch, as well as PC. Its PC version will be distributed via both Steam and GOG. Steam users can currently download afreePocket Wheelsdemo, which serves as a vertical slice of the game. The trial version ofPocket Wheelsincludes one full level with six objectives to tackle, 12 vehicles to choose from, and 100 coins to collect. The demo also incorporates a photo mode that will be part of the finished product.
Developer Florian Wolf describesPocket Wheelsas an interactive take on childhood toy adventures. While collecting a bunch of items can be fun on its own, the game will also incentivize exploration by allowing players to purchase new vehicles with the treasures they obtain.Pocket Wheelshence has the potential to add to the list of compellingmodern collectathon platformerswhile simultaneously paying homage to its classic inspirations. No pricing information has yet been announced for the upcoming title.
