Developer Split Fiction is set to release WheelMates on Tuesday, September 1, for PC. The game combines the cooperative storytelling of titles like It Takes Two with the miniature-scale environments reminiscent of Micro Machines. WheelMates supports both online and local co-op play, and unlike It Takes Two, it offers an online option.
In WheelMates, players control two remote-controlled cars within the sprawling laboratory and surrounding areas of a missing scientist, Professor Everett Bloom. The core gameplay loop involves navigating these environments, overcoming obstacles, and solving puzzles to uncover the mystery behind Bloom's disappearance. The scale of the environments is compared to classic Micro Machines levels, featuring everyday household items like oversized cereal bowls and pens as part of the playable space.
As players progress, they will unlock new abilities essential for exploration and puzzle-solving. These include magnetic wheels that allow cars to drive on walls and ceilings, a rope for swinging across gaps, and a magnetic grabber tool capable of interacting with switches and collecting items. These mechanics are necessary to discover all the secrets hidden within the professor's home.
While It Takes Two featured combat and boss encounters, WheelMates focuses on peaceful exploration and puzzle-solving. Similar to its acclaimed co-op inspiration, WheelMates will implement a friend pass system, meaning only one player needs to purchase the game for both to play together online. The developers aim to provide more co-op experiences for players, with WheelMates shaping up to be a notable entry in the genre.