Happy Wheels is a ragdoll-physics-adventure based Flash game created by Jim Bonacci and launched in June of 2010. Users may create and share their own custom scenarios using the expansive level editor, play some of the over 10 million already-existing user-made levels, or take a look at some of the featured levels – the best levels in the game. The game is most notable for its dark sense of humor and its large amounts of blood and gore. The full version allows you to go to the up-to-date version, while the demo stays on v1.10, with limited features.
Story
This is the first public version of the game, so please allow some time for the remaining bugs to be ironed out. Though I still love flash, what’s great about this version is that it performs very well on mobile devices. However, this release does not yet include on screen mobile controls. That will be added in the next update. If you’re desperate to try it out on your phone, a bluetooth keyboard works very well. Though I mentioned previously that the game would now run at 60 fps, some of the heavier levels definitely bog down at that framerate. It is already possible through a setting though, so perhaps I could host a 60 Hz version on another page for those with super beefy processors. Aside from that, Happy Wheels JS should be pretty close in every way to the original. The database of users, levels, and replays remains the same. The only thing lost is the impending doom of the end of existence.
Development
The Happy Wheels JavaScript Remake was developed in HTML5 and Javascript, which will allow it to not only run smoother but run in 60 frames per second. Unlike the original, it was not developed by Jim Bonacci, instead of outsourced to Goodboy Digital, a London-based Digital-play development company. Initial closed Beta testing started in late October 2020 through the official Discord and ended by December 28th, 2020 with the first public version released by that date.
Gameplay
Happy Wheels’ tagline is “Choose your inadequately prepared racer, and ignore severe consequences in your desperate search for victory!” The actual mechanics of gameplay vary because of character choice and level design; the game includes characters such as a businessman on a Segway. The goal of the game also differs depending on the level. In most levels, the goal is to reach a finish line or to collect tokens. Many levels feature alternate or nonexistent goals for the player. Reviewers have noted that Happy Wheels exhibits graphic violence in its gameplay. For instance, characters can be decapitated, shot, or crushed by different obstacles. Loss of limbs and animated blood loss are also graphic elements. Players also have the choice to upload instant replays of their level attempts, which can then be viewed. Happy Wheels features a level editor, which allows players to create custom levels of their own. It contains a plethora of tools and objects for level building. Users can upload their maps to a public server where they are accessible.
Hard Core
The Happy Wheels Sequel, commonly referred to as Happy Wheels 2, is the sequel to Happy Wheels that is currently in production. He has also stated it will cost around $5 – $10 to create levels, although nothing has been confirmed.
Jim will keep people updated on the works via Happy Wheels Discord. Be sure to check pinned messages in the #sequel-discussion channel.
