Today, developer Santa Ragione released an extended, tweaked version of Wheels of Aurelia on Steam. The game blends road trip conversation and the political landscape of 1970's Italy with racing, having players guide the wheel while guiding the chat they have with the various people who will share their car.
The isometric racer doesn't take overly long to finish - usually fifteen minutes from start to finish - but the people and events you come across on your trip change every time. As Lella, you'll argue with Catholic priests, engage in illegal street races, banter with men and women you meet on the road, and encounter several more varied events. As you do, you'll steer the car in isometric races while selecting where to take the dialogue, mimicking the sensation of keeping your mind on the road and the words of your fellow traveller.
Mixing racing and chat seems like an unlikely combination, but that point in which you're half paying attention to both the wheel and your friend draws out a strange honesty on road trips. Some of the best conversations I've ever had were behind the wheel of my car, and Wheels of Aurelia draws out that same surreal magic, encouraging intimate talk while riding the lonesome streets.

Wheels of Aurelia is available for $9.99 on Steam and the game's site (and coming to PS4/Xbox One on October 5). For more information on the game and developer Santa Ragione, you can head to the developer's site or follow them on Facebook, YouTube, a...