Causing all of this chaos wouldn’t be nearly as interesting if the visuals didn’t hold up, but the graphical presentation of Wheelman handles this action admirably. Nearly every street has patio sets, trees, benches, gates, and windows that can be smashed as you blow through the area amounting to a significant trail of wreckage being left behind you on every block. The in-game Barcelona is big, but it doesn’t have the personality of some other game worlds like Liberty City. The same could be said of most of the character models, though Burik does look a lot like Diesel. The game’s vehicles look great after taking a bit of damage - often all that is left after a frenzied car battle is a metallic frame, a flaming engine, and the shiny bald head of your character. 

Wheelman’s music is chock full of different sounds, ranging from local Barcelona tunes to some bumping techno beats. While nothing really stands out, it gets the job done. Sound effects are equally proficient, relaying destruction in a serviceable manner. Diesel’s performance is what you would expect from the xXx actor: his grave voice portrays menace very well, but there isn’t much emotion involved. You aren’t likely to care with the game’s mundane story and characters. A script as equally unrestrained and over-the-top as the action would’ve fit perfectly, but that is sadly not the case here.

After playing Wheelman, it’s clear that this game could have been so much more. While the mechanics are fun and some of the missions are enjoyable, the game does little to stand out in a crowded genre. Wheelman is worth a shot for those who love mission-based driving games and/or Vin Diesel, but jaded gamers won’t find enough here to justify a purchase.