Things on Wheels rolling up on XBLA next week

It's been a slow roll to the finish for Things on Wheels, Load Inc.'s R/C car racer for Xbox Live Arcade. The game was announced in early 2008 and, according to Load Inc., was completed in late January 2009. At that time, on its news feed, the developer made vague mention of an issue that had stalled the impending release of the title, but one "that should not change a thing in the future experience you'll have playing this fantastic game." Initially, SouthPeak was attached to the project as its publisher. Had the deal gone kaput?

Last September, Load Inc. quietly revealed that indie French publisher Focus Home Interactive (Blood Bowl, TrackMania) was now "looking after" Things on Wheels. Today, Focus Home Interactive announced that the game -- finally! -- would be released on XBLA this coming Wednesday, May 12, for 800 ($10) -- alongside Rocket Knight. (We should note, the Things on Wheels Xbox.com listing currently displays a "TBD" release date. [Update: Xbox.com now confirms the May 12 release date.])

Things on Wheels is a miniature car racing game, not unlike Load Inc.'s 2007 XBLA release, Mad Tracks. ToW supports up to four players online or off and features a variety of around-the-house and through-the-park tracks. Noticeably absent: a nagging parent ordering players to pick up when they're finished.