Wheel
We-ul
The wheel and axle is one of six simple machines identified by Renaissance scientists drawing from Greek texts on technology. The wheel and axle consists of a wheel attached to a smaller axle so that these two parts rotate together in which a force is transferred from one to the other. A hinge or bearing supports the axle, allowing rotation. It can amplify force; a small force applied to the periphery of the large wheel can move a larger load attached to the axle.
- Wikipedia
The wheel is a piece of equipment similar to the lever, which made it's first and only appearance in the Oddworld series in Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus. Whilst it's purpose is the same as a lever, it functions slightly differently, providing a small time window for multiple units to be activated. This proved vital in the later stages of the game, where Abe was forced to rely on the collective strength of his fellow Mudokons in order to solve complex puzzles. Despite all this, the wheel was considerably less popular among fans than the lever, which may be part of the reason that it was never included in Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee.
However, hope may not be lost for true fans of the mechanical wheel. As the release of Oddworld Inhabitants' next game, Oddworld: Soulstorm draws ever closer, it seems likely that this Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus remake may see the illusive wheel return in some form once more, almost two decades after it was first introduced to the series.
For similar devices, see: Lever, Pressure Plate, Spooce Lock.
Above - The wheel played a key part in Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus, as evidenced by the image of the three Mudokons working in unison to power a machine. The higher image is a rare ceiling-mounted wheel, taken just as a flying Slig passed in front of it.