Balan Wonderworld

 PC
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 196 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 111 out of 196
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 196
  3. Negative: 80 out of 196

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  1. GandalfCzarny
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    Absolutely and shameful disaster. This game have no style, no good characters and overall it's full of WTH reactions. Controls are awful, powerups are garbage, level deisgn is just painful and plot is just "everyone have worse life than you" **** I mean c'mon guys, it's 2021! Even indie developers can do more ambitious and complex 3D platformers! And here we have Yuji Naka, Naoto OshimaAbsolutely and shameful disaster. This game have no style, no good characters and overall it's full of WTH reactions. Controls are awful, powerups are garbage, level deisgn is just painful and plot is just "everyone have worse life than you" **** I mean c'mon guys, it's 2021! Even indie developers can do more ambitious and complex 3D platformers! And here we have Yuji Naka, Naoto Oshima and Square Enix and we got this? Just laughable!… Expand
  2. HazelBlair
    Apr 5, 2021
    2
    It kinda functions. But wow no this is not a good game. It's like if the dev team for Banjo was told they couldn't sleep for a month and then told to make a game.
  3. beegyodhi
    Apr 1, 2021
    0
    This game is like eating burnt toast off of rotten broccoli. The sluggish pace is like the slimy verdure, and the burnt toast is like the stiff animations and bland gameplay. Truly a catastrophe. Would trip over again
  4. GXIGames
    Apr 8, 2021
    2
    Ugly graphics
    Bad controls (Every button is to jump)
    Horrible animations (mainly dancing and running animation) Beautiful CGI animations looking like a Disney movie Good songs, but nothing big. And also ... Someone needs to do something with the bots with a score of 10. It is really a dubious game, but in general it is rubbish and I am sad that this game was made by the same people    Ugly graphics
    Bad controls (Every button is to jump)
    Horrible animations (mainly dancing and running animation)
    Beautiful CGI animations looking like a Disney movie
    Good songs, but nothing big.
    And also ... Someone needs to do something with the bots with a score of 10.

    It is really a dubious game, but in general it is rubbish and I am sad that this game was made by the same people from Sonic.    … Expand
  5. Matuscara
    Apr 5, 2021
    0
    terrible game... full of fake reviews here. pathetic to say the least. Absolute garbage game.
  6. Blackbelt2018
    Apr 1, 2021
    0
    The fake reviews are despicable and what’s even more sad is that they are all done by the same person making fake accounts. Just look at the grammar.... that’s all you need to do. Click on each one and you’ll see they have not reviewed any other games. Square Enix, you should be ashamed of yourselves. These fake reviews are exactly why I did not buy this one-button disaster of a game. GoThe fake reviews are despicable and what’s even more sad is that they are all done by the same person making fake accounts. Just look at the grammar.... that’s all you need to do. Click on each one and you’ll see they have not reviewed any other games. Square Enix, you should be ashamed of yourselves. These fake reviews are exactly why I did not buy this one-button disaster of a game. Go read the critics reviews instead. They’re all real and they all HATED this game. IGN gave it a 4 for instance. Have some dignity Square Enix....because this is so pathetic and low, even for you.… Expand
  7. DinoBeam
    Apr 11, 2021
    0
    WARNING! 10/10 scores are people payed off to review this game with a good score, often with broken English, look up video reviews before you buy!!!!!!!
  8. Deothor
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    it's about time to shut down square enix.

    balan wonderworld is a distaster. I could write a lenghty review why, but I'll do what balan devs did and just not give a sh. Instead I suggest you watching Videgamedunkey on YT about this game.

    Btw, do NOT believe any 10/10 scores. This game doesn't deserve even "fanmade", nor even "school project" badge, it's so bad.
  9. Model_Jb300
    Apr 11, 2021
    0
    These positive reviews are "paid" reviews. Do not trust the positive reviewers. Here is my thoughts. F*** this game. Gameplay is like you find a new playable character....are useless. WTF is this?! Its actually the worst mechanics I've seen in the while. The character you find that ability to jump and slam to the ground, if you find a new character, is just copy and paste. You have the guyThese positive reviews are "paid" reviews. Do not trust the positive reviewers. Here is my thoughts. F*** this game. Gameplay is like you find a new playable character....are useless. WTF is this?! Its actually the worst mechanics I've seen in the while. The character you find that ability to jump and slam to the ground, if you find a new character, is just copy and paste. You have the guy called "Box Fox" who turn into the box....yeah that all he does. Hothead has ability is light the touches, that it. Gear Prince has ability to connect to interact the other gear to unlock the new area, but why? Elastiplant, this is weaker version of Onion from Super Mario Odyssey. F*** it, everything was useless. "Balan's Bout" this is where that put me to sleep on this one, they give you QTE Event. WTF?!?!?!! Ok now the good thing that soundtrack is so well done, BUT! but! The soundtrack is just like Super Mario Odyssey. Excuse me WHAT?! Yet again that f***ing disappointing. Character models are just hot garbage. What about the story you said? Actually its time you going to find out. The story is kinda mixed bag. Not going to spoiled it. I want you to find out. Don't buy this game. Is not worth 60$. Wait for sale if this game is one 80% sale. DON'T BUY IT FIRST! Wait for sale. Or, just don't, yeah just don't buy it. F*** this lazy f***ing game you asked yeah this game sucks d***. Good luck buying that game and play it. You gonna be disappointed.… Expand
  10. Madden21suxx
    Apr 15, 2021
    2
    I was not immediately turned off by the idea of a 1-button platforms. However it feels as though that was the only creative idea anyone had when creating this game. I’ve never experienced such a hollow and bland game. It’s clear after playing ~5 hours that the decision to use one button was not a creative choice but a method of cutting corners.

    Do not buy this game. It’s pretty clear that    I was not immediately turned off by the idea of a 1-button platforms. However it feels as though that was the only creative idea anyone had when creating this game. I’ve never experienced such a hollow and bland game. It’s clear after playing ~5 hours that the decision to use one button was not a creative choice but a method of cutting corners.

    Do not buy this game. It’s pretty clear that there’s bots in the reviews, so even if I did enjoy this game (which I didn’t) I’d tell you not to buy it because supporting a company that bots metacritic is terrible    … Expand
  11. yootti
    Apr 11, 2021
    2
    Play this game if you never played a platformer before! If have ever even glanced at a platformer of any kind, please, avoid this game!!! The only people giving above 6s and 10s are:
    1. bots.
    2. people who wanna play super mario odyssey but doesn't have a switch
    3. people who never looked at a platforming game in their life
  12. Ducky27
    Apr 17, 2021
    0
    i dont even own this game but the amount of 10/10 bots on here are fricking stupid so heres a 0/10 review take that bots
  13. CorixAsk
    Apr 19, 2021
    0
    Bots bots and more bots if you look the profile of the 10/10 reviews you'll see that the only game they have ever review is Balan Wonderworld so yeah what is worst than releasing an unfinished crappy game?Spending the money you could have use to improve the game to mislead consumers into thinking this game is worth their time
  14. Sprixy
    Apr 16, 2021
    4
    I think young kids might be fine with this game and will find much enjoyment out of this but anything past that is a far cry. This games plot is quite unexplained with it only being told through cutscenes which sometimes literally have no subtitles or context to explain whats going on. Part of the story also feels pretty much like a knockoff of Persona 5 or Kingdom Hearts plot as itI think young kids might be fine with this game and will find much enjoyment out of this but anything past that is a far cry. This games plot is quite unexplained with it only being told through cutscenes which sometimes literally have no subtitles or context to explain whats going on. Part of the story also feels pretty much like a knockoff of Persona 5 or Kingdom Hearts plot as it revolves around stealing/changing hearts narrative. But what P5 and Kingdom Hearts does well with this game does not. I dont even wanna go into the dance scenes that happen at the end of the levels as they are even more of a complete joke on this games story and content . Level wise, the rolling features and how the world is generated are actually quite creative and is likewise a unique concepts that i do think would work well in a far better game. Aside from that, most of these levels suck and are far too simple and boring to be considered a challenge for anyone whos not a young child. Costumes are also probably the worst feature of this game by far when it comes into level design(and they have 80 of them!). For example, you literally have costumes that break blocks but cant jump and then literally costumes that do the exact same thing. You could also even have costumes that are strait useless since the level literally doesn't even require you to use the abilities presented. However I think the biggest waste of time in the levels is the gold hats that take you through these weird mini game things where you literally press A at a specific time ( I dont know it was a weird concept ). Boss battles however are the worst of this game. Understanding that this is a kid friendly platformer, I do get that boss battles like these are meant to be simple, but the ones in Balan are too simple and worse. You can literally walk up to the boss and hit it without even trying and the game has no defenses in place to make it challenging. One boss even moved so slow that you could literally catch up to it and showed how baffling unfinished and easy the level was. It is such a shame that this is actually the only action gameplay presented in this game as it is unbearably slow and boring. Overall, this and the story shows how much of a joke this game is. From the cringeworthy narrative and god awful dance scenes to the nightmare of gameplay, this game is a joke to all platformers. Whats even ironic about this all is that the creators of one of the best platformers (Sonic) are involved in this game and this game was built as the launch title for the new Balan company at Square Enix. I don't even know how the hell talent such as theirs lead to such an awful game and could be one of the worst games of 2021. My only positives I can however give this game is the level generation (specifically on the first world) that actually was quite interesting, the entertainment and simplicity that may make it popular for young kids, and some of the soundtrack although there have been theories of this game using stolen Mario and Ghostbusters music. As for my final thoughts for this game however, I would definitely not buy this.… Expand
  15. GreyTrousers5
    Apr 16, 2021
    1
    Wow this game is god awful. The most disappointing thing about this shameless cash grab is how much hype went into the game to begin with, and how it looked so promising from trailers. The end result was a tacky, poorly optimised, one button baby platformer with a stale power-ups system and consistent frame drops even on a high end PC.

    I feel sorry for the poor children who will get this    Wow this game is god awful. The most disappointing thing about this shameless cash grab is how much hype went into the game to begin with, and how it looked so promising from trailers. The end result was a tacky, poorly optimised, one button baby platformer with a stale power-ups system and consistent frame drops even on a high end PC.

    I feel sorry for the poor children who will get this on their birthday and have to pay through the garbage on offer, it is truly a waste of $60. The only thing stopping it from being a 0/10 is the gorgeous cutscenes but these are only seen at the start of an act or a tame boss battle.

    I wouldn’t recommend to anyone. Ignore the positive reviews.    … Expand
  16. Selenio
    Apr 17, 2021
    2
    bad platformer. most suits useless or one time gimmicks. simply horrendous control binding
  17. Legicey
    Jun 13, 2021
    0
    Bad controls, bad graphics, lazy powerups story makes no sense, and the QTEs are the worst I've ever seen.
  18. AlphaCueUp
    Apr 21, 2021
    1
    Let's just remember that Yuji Naka is a programmer and not a game designer. And it shows on this game. Square can't mask the scent of their latest garbage with bot reviewers.
  19. BigGuy1738
    Apr 24, 2021
    0
    the game is a hot mess
    it's a platformer where movement is the worst part, the music is like nails on a chalkboard, you have to do the same qte thirty times, the animation and art is goofy as hell, and the power ups, dear god the power ups
    the power ups are the closest thing the game has to a unique mechanic, because it's worse than normal platformer power ups instead of five useful and    the game is a hot mess
    it's a platformer where movement is the worst part, the music is like nails on a chalkboard, you have to do the same qte thirty times, the animation and art is goofy as hell, and the power ups, dear god the power ups
    the power ups are the closest thing the game has to a unique mechanic, because it's worse than normal platformer power ups
    instead of five useful and versatile power ups, theres fifty that will only be used once
    There's one that just turns you into a box against your will, one that lights torches (used in one level), one that opens doors (used in one level), then there's the level with the lava floor where you get one that turns lava into terrain, even though the lava does that automatically, then you get the lava-walking one, then the whole level turns into water. That's not dynamic gameplay, that's just bad. There's also the ladder one, where you spawn ladders that clip through walls, you get the robot which is a worse version than the pig, even though you get the pig way earlier in the game, one that teleports maybe five feet, and it only works through walls thinner than cardboard, the once that turns you into a dragon with such **** range that it gets outclassed by the first power up in the game. It's insane
    i bet the devs had a pool going to see who could make the dumbest costume and still get the higher ups to approve it. if it gets denied, you're out.
    nobody got out. 0/10, this game sucks.    … Expand
  20. geck
    Apr 25, 2021
    4
    Not the worst game in the world

    but completely talented

    any good idea in their hands works badly

    I don't know how it could have been done in 2021 after all the great platformers that humanity has created
  21. Camu_Camu
    May 17, 2021
    0
    the only redeeming qualities of this dumpster fire is its underlying message and character design, the rest is either bad or the worst stuff i have ever seen in a platformer, also doesnt help square enix tried to positive review bomb the reviews for their dumpster fire fueled train wreck of a game
  22. NinaVieis
    Apr 25, 2021
    1
    This game is atrocious in every possible way. I was about to write a serious and detailed review, but then I saw this ridiculous amount of ROBOTS giving it 10 and saying the same absurd "best platform of the decade". Seriously, Square-Enix? That is low even for you. I feel sorry for the kids that are gonna be gifted with this garbage. I'm giving 1 instead of ZERO just to show my respect toThis game is atrocious in every possible way. I was about to write a serious and detailed review, but then I saw this ridiculous amount of ROBOTS giving it 10 and saying the same absurd "best platform of the decade". Seriously, Square-Enix? That is low even for you. I feel sorry for the kids that are gonna be gifted with this garbage. I'm giving 1 instead of ZERO just to show my respect to the CGI cutscenes.… Expand
  23. Phantym
    Mar 24, 2022
    0
    I don't see how this could have gotten any positive reviews. ripping my teeth out and then eating a jawbreaker would be more enjoyable than this game. this is a boring, repetitive snooze fest. and some of the costumes Not only look horrendous, but they don't let you jump in a platforming game. refund this game while you have the chance
  24. Napolaen
    Aug 10, 2022
    0
    This game deserves nothing but absolute scorn and hatred for its dumb as **** story and awful game mechanics like what the **** is this ****
  25. gamingking51551
    Apr 1, 2021
    2
    Balan Wonderworld is a game that isn't fun. This game had quite an organic reaction from gamers who played it that it was not that fun. The game works, it runs fine, the story is okay, but the game design is tedious and boring throughout the game.

    The fact that sonic fans have some complex about their games requiring them to go out of their way to vote this game a 10 on multiple    Balan Wonderworld is a game that isn't fun. This game had quite an organic reaction from gamers who played it that it was not that fun. The game works, it runs fine, the story is okay, but the game design is tedious and boring throughout the game.

    The fact that sonic fans have some complex about their games requiring them to go out of their way to vote this game a 10 on multiple accounts and in forces to alter what gamers actually think is both sad and toxic behaviour.

    You're allowed to like a game that isn't that great, it doesn't mean its a perfect 10/10 game and it doesn't require you to have half a brain to realize that.    … Expand
  26. zugetzu
    Apr 11, 2021
    2
    The game looks pretty good, SOME interesting character designs and has rather generic orchestral music (this does not mean it's not good, but rather that it is very bland).
    Sadly that's about the only good thing about the game.
    Very forgettable story, slow and tedious gameplay and powerups that often if not always feel clunky to use. Some of these powerups also seem to be copy pasted    The game looks pretty good, SOME interesting character designs and has rather generic orchestral music (this does not mean it's not good, but rather that it is very bland).
    Sadly that's about the only good thing about the game.
    Very forgettable story, slow and tedious gameplay and powerups that often if not always feel clunky to use. Some of these powerups also seem to be copy pasted with the smallest of differences and a new "skin" which makes you feel like the previous powerup is completely useless and makes me wonder why they even bothered adding the "V0.5". Most of the time giving the "V1" (the better copy pasted powerup) wouldn't result in anything negative even if they were to be given way earlier instead of "V0.5". I'm not sure if the lead gameplay designer wanted to go for "very bad PS2 game with no previous game design experience" approach when it comes to the game but that's certainly what it felt like and it ends up feeling janky and uninspired when playing.

    I would not recommend anyone picking up this game unless it's on a major sale (70%+). Instead go and have a look around the indie scene, where you can find better, cheaper and more stand out experiences.

    PS: I have to say that it is rather disappointed seeing review botting (Negative or Positive) Do not let yourself be fooled by the Metacritic score.

    PPS: The QTE's were painfully easy and I'm generally not for it in most games but I'll let it slide as the rest of the game is rather poor    … Expand
  27. CyberRobotnix
    Apr 25, 2021
    0
    What you expected when the game was first announced: Nights into Dreams
    What you got: **** Psychonauts, 'nuff said
  28. Eyeflaps
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    Garbage. Do not trust the positive reviews. The game is really bad and can pose a risk of seizures.
  29. AlphaMel
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    Horrible game.. This is such a lazy cashgrab.

    Don't trust those fake positive reviews!
  30. thatguywhoshere
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    This game already wasn't a fun experience with poor controls, dated visuals and gameplay, and loads of technical issues, but come on, Square Enix. A review embargo AND botting positive reviews? Have you no shame?
  31. B-Bog
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    DO NOT TRUST THESE POSITIVE USER REVIEWS. THIS GAME IS ABSOLUTE GARBAGE.

    Seems like Squirt-Enix are resorting to the cheapest tactics possible and are trying to buy their way out of this mess by flooding this site with fake user reviews (look at the profiles of these people, none of them have reviewed anything else besides this POS). For which, shame on you, you f***ers! Don't you have    DO NOT TRUST THESE POSITIVE USER REVIEWS. THIS GAME IS ABSOLUTE GARBAGE.

    Seems like Squirt-Enix are resorting to the cheapest tactics possible and are trying to buy their way out of this mess by flooding this site with fake user reviews (look at the profiles of these people, none of them have reviewed anything else besides this POS). For which, shame on you, you f***ers! Don't you have ANY dignity left?

    There was a reason as to why they didn't hand out any review copies: This game could not even be considered decent as a free-to-play mobile game. To release something this bad as a fully-priced console title borders on fraud and is absolutely shameless.

    If my review gets marked as "not helpful", you know who's to blame (hint: it's not the actual players).    … Expand
  32. Thirteen1355
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    Complete trashfest.
    Unfinished, buggy, and pointless mechanics. Add to that the absurdity of posting fake reviews to up this score, and this is the most scummy, atrocious game of 2021. Be ashamed, Square Enix. Complete garbage.
  33. Kakadu
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    Absolutely terrible game. The worst I have ever played. Metacritic needs to do something about the bots
  34. Xzonn
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    This game is the worst platform game I've ever played. Nothing better even than Super Mario 64. To those who want to play old-style platform games, I suggest to buy Super Mario 3D All-Stars, not this.
  35. Diaboliquin
    Feb 6, 2022
    3
    Bunch of nonsense wrapped in awful design. All that 10s for a game in various "worst game of 2021"'s lists are a desperate intent to hidde this horrid "game".
  36. yourmomspartner
    Aug 18, 2022
    0
    game bad no update me angy me no like ths gme is soooooooooo bed not fun and realy annotin
  37. Markasabrt
    Dec 14, 2022
    0
    This game is kinda bad bruh. I think it is crappy with horid platforming. Dont play it pls

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
38

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 8 out of 11
  1. CD-Action
    Nov 19, 2021
    45
    Around the middle of the campaign Balan Wonderworld suddenly gets its act together and becomes almost enjoyable, but the first half is a discouraging display of awful level design and overall ineptitude. [06/2021, p.40]
  2. Het Nieuwsblad
    Apr 22, 2021
    20
    Playing Balan Wonderworld is like looking forward to a virtuous hot shower after a long and hard day of work, only to find that there is only cold water: a big and unfortunate disappointment.
    Read full review
  3. GamesBeat
    Apr 13, 2021
    20
    Balan Wonderworld is a $60 game, but I wouldn’t recommend it for even $10. It oscillates between boring and infuriating. The most fun I had with it was when I got costumes that made it feel almost on par with a mediocre Sega Dreamcast platformer in terms of capabilities. The kindest thing I can say about the game is that it does make for an entertaining livestream. I broadcasted my play on Twitch, and my audience seemed to really enjoy watching me suffer. So I guess this is a great one for all those fans of masochism out there. Let’s call it The Room of video games.
    Read full review
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