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. Barrack_obama
    Feb 21, 2023
    10
    a beautiful masterpiece of its time a truly inspirational opening packed with amazing gameplay and perfect secrets nothing holds a candle to it.
  2. Markasabrt
    Dec 14, 2022
    0
    This game is kinda bad bruh. I think it is crappy with horid platforming. Dont play it pls
  3. yourmomspartner
    Aug 18, 2022
    0
    game bad no update me angy me no like ths gme is soooooooooo bed not fun and realy annotin
  4. 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 ****
  5. 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
  6. 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".
  7. hoppimike
    Jan 27, 2022
    9
    It's awesome but Yuji Naka's games always are - it's imaginative, magical, mysterious and has a great artstyle.

    My only real criticism is how the battle music often interrupts the level music.

    If it were me I'd reserve music changes for boss or mini boss battles.
  8. SamuraiArmour
    Dec 5, 2021
    10
    **** MARIO ODYSSEY
    BALAN WONDERLAND IS THE BEST ****ING GAME EVER MADE BETTER THAN KNACK

    verified reviewer
  9. Jeffsy33
    Jun 27, 2021
    9
    I'm not even Joking, this game gives me tons of Surprises 1. Brilliant CGI Artstyle 2. The Tims
    3. The One Year in Oven
    4. The Experience of Gameplay
    5. The Amount of Power Ups
    6. The Great Music
    7. Its from Square
    8. The Fanart

    Mostly the hate. which this game doesn't deserve it honestly.
  10. PenisPickles69
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Balan Wonderworld > The Last Of Us Part 2!

    Balan Wonderworld has everything that TLOU2 doesn't, including the following. 1. Gameplay that is generally fun and full of unique/creative variety that always keeps the game fresh as you progress through it, and is not just a boring walking simulator. 2. Characters that are interesting, charming and naturally likable, and the way they    Balan Wonderworld > The Last Of Us Part 2!

    Balan Wonderworld has everything that TLOU2 doesn't, including the following.

    1. Gameplay that is generally fun and full of unique/creative variety that always keeps the game fresh as you progress through it, and is not just a boring walking simulator.

    2. Characters that are interesting, charming and naturally likable, and the way they tackle serious issues in life gives you a good reason to care about the characters!... In other words they're not just bland generic flesh-robots that you're forced to play as after one of them abruptly murders the beloved main character (without any proper transition/build-up that would've given it an emotional impact that it completely lacks when it happens), nor do they feel incredibly forced and manipulative with little to no actual character development whatsoever with their main appeal being pretty much just SJW bait. The characters in Balan Wonderworld are nothing like that at all.

    3. A decent story that is pretty simple but carefully structured in a way that is easy to follow, and is not an overly complicated incoherent mess that doesn't even know what kind of messages it's trying to convey, nor is it overall insulting to human intelligence to the point where it ultimately pushes you away and makes you never wanna play it ever again, instead of it drawing you in wanting more, which Balan Wonderworld always does! (Unlike TLOU2)    … Expand
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. CyberRobotnix
    Apr 25, 2021
    0
    What you expected when the game was first announced: Nights into Dreams
    What you got: **** Psychonauts, 'nuff said
  16. Snaksi_XD
    Apr 24, 2021
    9
    When you tell Balan Wonderworld to break a leg. it sprains it's ankle, but honorably still does it's job without breaking the immersion. Despite gaining frowns and grimaces from some in the audience by the end, it still recieves a standing applause by the end, at least from me.
    An awesome platformer oozing 2000s nostalgia, feeling just like a game from that era but with high quality    When you tell Balan Wonderworld to break a leg. it sprains it's ankle, but honorably still does it's job without breaking the immersion. Despite gaining frowns and grimaces from some in the audience by the end, it still recieves a standing applause by the end, at least from me.
    An awesome platformer oozing 2000s nostalgia, feeling just like a game from that era but with high quality visuals. and a story that while simple, still manages to be impactful. (Heavily suggesting you pick up the novel and give it a read!)
    While there are some issues i've had during my 100% playthrough, none of them persist throughout the game like the hitboxes on the projectiles of a few select bosses. Some even have workarounds, although quite unorthodox, like with having to reset a world to try an another go at a perfect Balan's Bout.
    I especially like the amount of strategization the player is challenged with as they're required to choose three from the 81 outfits the game has to offer, each one with their strengths and weaknesses. Every problem can be approached by the player in their own way and having a plan work after evaluating the enemies and environment around you and choosing a costume loadout suitable for them never stops feeling satisfying. (Currently clocking in at 45 hours, all golden statues collected and Hard Mode Stamps on everything but Act 3s)
    After 2020, i think everyone's deserved a hint of positivity in their life. If gaming from 2000s with games like Monsters Inc. Scream Team, Glover, and Chameleon Twist etc. is something you loved, consider giving Balan a shot. If you're a fan of more modern platformers, wait for a prize drop.

    Edit: My review was recently featured in the "What Happened?" episode for the game and despite being only for a moment, i think it's worth pointing out that i really would've preferred if that place was reserved for one of the actual fake 10/10 reviews of the game, especially when mentioned together with and i quote "Most of them in broken english and all of them hilarious".
    It's not very fun to be not only be basically ridiculed for having a different opinion by others in the internet and on top of that have my review featured like this. I actually put effort into putting my acknowledgement of the game's mistakes while still liking it into words.    … Expand
  17. 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
  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. 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
  20. 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
  21. Selenio
    Apr 17, 2021
    2
    bad platformer. most suits useless or one time gimmicks. simply horrendous control binding
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  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. 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
  28. 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!!!!!!!
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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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