Balan Wonderworld

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 220 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 119 out of 220
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 220
  3. Negative: 97 out of 220
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  1. Anamiq
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    If you give to this game an honest good chance, like playing world 8 and 9 of this game, I know for sure that can be a nice surprise for many people around the world.
    And if you add the cool soundtrack to the package, you obtain something that you really don't wanna miss it.
    Trust me. It's actually great
  2. Yvhes
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    I've really enjoyed my time passed with this game.
    Sure isn't implacable, but the platform section of world 5, 7, and 9 are just AWESOME.
    You should try this kind of magnificent section to realize the true scope of the game.
  3. Ghylliam
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    When you unlock the most useful and fun costumes of the second half of the game, the mechanics becomes more interesting and cool.
    And the gameplay of the game evolves.
    This is the kind of things that I'm personally adore in the platform games, the secrets to discovering in each world of the game.
    Really positively impressed.
  4. Menuvez
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    Loved it.
    One of the best platform games I've played in this gen.
    I highly recommend it to anyone who wants experience a nice game
  5. Lunalight
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    I love this game, it's beautiful such amazing art design and visuals it's cgi is fantastic as well. I had a ton of fun playing this with my kids. Reminds me alot of the games I played when I was there age. It's game play is easy but not bland and get more challenging as the game goes on but not unforgiving. It was nice to finally play another great 3D platformer and these are starting toI love this game, it's beautiful such amazing art design and visuals it's cgi is fantastic as well. I had a ton of fun playing this with my kids. Reminds me alot of the games I played when I was there age. It's game play is easy but not bland and get more challenging as the game goes on but not unforgiving. It was nice to finally play another great 3D platformer and these are starting to come back again.… Expand
  6. Ezhyq
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    Absolute funny and cutie game.
    It's something really interesting to playing, especially when you make a full immersion on it, and you find out that really blast of genius design that I love.
    Deserves all the penny spent for it, imho
  7. MinatoKun
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    I love the platform levels made for this game.
    And I also really love all the art style of the characters like Balan.
    It is so fun to play, especially in co-op, that I've gladly start a second run with my son.

    This game is special.
    Definitely better than many platform games of today's
  8. Martyboi
    Mar 27, 2021
    8
    So far I'm enjoying the game. They have improved it slightly from the demo & have made the characters move faster which now actually makes it trickier to jump on smaller floating platforms. I'm on world 8 & have only unlocked 34 costumes out of 80+ so still a lot more to find! It really doesn't matter that its all done with one button because it works fine like that & doesn't ruin it. SomeSo far I'm enjoying the game. They have improved it slightly from the demo & have made the characters move faster which now actually makes it trickier to jump on smaller floating platforms. I'm on world 8 & have only unlocked 34 costumes out of 80+ so still a lot more to find! It really doesn't matter that its all done with one button because it works fine like that & doesn't ruin it. Some costumes can't jump (while others can hover or fly) & that is all part of the challenge of choosing the right ones out of those 80+ for the level.… Expand
  9. Eddie-Bim
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Balan Wonderworld is the most surprising and colorful platform made today.
    And I'm satisfied by this awesome product
  10. Ichyto
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    An enjoyable and rewarding experience, after all.
    I'll give this a try, and then I've finished with an happy face.

    This game rewards the player for all the discovery made it.
    And the whole game it is also sustained by the ingenious platform design of the levels, the engaging Boss battle, and the marvelous soundtrack.

    A more than optimal game so
  11. KrilinPhil
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    This game is AWESOME
    Don't trust the 0 score babies

    Give it an honest try with the full game

    Because this is one of the best experiences ever made
  12. FuscoRo
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Definitely one of the best platform games of this generation

    An Instant classic game, and an ingenious platform to play
  13. WillyZen
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    A charming game, full of cutie details and charm.
    It is really a cool game to play, and the challenge proposed by some of the advanced levels are pretty hard.
    The artstyle is Top, and the soundtrack is just wonderful.
  14. Gurenn
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Most charming game ever made.

    I think that everyone should play this incredible beautiful platform game. Because it's actually great
  15. Limiro
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Exist people that just doesn't even play this game, and they also try to boycott it with false 0 negative reviews.
    LOL

    Just ridiculous babies
  16. HonestGamer22
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    Don't believe in any of the score = 10 - the accounts that claim this game is a 10/10 are accounts that have ONLY rated this game in their user history. More than likely these accounts were created by the very developers or backers of this trash of a game. Truly a scam. the people involved in letting this game to be sold at all should never develop a game again. A more realistic user scoreDon't believe in any of the score = 10 - the accounts that claim this game is a 10/10 are accounts that have ONLY rated this game in their user history. More than likely these accounts were created by the very developers or backers of this trash of a game. Truly a scam. the people involved in letting this game to be sold at all should never develop a game again. A more realistic user score is closer to 0.… Expand
  17. hampact9
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    Legitimately one of the worst games I have ever played. The controls are oversimplified and unsatisfactory. The way the level builds folds around your character makes me nauseous. It is a game with lots of squandered potential. What makes me even more upset, is all the paid 10/10 reviews on here. This game is barely a game. It is barely an alpha build for a game. It is a pretty piece ofLegitimately one of the worst games I have ever played. The controls are oversimplified and unsatisfactory. The way the level builds folds around your character makes me nauseous. It is a game with lots of squandered potential. What makes me even more upset, is all the paid 10/10 reviews on here. This game is barely a game. It is barely an alpha build for a game. It is a pretty piece of eye candy that is basically scamming people into buying it. This should not be bought or sold by anyone.… Expand
  18. hama33644
    Jan 30, 2022
    1
    Absolute garbage, plus the publisher or whoever pays to or up faked positive reviews….
  19. greninjaX
    May 11, 2021
    0
    what a waste of time. square enix doesn't make video games, they make movies disguised as RPGS. they could never make a platformer. and yuji naka is the guy who made sonic. he's never made a good game in his life. the man has no talent.
  20. Xeculiar
    May 16, 2022
    0
    Pros: there is literally nothing good about this steaming pile of ****

    Cons: literally everything about this trash

    and most of the positive reviews are bots
  21. davidthesloth
    Aug 1, 2022
    2
    nope, just nope. forget this game exists cause you're better off, trust me.
  22. Zachu
    Mar 13, 2022
    0
    Played this with a friend on PS4, definitivley the worst multiplayer experience I have ever had the displeasure of undergoing in my life. To start, the second player in multiplayer is taped to the singleplayer, and you each share 1 screen; hope you like teleporting around the map, Player 2. I do not feel bad giving this game a big fat zero because of the bafflingly stupid design decisionsPlayed this with a friend on PS4, definitivley the worst multiplayer experience I have ever had the displeasure of undergoing in my life. To start, the second player in multiplayer is taped to the singleplayer, and you each share 1 screen; hope you like teleporting around the map, Player 2. I do not feel bad giving this game a big fat zero because of the bafflingly stupid design decisions that plague every step you take. The level design is the most straight forward crap you could ever imagine. There is barely any creativity displayed in these levels. Your moveset in a 3-D platformer is jump, every godamn button is jump on the controller and when you use a power sometimes you have the inability to jump. The costumes are not fun in the slightest, not even the ones that let you cheese the broken piss poor game design are fun. The steamy **** on top of this cake is probably the presentation, offering an overly abundant amount of ugly motion capture to every character and enemy making them look like lifeless puppets. When a character does a backflip in Balan Wonderworld its a motion captured human doing a backflip. If I were to see a human do a backflip I would be like damn that is impressive, but when it's pasted onto a cartoon character that you can animate to do anything you want it comes off lazy and sloppy. AND they retail it at $60. Avoid this game like the plague.… Expand
  23. Normaliv
    Mar 31, 2022
    4
    This game is similar to writing a book, but publishing the 1st draft. It almost makes sense in most regards, but just misses the mark. After playing the game, I genuinely did not even understand what the story was about, and the platforming was just, meh. So overall, a pretty bad game, despite the 10s from lots of people./
  24. Catboy
    Apr 15, 2022
    0
    Such a perfect game rhehdixytyhehrguguidjsbdbdhdjcuvjfjrbebebsjdicuvuvvrnrnnfdkfjdjfjtcjfnrbt
  25. Robloxian
    May 11, 2022
    0
    WORST GAME EVER idk why but whenever i get a new power up it replaces something that is required to play the game and the dance every time i finish a level
  26. WaluigisRevenge
    Jun 17, 2022
    0
    It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't haveIt doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi. It doesn't have Waluigi.… Expand
  27. gingee
    Jul 1, 2022
    0
    Just... *vomit*...
    First off, the performance. God... GOD awful.
    Second, the story... still waiting on one... Third, the graphics. They're fine... I guess... the artstyle is what brought me in to wasting my money. Fourth, misc. I HATE how this game does it's """""platforming""""". You get custom costumes by playing the game or doing tasks. And some, just remove your ability to JUMP. IN    Just... *vomit*...
    First off, the performance. God... GOD awful.
    Second, the story... still waiting on one...
    Third, the graphics. They're fine... I guess... the artstyle is what brought me in to wasting my money.
    Fourth, misc. I HATE how this game does it's """""platforming""""". You get custom costumes by playing the game or doing tasks. And some, just remove your ability to JUMP. IN A PLATFORMER. STOP GIVING THIS LAZY CASHGRAB OF AN EXCUSE FOR A GAME POSITIVE REVIEWS. 0/10.    … Expand
  28. Bl41
    Sep 8, 2022
    0
    never played it, just rating it because everyone thinks it's a bad game, thats all
  29. ImmyandPTsmack
    Apr 9, 2021
    4
    I really wanted to like this game but it really isn't good. Yuji Naka is past his prime and proves he can't compete. And careful with the 10/10 reviews. They are clearly false. They all use similar language and grammer
  30. Log2001
    Apr 11, 2021
    0
    Such a pitiful game, this is gonna kill off any future project Yuji Naka has with SE. This was supposed to be his big comeback into gaming, but instead it's easily one of the worst games I've played in a while. There's parts of the game where it chugs really bad and the resolution drops for seemigky no reason. Those moments take place in the cutscenes made in the game's engine where itSuch a pitiful game, this is gonna kill off any future project Yuji Naka has with SE. This was supposed to be his big comeback into gaming, but instead it's easily one of the worst games I've played in a while. There's parts of the game where it chugs really bad and the resolution drops for seemigky no reason. Those moments take place in the cutscenes made in the game's engine where it shouldn't lag. There's plenty of other games that are waaaay more intensive than this that run near perfect on a base PS4 console, but the engine they made this game in is absolutely awful. I would not recommend this game to anyone who enjoys playing platformers or games in general. It's a poorly made game by a man who used to make good games, but it's more than clear that he doesn't know how to make them anymore.… Expand
  31. 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!!!!!!!
  32. TheQueenOfMedia
    Apr 14, 2021
    0
    All these 10/10 ratings have gotta be made by AI. This game is a crap sandwich - HORRIBLE. If you're truly interested in this game, make sure to read actual reviews first.
  33. Woldyn
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Easily the most charming game of the generation.
    A full concentrate of the classic platform mechanics, but with some holy and happiness ingredients
  34. Ducky27
    Apr 17, 2021
    0
    i dont even own this game (or a ps4 for that matter) but the amount of 10/10 bots on here are fricking stupid so heres a 0/10 review take that bots
  35. Barlysan
    Apr 16, 2021
    0
    looks like people have been making accounts to try and make balan positive.
  36. AceDen
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    I'll give you some advice:

    1: if you love the pure platform games, listen to me 2: buy the full game 3: enjoy Well, that's all. It's doesn’t sound so hard. Because for judge this kind of games, you should first of all playing the whole game first. A concepts that it should be the standard, don't you think? And I assure you that if you are a lover of the platform genre, you will    I'll give you some advice:

    1: if you love the pure platform games, listen to me
    2: buy the full game
    3: enjoy

    Well, that's all. It's doesn’t sound so hard.
    Because for judge this kind of games, you should first of all playing the whole game first. A concepts that it should be the standard, don't you think? And I assure you that if you are a lover of the platform genre, you will going to love this    … Expand
  37. Koruvo
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    With a charming artstyle and an interesting platforming design, this game gives me finally hope for the future of this platform genre.
    Because this kind of experience really rarely comes out with this interesting approach and great quality design.
    So I'm sure that it will be able to be a good experience even for the gamers of this gen.
  38. NotGamesVillage
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Balan Wonderworld è un’opera d’arte, un monumentale esempio di game design e storytelling, una testimonianza per le future generazioni della grandezza di un sviluppatore leggendario, Yuji Naka, che ha firmato molti dei più grandi capolavori usciti nel corso degli anni sulle console Sega. Esatto, è proprio così, ed è bene proclamarlo ad alta voce e subito, prima ancora di qualsiasiBalan Wonderworld è un’opera d’arte, un monumentale esempio di game design e storytelling, una testimonianza per le future generazioni della grandezza di un sviluppatore leggendario, Yuji Naka, che ha firmato molti dei più grandi capolavori usciti nel corso degli anni sulle console Sega. Esatto, è proprio così, ed è bene proclamarlo ad alta voce e subito, prima ancora di qualsiasi descrizione e spiegazione, o di qualsivoglia analisi critica, in modo che il giocatore, anche il più distratto o superficiale, sappia immediatamente di fronte a che genere di gemma preziosa egli si trovi davanti, un oggetto che, sempre che non detestiate visceralmente il genere dei Platform con elementi GdR, non può neanche lontanamente essere ignorato, a meno di non volersi perdere il più grande videogioco mai uscito su Next Gen. E attenzione: persino i più feroci hater di Sonic, Mario, Crash o di questa tipologia di videogiochi dovrebbero seriamente considerare di dare una chance a questo episodio della lunga serie di successi di Yuji Naka, poiché molto probabilmente non avranno un’opportunità migliore di scoprire un universo spettacolare e meraviglioso e, in definitiva, convertirsi a Balan.… Expand
  39. KoolKingKiya
    Mar 28, 2021
    8
    This game is truly magical. i really enjoyed my time playing balan wonderworld. but this game is not without its flaws the one button control is quite questionable and the animations are quite bland. the first level can leave a bad impression but the gameplay really picks up after that. with so many costumes( some might have a similar function) at your disposal you can find different waysThis game is truly magical. i really enjoyed my time playing balan wonderworld. but this game is not without its flaws the one button control is quite questionable and the animations are quite bland. the first level can leave a bad impression but the gameplay really picks up after that. with so many costumes( some might have a similar function) at your disposal you can find different ways to complete the courses and grab collectibles. the boss fights are pretty cool (rather short though and can get a bit confusing). i must commend the visuals and art-style and cg cutscenes and dances they are fantastic in a surreal kind of way. overall a truly splendid game. Well done to Naka-san and square enix. oh yeah i forgot the mini games suck don't waste your time on it.
    PS: DO NOT TRUST THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS DONT KNOCK IT TILL YOU TRY IT.    … Expand
  40. Arolo
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    An incredible platform experience to live.
    I'm pretty proud of having experience it
    From the artistic direction, to the exceptional levels of the platforming design. From the majestic OST, to the remarkable CG cutscenes. This game is also enriched with a theme of happiness and lightheartedness that manages to give you moments of pure real and very emotional joy. Literally one of    An incredible platform experience to live.
    I'm pretty proud of having experience it

    From the artistic direction, to the exceptional levels of the platforming design.
    From the majestic OST, to the remarkable CG cutscenes.
    This game is also enriched with a theme of happiness and lightheartedness that manages to give you moments of pure real and very emotional joy.

    Literally one of the most engaging and beautiful platform games I've ever played    … Expand
  41. husbandofsamus
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    The game is flawed but at least it has a soul, unlike a lot of AAA games. At least it works at launch, unlike noted disasters Cyberpunk and No Man's Sky. At least Square Enix is giving you $40 of new content for a $60 game, unlike EA which sometimes charges $60 for game series that are clearly headed in the wrong direction like Madden. Yuji Naka proves once again that he can charm usThe game is flawed but at least it has a soul, unlike a lot of AAA games. At least it works at launch, unlike noted disasters Cyberpunk and No Man's Sky. At least Square Enix is giving you $40 of new content for a $60 game, unlike EA which sometimes charges $60 for game series that are clearly headed in the wrong direction like Madden. Yuji Naka proves once again that he can charm us even if his work doesn't cater to the casual onlookers. Not his best work but I give 10/10 to cancel out the "reverse review bomb" trolls. Real score 7.1/10.… Expand
  42. hkjhkjh
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    This game is better than sex. Not that I know what sex feels like since I'm a 39 years old virgin but I'm sure this game is better
  43. PolygonPal
    May 1, 2021
    7
    A wonderfully gorgeous game that sadly failed to live up to hype due to various gameplay problems.

    The Good: Beautiful worlds and amazing character designs. Gorgeous cutscenes and mesmerizing tunes. Emotional. Playing with Tims is surprisingly fun. Easy to play. Costume system allows for creative solutions to puzzles. Balan Statues make for an interesting way to unlock more    A wonderfully gorgeous game that sadly failed to live up to hype due to various gameplay problems.

    The Good:
    Beautiful worlds and amazing character designs.
    Gorgeous cutscenes and mesmerizing tunes.
    Emotional.
    Playing with Tims is surprisingly fun.
    Easy to play.
    Costume system allows for creative solutions to puzzles.
    Balan Statues make for an interesting way to unlock more levels and reward exploration.

    The Bad:
    Incredibly simple gameplay. If you understand a costume's function you've pretty much mastered it.
    Very bad at explaining mechanics. (The Box Fox costume is the definitive example of this in game)
    Level design early on is extraordinarily basic.
    Tims might seem annoying and uninteresting if the player doesn't feel motivated to play with them. The game also explains nothing about them.
    Items in levels must be reset by defeating the boss(which are all very, very easy). This makes grinding for gems and going for Gold Hats on Balan Bouts rather annoying.
    Relies heavily on the costume system.
    The one button system makes costumes feel restrictive and sometimes annoying and detrimental.
    Ultimately better to just read the ebook.

    Details:
    Balan Wonderworld is by no means, a good game. It offers a level of simplicity beyond even Kirby. But by the same token, I find myself unable to call it bad with the charming designs and fun moments I had with clever costume use. I can completely understand why many wouldn't be interested in the game, but I highly recommend giving the game a fair shot should you find it on sale, if given the chance you might find yourself enjoying some of the games more heartfelt moments(the random choreographed dances after every boss might prove irksome however). Its also fun to watch the Tims roll around like marbles in the hub area if you feel the need to take a break.

    Verdict:
    Art: A+
    Gameplay: D
    Intuitiveness: D-
    Creativity: C+
    Cute bird thingies: B-
    Dance numbers: Z

    Recommended to novice players and those that like Disney-esque spectacles. Just be sure to nab it on sale. If you absolutely refuse to buy the game. At least consider buying the ebook on Amazon or another site.    … Expand
  44. JmanTheHitman
    Apr 21, 2021
    0
    It truly is mad that a full priced 60 dollar game can be like this when there are better platformers for less money. Stay away at all cost or at least until their is a sale that makes this game dirt cheap.
  45. YokiHurame
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    Oh! You tragic thing!
    You have crossed the Sea of Fog all the way to the riftlands..
    Well this is the very edge of the map.
    I can only imagine what drives you to seek the Elden Ring
  46. bananajamslam
    Mar 28, 2021
    1
    This game is surprisingly awful for a full priced title. The visuals are nice, but the game-play is atrocious. Just slowly walk around the level jumping and picking up gems and trophies. Feels like it was either rushed out the door, or they didn't really have a plan past "Let's make a platformer from the 90s". Really makes you respect games like Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot that came outThis game is surprisingly awful for a full priced title. The visuals are nice, but the game-play is atrocious. Just slowly walk around the level jumping and picking up gems and trophies. Feels like it was either rushed out the door, or they didn't really have a plan past "Let's make a platformer from the 90s". Really makes you respect games like Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot that came out over two decades before this.

    I feel like they made a mistake offering a demo, since no one in their right mind would purchase this after playing it.    … Expand
  47. vahove2331
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    there are too many bots!!!!!!!!!!!!!! there are too many bots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!there are too many bots!!!!!!!!!!!!!! there are too many bots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  48. 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
  49. Moomaw57
    Apr 26, 2021
    0
    This game looks terrible and controls worse. Unimpressive is not a suitable descriptor, this game is straight up BAD. Do not trust the paid reviews.
  50. AndreXDL23
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    This game is REALLY bad! Everything is out of place, the very slow and jank gameplay, nintendo 64 era grapichs, some glitches etc. Don't waste $60 on this!!!
  51. Mteam007
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    This is a bad game with poor controls,awful in game visuals,no variety between costumes and why does every button do the same thing,now that’s lazy.if your game isn’t fun,I won’t care to finish it or to get anything from its message
  52. Uwuym
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Surely the most original, and fun, platform game released here on PS4.

    I've awaited for long time the release of a finally classic platform game. This cool game is inspired by the classic. This kind of games are really rare to see today. And I'm wishing to see them more often in the future. I'm enjoy a lot this game. So I'll recommend it, without any doubt. It's a true little Gem    Surely the most original, and fun, platform game released here on PS4.

    I've awaited for long time the release of a finally classic platform game. This cool game is inspired by the classic.
    This kind of games are really rare to see today.
    And I'm wishing to see them more often in the future.

    I'm enjoy a lot this game.
    So I'll recommend it, without any doubt.
    It's a true little Gem of the platform genre    … Expand
  53. sophia64
    Mar 27, 2021
    2
    Now I don't normally use metacritic, but I just have to for this one game. I'd like to just start by saying DO NOT trust most of the positive user reviews listed here. They are most likely dummy accounts put here by Square Enix to try and mislead and push more people towards the game. You can tell by their generic account names and the fact that they have never reviewed any game other thanNow I don't normally use metacritic, but I just have to for this one game. I'd like to just start by saying DO NOT trust most of the positive user reviews listed here. They are most likely dummy accounts put here by Square Enix to try and mislead and push more people towards the game. You can tell by their generic account names and the fact that they have never reviewed any game other than Balan + plus they all give it 10s and vague reviews like "it's magical" or "it's colorful" and something along these lines. Now that all that's out of the way, I can safely say this game is absolute garbage. In fact, the only reason I'm not giving it a straight up zero is because it's IMPRESSIVELY awful. Im not really good at writing the most in depth reviews about games, but I'll just say it's a downright awful platformer. Every button on the controller is jump, and it's missing all of the core mechanics and features that truly make any platformer fun. Most of the power ups you get are just slightly different jumps as well, no variety there either. Most of the levels are uninspired and boring with no drive to really explore them, unlike games like Crash, Mario, and even most 3D Sonic games. The level design is poorly thought out, and most Balan statues can be gotten from just breaking the games mechanics, like jumping through a broken gate hitbox, shimmieing up a wall some unintended way and so on and so forth. I really don't even have the words to talk about most of the other things in the game. It's truly awful at its worst and completely uninteresting at it's "best". Not to mention the $60 joke of a price tag. Go buy a better game for the same price - Monster Hunter Rise just came out on switch for the same $60 price tag, and Crash 4 an infinitely better platformer for only $40. Not even just those. Go spend your money on much better games for the same price or less like NeiR Automata, Persona 5 Royal, Doom Eternal, Breath of the Wild, Hades, Celeste and so many other quality games for a much greater value and use of money than this "game".… Expand
  54. Phlaveeoh
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    The game barely works well, biggest flop of the current gen.
    Not to mention the problems of EPILEPSY that causes the final boss fight
  55. Getupkid1284
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    Terrible gameplay and overall game. Just skip it and spend your hard earned money on anything else.
  56. Eyeflaps
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    Midway through I started feeling super sick and dizzy. Then I read online that the game has a seizure risk. This game needs to be recalled immediately. It's a health concern.
  57. LuchosFactory
    Mar 28, 2021
    2
    I'm reviewing based on the demo, because apparently the final game doesn't go too far from it in terms of gameplay.
    Every button that's not for moving the character does one action: Jumping (or interacting with something or someone). Then you have costumes, that change that action once you equip them. If your costume's "unique" action doesn't involve jumping, you're unable to jump until    I'm reviewing based on the demo, because apparently the final game doesn't go too far from it in terms of gameplay.
    Every button that's not for moving the character does one action: Jumping (or interacting with something or someone). Then you have costumes, that change that action once you equip them. If your costume's "unique" action doesn't involve jumping, you're unable to jump until you change to another costume (which has an unskippable changing animation that gets annoying pretty quick). The gameplay as a whole feels like they were trying to make it as tedious and slow as possible. And that's sad, because the character and level designs are really good and the cutscenes are top notch in terms of animation. But the gameplay, the most important part of a videogame, is boring, uninteresting. Is like a really photogenic and mouthwatering-looking hamburger, that when you take a bite is completely tasteless.
    So that's what I take from the demo, and seeing the rest of the game being more or less the same, it doesn't look like it's worth 60 dollars. There are plenty of good platformers out there that offer way more than this for the same price or even less.

    I see other reviews here precisely praising the gameplay and... I find them really hard to believe. It seems like fake reviews trying to make damage control. I don't know how can anyone find the gameplay entertaining, unless their only reference in platforming games are Bubsy 3D and Barbie Explorer.

    Anyway, the feedback from the demo was loud and clear back then. The game had to be delayed in order to rework the gameplay entirely. But the devs decided to ignore it.

    Maybe is a good game... for 1998.    … Expand
  58. 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.
  59. Peter_
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    actual garbage, terrible game
    spend your money on crash 4 for the love of god
  60. Dyedra
    Mar 27, 2021
    4
    No destaca técnicamente, ni su duración, movimientos ortopédicos. Una gran decepción... sobretodo viniendo de los padres de los juegos de mi infancia. Quién os ha visto y quién os ve...
  61. Cave_Jonson
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    Absolutely abysmal. The game mechanics feel at odds with themselves constantly, it really just doesn't work. Why is every button mapped to jump?
  62. LukeCaelum
    Apr 1, 2021
    10
    Amazing game.
    The best platformer game of the decade.
    I am definitely not a bot, beep boop!
  63. SuperkenGaming
    Apr 5, 2021
    8
    Balan Wonderworld
    Really Fun, Really Underated
    Look, I of all people have the biggest chip on my shoulder when it comes to Balan, Square Enix doesn’t love me and wont send me codes anymore… And even I am baffled at the low metacritic score and IGN calling this game bad… it isn’t.. not even close to a bad game… This is probably one of the weirdest games youll ever play, you chose your    Balan Wonderworld
    Really Fun, Really Underated
    Look, I of all people have the biggest chip on my shoulder when it comes to Balan, Square Enix doesn’t love me and wont send me codes anymore… And even I am baffled at the low metacritic score and IGN calling this game bad… it isn’t.. not even close to a bad game… This is probably one of the weirdest games youll ever play, you chose your haracter in the start and youre basically on the journey to fix the hearts of numerous characters all with their own story of sadness… this ggame will remind you a lot of a Mario game… in each level there are golden statues for you to collect that are required to move onto the next section of the world like a star in a Mario game or any other collectathon.. so the challenge does not come in clearing levels, it comes in hunting these things down… which here lies my biggest issue with balan… its insistence to give you collectables that you cant even reach with that level’s characters… each level youll be finding keys and crystals with different chrcters that will give you new abilities, either an attack, or traversal ability for the majority of the time… some charcters not even being able to jump, so youll be essentially character deck building… you can even bring charactrs from other levels into the next levels.. and Balan runs with this in a really frustrating way… there are so many times youll see a statue out of reach because yo udont have the right character from either a previous section or a future section, an in a game all about collecting as many statues as you can to move on, this can be super annoying…. Back tracking and replaying aa few levels almost feels mandatory.. but I do appreciate the variety here.. each level for the most part felt unique to me and memorable.. . at the end of 2 acts in one chapter you will take on a boss, these bosses are all super easy to beat, but it int about beating them, its about finding 3 different ways to deal damage, as youre rewarded up to 3 statues in the end based on your fighting variety… I do feel as though Balan Wonderworld overstays its welcome, clocking in at about 11 hours… and I am annoyed how luck based certain statue erning activites feel… and the overall lenth of the game also makes balan wonderworld just feel overwhelming as again its about colleting, not completing.. you unlock a new set of levels and it isn’t like man I cant wait to see what they throw at me next.. its more so, great, to unlock the next section of the world I need to find 4 statyues in this many levels before it gets back to only finding 3… and it was a strss that proved to just be too much for me during the final stretch.. A game that started with fun, ended with anxiety and frustration….
    Overall though I guess Balan Wonderworld is a game youre either going to click with or not, I for one don’t understand why o many people think this is a bad game,
    I guess because a bit of the sonic team worked on it and this isn’t a sonic game?
    I don’t know, I enjoyed it.
    I give Balan Wonderworld
    a 7.5/10    … Expand
  64. ace1325
    Apr 1, 2021
    9
    I really enjoy this game . Dont understand why i gets so much hate ;( also stop compare it to crash 4 its waaaay different
  65. 360barrier
    Nov 17, 2022
    10
    impressive graphcs, decent controls, very good camera and great theme. the graphics are welcome to 20 years into the future. very advanced. main character is entertaining. hopefully they release another one
  66. Petrokolos
    May 19, 2021
    10
    What a game. A true masterpiece. Excellent soundtrack and great platforming. Maybe game of the year 2021? Who knows.
  67. Astrycker
    Apr 3, 2021
    10
    This game looks beautiful and has alot of charm. I heard alot of negative reviews, but my children love it. I enjoy watching them play it and giggle the whole time. They prefer to play this over any of the games on the switch. I highly recommend this if you have kids.
  68. KillByleth
    May 16, 2021
    10
    I absolutely adore this game. It's not difficult, and I love to relax with that. I love dancing along to the dance sequences at the end, its a nice little detail there. No satanism at all unlike some other games I've played. The fact many people HATE this game is really sad, it deserves more love. I love Yuji Naka, he gives me all sorts of amazing masterpieces like this one. Truly a hiddenI absolutely adore this game. It's not difficult, and I love to relax with that. I love dancing along to the dance sequences at the end, its a nice little detail there. No satanism at all unlike some other games I've played. The fact many people HATE this game is really sad, it deserves more love. I love Yuji Naka, he gives me all sorts of amazing masterpieces like this one. Truly a hidden gem, the best platforming game ever made, and one of my favorite games of all time. Give this one a try, it'll be worth your 60 bucks!!!!… Expand
  69. FilipeGoncalves
    Dec 22, 2021
    8
    A nice and pleasant game.
    A classic platform game with a maybe simplistic gameplay (for many too much simplistic)

    Some task and levels need to be replayed to platinum the game
  70. Albirch
    May 8, 2021
    8
    This is a good throwback to classic platforming games. I wish the story from the novel was in it, but it's still a fun time.
  71. Kotayro
    May 5, 2021
    6
    Balan Wonderworld is a game that could've been at least a decent game. Most if not all of Balan Wonderworlds story and other details like the dancing animals and sitting giants aren't explained in the game but instead in the official website and novel. There are certain mechanics in the game like the Balan's Bout and repeatedly picking up costumes you lost again can feel repetitive. BalanBalan Wonderworld is a game that could've been at least a decent game. Most if not all of Balan Wonderworlds story and other details like the dancing animals and sitting giants aren't explained in the game but instead in the official website and novel. There are certain mechanics in the game like the Balan's Bout and repeatedly picking up costumes you lost again can feel repetitive. Balan Wonderworld is a game that gradually gets better with the player collecting new suits to use in different levels in different situations.

    To sum it all up Balan Wonderworld is a game that has the a lot of what a good game needs, but is incorporated poorly.    … Expand
  72. JJWMK2
    May 17, 2021
    2
    got some charm from cut senses and Tim, however the charm is not good enough because frustrating and evil hazard in the way plus bad level design, but they get for rushing the game instead of delaying the game (lot of feedback they requested were ignored)
  73. 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
  74. JacobTheToadMan
    Dec 8, 2021
    10
    Pounding Pig is my favorite costume its a pig and that's funny its also an Angry Birds reference because its a pig plus the Vacuum Cleaner is pogger
  75. LowStandards
    Jan 31, 2023
    0
    How is this game still being sold? I have extremely low standards for games, but this is a game where I would be comfortable giving a controller to a toddler.- no not even, no one should even play this game. Everything is on one button, and the movement isn't even extravagant or anything. It's a very sorry attempt at platforming. I would rather watch paint dry than play this game everHow is this game still being sold? I have extremely low standards for games, but this is a game where I would be comfortable giving a controller to a toddler.- no not even, no one should even play this game. Everything is on one button, and the movement isn't even extravagant or anything. It's a very sorry attempt at platforming. I would rather watch paint dry than play this game ever again. This game could've had potential but I don't know where they went wrong? I think the budget went into the opening cutscene. The world is lifeless and it feels like there's absolutely no variety in levels except that the colors change, and you get different suits. Why would you ruin a game that could've actually been something good?

    TLDR: game bad, graphics bad, and everything is on one button    … Expand
  76. RIbbotreview
    Feb 17, 2023
    1
    As much as I like the designs of characters in the game... I cannot excuse the absolute TRASH HEAP this game is. I do hope I see Balan again because he is just so likeable. I'm sorry but this game is just plain bad
  77. Balan_SuperFan
    Feb 20, 2023
    10
    This game honestly changed my life and I am well and truly grateful for the opportunity of playing this bestowed upon me. I love the simplistic controls, the perfection of the platforming and how tearful the Balans Bout quick time event would make me every time it appeared. I recommend this experience to everyone, because this game speaks to me on a level I have never experienced before.This game honestly changed my life and I am well and truly grateful for the opportunity of playing this bestowed upon me. I love the simplistic controls, the perfection of the platforming and how tearful the Balans Bout quick time event would make me every time it appeared. I recommend this experience to everyone, because this game speaks to me on a level I have never experienced before. Balan Wonderworld resonates with me on a level that just isn't comparable to any other game. I hope anybody reading this review has the opportunity to play the game!… Expand

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
44

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 6 out of 10
  1. BaziCenter
    Apr 22, 2021
    35
    Balan Wonderworld is a boring, dull and dated platformer presented in a beautiful package to persuade parents who are looking to buy a game for their children.
    Read full review
  2. GameOver.gr
    Apr 16, 2021
    30
    An oversimplified control system and an archaic level design could have been a fad if Balan Wonderworld had been released more than a decade ago. But in these times, Balan Wonderworld is nothing more than an uninteresting, tasteless relic of the past. Players who are interested in beautiful, fantasy-inspired platformers have many more interesting options out there to pick.
    Read full review
  3. GameMAG
    Apr 5, 2021
    50
    All in all Balan Wonderworld is an archaic action-platformer with tons of shortcomings in terms of level design and overall presentation. If you love the genre, you would probably be repulsed by this game, instead of welcoming it with open arms.
    Read full review
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