Balan Wonderworld

 Switch
User Score
4.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 311 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 127 out of 311
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 311
  3. Negative: 176 out of 311
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  1. Unholydead
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    As a Square Enix fanboy, I cannot in good conscience play more than 5 seconds of this game. If there is a single positive review that WASN'T written by a bot here I'd be surprised. Stay away. This is a scam, dudes.
  2. 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
  3. NYCAnderson
    Mar 28, 2021
    1
    See a "10 out of 10" review praising this game?:
    "Best platformer ever!"
    "One of the best games I've ever played!" "Game of the year!" Ignore these comments and run like the wind, far away from Balan Wonderworld. These types of comments are from bots to help boost the score for this sad excuse for a video game. The platforming is egregiously bad. The animations are something    See a "10 out of 10" review praising this game?:
    "Best platformer ever!"
    "One of the best games I've ever played!"
    "Game of the year!"

    Ignore these comments and run like the wind, far away from Balan Wonderworld. These types of comments are from bots to help boost the score for this sad excuse for a video game.

    The platforming is egregiously bad. The animations are something straight out of the PS2 era and the controls are so lackluster that you would find more variety in just a game of classic Pong.

    This game had so much promise but it flopped so hard.

    Do not purchase this abomination. You will regret it.    … Expand
  4. nscamp123
    Mar 27, 2021
    3
    I'm rating this game based on the demo.
    I really wanted this game to be good. It has so much potential, but there's a lot of work that needs to be done. The game should have been delayed due to how bad the demo was. The controls are bad and the in-game graphics aren't very good, but the music, cutscenes, and character designs are great. The gameplay is too bad to salvage any of the good    I'm rating this game based on the demo.
    I really wanted this game to be good. It has so much potential, but there's a lot of work that needs to be done. The game should have been delayed due to how bad the demo was. The controls are bad and the in-game graphics aren't very good, but the music, cutscenes, and character designs are great. The gameplay is too bad to salvage any of the good qualities, though. Plus, the final boss includes seizure-inducing flashes (there's an update to patch that out).
    The positive reviews here are definitely bots, so ignore those. In fact, since my review is a critique, it might be considered "not helpful" by the other bots.    … Expand
  5. 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 main action doesn't involve jumping, you're unable to jump until you    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 main 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
  6. Vannikun
    Mar 27, 2021
    2
    It's Nights, where you have that night when you meet a girl at the club and Balan is Days when you wake up and your like "ewwww what is this next to me"
  7. 0Villain
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    Very confident in your game, inflating the score like that, eh Square Enix?
  8. Squirtle_Boy
    Apr 10, 2021
    0
    This game has near to no good levels and the only redeeming points are the cutscenes which may as well have been a movie, really boring real quick, go look up gameplay to see what I mean
  9. FreelancerRai
    Apr 14, 2021
    2
    Balan Wonderworld is a 3D platformer that dumbs down the player's control for the sake of accessibility while simultaneously doing everything in its power to make the player's experience as stiff, unpolished, and counter-intuitive as humanly possible. A work of seemingly great ideas that miserably work against themselves to create a game in which the only joy you can have while playing itBalan Wonderworld is a 3D platformer that dumbs down the player's control for the sake of accessibility while simultaneously doing everything in its power to make the player's experience as stiff, unpolished, and counter-intuitive as humanly possible. A work of seemingly great ideas that miserably work against themselves to create a game in which the only joy you can have while playing it comes from watching the cutscenes; not actually playing the full retail release you spent $60 too many on.… Expand
  10. TheTruthfulOne
    Apr 10, 2021
    2
    Balan Wonderworld is a baffling attempt at a 3D platformer. While I did like the design for Balan and thought the cutscenes looked really nice, it seems as if all the money that could have gone to polishing the levels and abilities were ignored in favour of the cutscenes for a meh kind of game.

    If you want a good 3D platformer that still plays well after 22 years, do yourself a favour    Balan Wonderworld is a baffling attempt at a 3D platformer. While I did like the design for Balan and thought the cutscenes looked really nice, it seems as if all the money that could have gone to polishing the levels and abilities were ignored in favour of the cutscenes for a meh kind of game.

    If you want a good 3D platformer that still plays well after 22 years, do yourself a favour and ignore the robotic critics that claim it’s “the best 3D platformer".

    Your better off playing the classics like Banjo Kazooie instead.    … Expand
  11. Nor-Gamer
    Apr 17, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This “Platformer” game is really the opposite of a what a good platforming is. It’s sometimes laggy, a lot of reports about insane game-hiccups and it’s kind of outdated. I know it’s from Nintendo and it’s from the 90’s, but Square Enix can learn a LOT about the classic GOOD platformer: Super Mario 64.

    Don’t know what they thought, but they really shouldn’t use so much of the budget on the cutscenes. And the ending is very skeptical and unexpected. It’s also never explained what happened to Balan and what in the #### happened to Lance!    … Expand
  12. Connspirator
    Apr 11, 2021
    2
    Worthless. Painful, even. A piece of trash game that offers only psychic damage to anyone that dares play it. This embarrassment of a game should be a condemnation on anyone involved.
  13. ForTheAlliance
    Apr 15, 2021
    0
    Played the demo and I am not even thinking of buying the full one. Low quality, unfinished looking game that has major issues with freezing enc. costumes are a pain to switch between, only one action per costume (yes, even jumping was left out!) and now they buy obvious fake reviews instead of removing this waste of money from stores. It is pretty much a scam for that much money. Don’t buy it.
  14. deeznuts76
    Apr 19, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this game **** sucks. Sonic mother**** Forces did better than the **** stain that is balan in his ****ty ass wonderworld they need to die die DIE this game **** sucks. Sonic mother**** Forces did better than the **** stain that is balan in his ****ty ass wonderworld they need to die die DIE this game **** sucks. Sonic mother**** Forces did better than the **** stain that is balan in his ****ty ass wonderworld they need to die die DIE this game **** sucks. Sonic mother**** Forces did better than the **** stain that is balan in his ****ty ass wonderworld they need to die die DIE… Expand
  15. mayhem9
    May 11, 2021
    0
    There are so many paid or bots in the positive reviews who have only reviewed this game. They are fake. Do not listen to them.
    This game costs 60$ and it's just bland, boring, and repetitive. No promising or engaging story, terrible powerup usages, strange NPC designs and utilization in the universe, bad and annoying voice acting when the characters jump or fall, and no innovation or    There are so many paid or bots in the positive reviews who have only reviewed this game. They are fake. Do not listen to them.
    This game costs 60$ and it's just bland, boring, and repetitive. No promising or engaging story, terrible powerup usages, strange NPC designs and utilization in the universe, bad and annoying voice acting when the characters jump or fall, and no innovation or puzzles throughout the game's progress. You can pay $60 for Super Mario Odyssey or even cheaper for A Hat and Time and get 100x your money's worth. This game is currently on sale and it'll continue to get cheaper. Even if it does, this game is a waste of your time.    … Expand
  16. Ender7887
    Aug 7, 2021
    0
    So glad I borrowed this game for free. This game sucks. 80 costumes and all of them are basically useless. The platforming is brainless, the game can be beaten in a 6-8 hour time span. Graphics look like they belong in a mobile game. The sound track is sub-par. The narrative of this game makes no sense I don’t even know if there was a story in the game. Don’t buy this game, it’s a waste ofSo glad I borrowed this game for free. This game sucks. 80 costumes and all of them are basically useless. The platforming is brainless, the game can be beaten in a 6-8 hour time span. Graphics look like they belong in a mobile game. The sound track is sub-par. The narrative of this game makes no sense I don’t even know if there was a story in the game. Don’t buy this game, it’s a waste of time and I will never get back the 6 hours I spent playing it.… Expand
  17. RedThunder
    May 1, 2021
    0
    This game sucks. I feel bad for the people who payed for the game. (I played the demo) the game is to simple. While their are good ideas they needed to scale back those transformations because most of them are useless say for a puzzle or two. The game graphics are good as well as the soundtrack. Those only goes as far as the gameplay which Balan Wonderworld doesnt have. Theirs also a newThis game sucks. I feel bad for the people who payed for the game. (I played the demo) the game is to simple. While their are good ideas they needed to scale back those transformations because most of them are useless say for a puzzle or two. The game graphics are good as well as the soundtrack. Those only goes as far as the gameplay which Balan Wonderworld doesnt have. Theirs also a new review bombing **** by leaving postive reviews. The game is poor and again not worth its price of $40 I would wait until its in the bargin bin to pick mine up for $10 or they give them out for free with a console bundle or better idea throw them away and burn it like their doind to the people who bought the games money.… Expand
  18. BlueMageBlake
    Apr 3, 2021
    1
    I have no idea how people are giving this a higher score. Is it a 0? No. But it sure is a 1. No depth, no cohesive story, one button for everything, it’s straight up not a good time.
  19. BurtKocain
    Apr 8, 2021
    3
    If you couldn't tell from the swarm of user reviews written in a completely identical tone of broken English, there's a bit of an astroturfing campaign to cover up just how much of a disaster this game is. The sad reality is that regardless of whatever aspirations Yuji Naka and Arzest had for Balan Wonderworld, they were unable to bring them into existence. The resulting game not onlyIf you couldn't tell from the swarm of user reviews written in a completely identical tone of broken English, there's a bit of an astroturfing campaign to cover up just how much of a disaster this game is. The sad reality is that regardless of whatever aspirations Yuji Naka and Arzest had for Balan Wonderworld, they were unable to bring them into existence. The resulting game not only fails to meet the standards for modern platformers, it also pales in comparison to titles that Naka has produced in the past, such as Billy Hatcher. I genuinely hope Yuji Naka is able to recover from this disappointment, because he clearly still has an incredible amount of creative energy to offer the games industry. He just needs the right team and the right focus.… Expand
  20. yertre
    Apr 13, 2021
    2
    It's just sad how much potential this game had, and what a piece of sh*t it turned out to be.
  21. MotorDrive
    Apr 3, 2021
    0
    this game is miserable do not buy it the fact that people thought this game is ok to release is stupid
    im willing to bet that 90% of the budget was spent on the opening cutscene and nothing else

    the only good thing i can say about it is Balan is not a bad character
  22. navinavioracle
    Apr 6, 2021
    0
    Balan wonderworld is one of the most god awful games i've played. Despite the visuals, nothing can excuse this cheap excuse of a "game".
  23. Blizzia
    Apr 6, 2021
    0
    Absolute garbage - there's no two ways about it. If you buy this game, you'll be left feeling more scammed than the people who joined the kickstarter for Chronicles of Elyria.
  24. Not_Reese
    Apr 11, 2021
    0
    Wait, where's Bowser? Buy a better game instead like Fortnite or Cyberpunk 2077
  25. Jubal64
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    The game feels more like a concept than a complete game, it's so notable that all the budget went into the animated cut scenes and completely neglected the rest of the game. It's surprising how many users call this game perfect when at most it is a working project and the most egregious thing is the fact that it is a full-price game, when I saw it first I thought it was a Kickstarter gameThe game feels more like a concept than a complete game, it's so notable that all the budget went into the animated cut scenes and completely neglected the rest of the game. It's surprising how many users call this game perfect when at most it is a working project and the most egregious thing is the fact that it is a full-price game, when I saw it first I thought it was a Kickstarter game but it made by square makes it even more intolerable.… Expand
  26. Saucy69
    Apr 13, 2021
    1
    What an absolute disappointment. I was excited of this game when it was revealed, it looked so colorful and creative! I thought 60$ was way to much so i barrowed a freinds copy and can now say that square should be ashamed for allowing this game to be released. Its a souless cashgrab through and through
  27. KungFuBaby
    Apr 15, 2021
    0
    I didn't have fun so I am giving this a 0 because I hate it and that's me being honest.
  28. evhutch
    Apr 15, 2021
    1
    Please, please, please just play Odyssey instead. It's crappy clone of a lot of other 3D platformers, and falls short at some points. Don't waste your money on this, and play some of the muuuuuch better 3D platformers on this console.
  29. Barlysan
    Apr 16, 2021
    0
    looks like people have been making accounts to try and make balan positive.
  30. SeiMagicBook
    Jun 5, 2021
    2
    2/10 The only good thing about this game it's the music, avoid this broken mess of a game at all cost
  31. mrwho995
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    Metacritic needs to remove these obviously fake positive reviews. Game should either have been cancelled or had its development extended by a year or more.
  32. mrswitch2687
    Jun 28, 2021
    0
    I like this game for what it is. It's flawed. Very flawed. But there is potential that has been squandered. The game looks nice and the opening movie is goregous. The level design starts dull but does eventually pick up and become pretty great. However, performance issues, ridiculous costume gimmick and one-button controls ruin this experience and I understand the criticism. However, oneI like this game for what it is. It's flawed. Very flawed. But there is potential that has been squandered. The game looks nice and the opening movie is goregous. The level design starts dull but does eventually pick up and become pretty great. However, performance issues, ridiculous costume gimmick and one-button controls ruin this experience and I understand the criticism. However, one of my hopes will always be this game getting a second chance to become what it should have been by fixing the controls and trimming the fat. A disappointing game but one I can't bring myself to hate.… Expand
  33. qwert7700
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    I hope it gets nominated for the worst game of 2021. Do you want a game that excites you is engaging and takes you on a journey? This ain't it.
  34. shygamer
    Apr 7, 2021
    1
    I really wanted to love - or at least like - this game, but it makes it so hard. Everything about it just seems so devoid of purpose. And after several hours of playtime it just seems so senseless to invest anything more in this loveless mess. it has the aesthetic/appeal of a mobile game - one you don't want installed.
  35. JRTyner
    Apr 26, 2021
    0
    Balan Wonderword is visually top notch, and I like Balan's design better than any other new character this generation. It is such a charming and beautiful art style. This makes it even more painful that you only play as him in quick time events that feel 30 years old. The rest of the time, you have to slosh through too many tedious costumes to count, that are exceptionally worse when youBalan Wonderword is visually top notch, and I like Balan's design better than any other new character this generation. It is such a charming and beautiful art style. This makes it even more painful that you only play as him in quick time events that feel 30 years old. The rest of the time, you have to slosh through too many tedious costumes to count, that are exceptionally worse when you lose one, which is unquestionably the worst game mechanism ever designed. If they were to patch this game to remove all but 4 costumes, 8 at the extreme most, and you could no longer lose them, then I would give this game a second chance.… Expand
  36. CyberNat2000
    Apr 27, 2021
    0
    Poor controls, poor design, costume mechanics broken, plot not presented ( it's so rearranged we know nothing) bonus games are- Quick time event with poor background graphics. The mentioned graphics are worse than some games on Gamecube (WTF). The new worst game from Square Enix
  37. SoprosedGanon
    May 11, 2021
    0
    Very good idea and ambitious project great cutscene graphics, sadly that doesn't help it at all. Bad graphics outside of cutscenes, bad controls, many stolen aspects, slow gameplay, and basically the exact same power-ups reused with small changes in many levels are the reasons for me, and many other people giving this a bad review. For sixty dollars too?!
  38. LWEtho
    Apr 11, 2021
    3
    This game is just wasted potential. I want to enjoy it so bad, this game is not fun for me to laugh at, it’s just sad how it turned out. The imagination is something to behold, but the execution has much to be desired. There are many interesting concepts that get overshadowed by the games bland and cluttered level design and how there is no explanation for anything you do the entire game.This game is just wasted potential. I want to enjoy it so bad, this game is not fun for me to laugh at, it’s just sad how it turned out. The imagination is something to behold, but the execution has much to be desired. There are many interesting concepts that get overshadowed by the games bland and cluttered level design and how there is no explanation for anything you do the entire game. It all just feels pointless and I wish the levels were more expansive. And they should’ve just fleshed out a maximum of 15- 20 power ups instead of having 80!!! I’m just dissatisfied with the experience this game provides and this SHOULD NOT BE A FULL PRICED GAME. This is a scam and should not sit alongside games like Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild. That’s the worst part, it’s how much money they are robbing you of. Better luck next time I guess, but unfortunately for the team there won’t be a next time.… Expand
  39. LuluFluffs
    Apr 11, 2021
    0
    You get the whole experience within the demo. It is a rough, slow, linear, basic platformer that feels as if it was made to be a ripoff to Super Mario Odyssey taking the mechanics and making it horrible to play. The controls are more simple than Pong it has only movement and jumping the other actions take up the jump button making it tedious to play the movement of your character isYou get the whole experience within the demo. It is a rough, slow, linear, basic platformer that feels as if it was made to be a ripoff to Super Mario Odyssey taking the mechanics and making it horrible to play. The controls are more simple than Pong it has only movement and jumping the other actions take up the jump button making it tedious to play the movement of your character is incredibly slow and unpleasant to traverse. It feels like you are locked in one speed position and were planning to adding a dash button but forgot to add it in. The characters are also not fleshed out that well it feels like I was supposed to know what the characters were in a previous installment and I just picked the 5th game out the franchise. The music is not the best it sounds very boring and generic in the levels but once you clear a level it has odd vocals that might be how the characters talk but I am not certain because of of the characters never opening their mouths. Do not play this game it's incredibly expensive and there is many better options out there. If you want a suggestion on what platformer would be best. I suggest that you play Super Mario Galaxy it is what this game wishes it could be.… Expand
  40. HanaCat12
    May 3, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Don’t buy this game. It’s a waste of $60.
    The game is always glitching and the power ups suck. The bosses become predictable after a while and the game in general just seems rushed. At first the game is about balance and then it turns into the iconic “good beats bad” and screws the bad guy. The novel filled in a lot of the gaps left out in the game and shows the other side to Lance’s story, and that he was a nice guy at first, but even then the game still had so many plot holes. Wasted $60 for this and the ending isn’t even good. I’m only rating this 1 star instead of 0 because the Tims and Negati are adorable. ♥️

    These games are the same price but so much better:
    Mario Kart 8
    A Hat in Time
    Animal Crossing Miitopia & more    … Expand
  41. LeaderStar
    May 11, 2021
    0
    Okey, what the hell is this garbage? Balan Wonderworld never happened! Those guys think Balan Wonderworld happened, but it didn’t. It’s all a dream, Sonic creator hates Square Enix. Plus, those 5 star reviews are sus. Amogus, guys! Balan Wonderland didn’t even happen at all.
  42. LeXTReC
    Nov 15, 2021
    0
    Sus positive critics. Please look at a video on youtube for you to see how garbage this game is
  43. LeMuphinx
    Jun 16, 2022
    0
    Positive Point : Beautiful.
    Negative points: Bad level disign, bugs, unnecessary transformations and pumped over others already seen on previous levels. Buying it is an economic loss.
  44. alt4
    Aug 10, 2022
    0
    DO NOT TRUST THE POSITIVE REVIEWS. Most of them are bots created by Squeenix to positive review bomb this game. The actual game is awful, there is literally one action you can do for each suit, most of the actions repeating, and beng unable to jump can softlock you multiple times, the levels are drab and lifeless, the story is laughable, the switch version is by far the worst version of this game.
  45. ToastyMann
    Jun 24, 2021
    0
    Spend your money elsewhere. There's a reason this game flopped so hard. It's full of bone-headed game design and a lack of polish. It's a weird mix of Mario Odyssey and A Hat In Time that doesn't have the fun factor of either of those games. And for $60, that's inexcusable. All of these perfect 10 reviews are from bots.
  46. charlix200
    Jun 21, 2021
    1
    The gameplay is pure garbage, the costumes almost feel the same and some cant even jump, The controls are way too simplistic and it looks kinda bad on the screen. I give it a 1 for the worldbuilding and the animated cutscenes. The positive reviews are either bots or fanboys of the creator of this game.
  47. SuperClaudio64
    Jul 17, 2021
    4
    Vedo già troppi 10 e 0 esagerati, Balan Wonderworld non è un bel gioco ma non è nemmeno la cosa peggiore che si possa giocare su console. Detto questo, il mio voto sarebbe più un 4,5 su 10. Molto semplicemente perchè il gioco è tremendamente lungo e ripetitivo, al sesto mondo di gioco speravo finisse ma poi ho scoperto di essere solo a metà del tutto. Il gioco inoltre ti obbliga aVedo già troppi 10 e 0 esagerati, Balan Wonderworld non è un bel gioco ma non è nemmeno la cosa peggiore che si possa giocare su console. Detto questo, il mio voto sarebbe più un 4,5 su 10. Molto semplicemente perchè il gioco è tremendamente lungo e ripetitivo, al sesto mondo di gioco speravo finisse ma poi ho scoperto di essere solo a metà del tutto. Il gioco inoltre ti obbliga a collezionare un buon numero di Statuette per avanzare e la maggior parte di esse si ottengono solo se si riesce a perfezionare un fastidioso minigioco di riflessi e tempismo, che diventerà sempre più comune negli ultimi mondi. Poi ci sono i costumi... Eh si i poteri aggiuntivi dei quali molti sono uguali ad altri costumi già ottenuti e altri sono inutili, questi vanno collezionati più volte perchè se non si ha una buona scorta dello specifico potere e lo si perde durante un livello, bisogna poi tornare indietro e riottenerlo nello scenario in cui si trovava quel costume.... Se volete giocare un buon platform 3D su Switch andate a provare "A Hat in Time" e vedrete che un team molto più piccolo con 4 mondi invece che 12, riesce a creare un bel gioco con molto meno. Balan Wonderworld non è tremendo ma è uno di quei videogiochi che non rigiocherò più, perchè si basa sul consumare il tempo del giocatore inutilmente.… Expand
  48. TheLinkgirl
    Oct 16, 2022
    1
    Never have I felt the necessity to make a review for a game based on the publisher creating fake reviews. Despite this, I felt it was necessary for me to actually play Balan Wonderworld, just in case it actually was a hidden gem. It most certainly is not.

    Creative designs will get you nowhere if your game isn't designed well. From its levels to it's costumes, the actual visual and    Never have I felt the necessity to make a review for a game based on the publisher creating fake reviews. Despite this, I felt it was necessary for me to actually play Balan Wonderworld, just in case it actually was a hidden gem. It most certainly is not.

    Creative designs will get you nowhere if your game isn't designed well. From its levels to it's costumes, the actual visual and conceptual ideas that the game brings forward are most appealing, but unfortunately that really is all the game has going for it. From its gameplay to its music to its confusing mechanics that are simply bad, Balan Wonderworld is truly an utterly soul-sapping experience that left me feeling like a lump of dangly flesh with no bone.

    And yes, I'm aware that the game gets interesting in the third acts, but if it's failed to keep my interest until I reach those parts, then it's still poorly designed.    … Expand
  49. r0mer0
    Apr 1, 2021
    0
    Square should be rooted for this game and the blatant attempt to fix the rating with review bombing. Here, have your zero.
  50. Diugo
    Apr 16, 2021
    2
    This review section again shows that metacritic doesnt mean **** anymore these days. Every 10 given by accounts only reviewing Balan Wonderworld? come on now. What could you possibly gain from that?
    Well that being said:
    The game is **** Boring af.
  51. CyberRobotnix
    Apr 25, 2021
    0
    What you expected when the game was first announced: Nights into Dreams
    What you got: Rubbish Psychonauts, 'nuff said
  52. yeisondev
    Apr 3, 2021
    0
    The first impression was really good (the trailer), but all fell down with the first 10 seconds of game play, there is totally missing of wonder.
  53. PoundShopOrwell
    Apr 1, 2021
    0
    Absolutely appalling game. I want a refund. Made me feel ill! First game ever to do that. Juddering frame rates etc. Unbelievable they put this out.
  54. Razorjim
    May 6, 2021
    0
    I think watching rocks erode is more entertaining than this game. It's a complete joke how this game costs £60 yet looks and plays like a crappy mobile game, also 99.9% of the positive reviews are bots, Metacritic needs to crack down on this.
  55. Galen
    Apr 13, 2021
    0
    Wow such amazing game beyond even comprehend! The art is fantastic and while gameplay simple gives me happiness. The soundtrack truly great experience for ear! Very much worth to buy!
  56. Lukiro
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    Look at all these fake "10" reviews. Metacritic should do something about this.

    This has to be the most awful game I have played in years. I'm so glad Gamestop gave me a refund.
  57. als_amyuni
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    This is garbage. Seriously. I played the demo for like 2 hours and couldn't stand for how cringe this game is. The playability is trash, not joyful, and it has zero appeal.

    It's an enormous disappoint because the concept and idea of the game did sound really good when announced. The worst game Square ever made.
  58. Bnois
    Apr 15, 2021
    1
    Just doing my part in compensating all those perfect 10 reviews from paid bots
  59. Tribalord
    Apr 6, 2021
    0
    Why such a bad game is sold at 60 dollar price tag. Why steal from people .
  60. Gamergirl94
    Apr 4, 2021
    0
    DON'T TRUST THOSE POSITIVE REVIEWS this game is abysmal playing demo on switch and its bad gameplay is boring the costume are bad because once you get it you can't even jump why? Take way one of basic function in game. Balan isn't even playable only time during quick time events. Is bad and it isn't worth 60 bucks go and buy crash 4 or monster hunter game.
  61. 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
  62. Melopahn
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    just going to help combat these obviously purchased 10/10 reviews. Square should be ashamed to have their name on this trash.
  63. 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!!!!!!!
  64. Matuscara
    Apr 5, 2021
    0
    The worst game of Square Enix. A lot of fake reviews here... it is embarrassing. Just do yourself a favor and delete this game from existence, please. Cringe.
  65. MLGGamer25
    Apr 6, 2021
    0
    Not only is this game buggy and laggy but it is just boring and unfun too play and what makes it even worse is all of these fake 10/10 reviews. One of the worst games I have ever had the displeasure of playing.
  66. Overdrive_SRs
    Apr 11, 2021
    0
    The game is so bad that they paid someone to use bots to increase its score. Now THAT is ridiculous. Most of the positive reviews are fake. This game is not worth your money or time.
  67. Angelz_gutz
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    I just wanted to see what reviews this game had after having a go at it, i personally wanted to give this game a 1 or maybe even a 2 for effort, however seeing the same broken English 10/10 reviews from obvious bots i am going to give it a 0 to maybe help even this out. DON'T BUY THIS GAME, there's a demo try that if you don't believe me. It's a horribly made clone from Mario even theI just wanted to see what reviews this game had after having a go at it, i personally wanted to give this game a 1 or maybe even a 2 for effort, however seeing the same broken English 10/10 reviews from obvious bots i am going to give it a 0 to maybe help even this out. DON'T BUY THIS GAME, there's a demo try that if you don't believe me. It's a horribly made clone from Mario even the soundtrack is alike. Square just take the L and stop the fake reviews.… Expand
  68. Red9282
    Apr 13, 2021
    0
    This game is the biggest letdown ever, especially from the people behind Sonic the Hedgehog. How could talented people such as them waste their reputation on what feels like a mobile game on consoles? Big Rigs Over the Road Racing is better than this cause at least I can have some fun in that game compared to this. If you want a good platformer, Get Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, or Bowser'sThis game is the biggest letdown ever, especially from the people behind Sonic the Hedgehog. How could talented people such as them waste their reputation on what feels like a mobile game on consoles? Big Rigs Over the Road Racing is better than this cause at least I can have some fun in that game compared to this. If you want a good platformer, Get Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, or Bowser's Fury.

    This game had no chance with how soulless the game is    … Expand
  69. Smugly33810
    Apr 18, 2021
    0
    This game is a dumpster fire
    The game was flooded by positive reviews that are clearly biased so I will go down every "point" about how this game is good
    The first thing I value in a game is undoubtedly its gameplay. - it is a 1 button game flash games like rooftop shooters have more movement options A large part of the levels created in this game seem to be created in a bizarre way,    This game is a dumpster fire
    The game was flooded by positive reviews that are clearly biased so I will go down every "point" about how this game is good
    The first thing I value in a game is undoubtedly its gameplay. - it is a 1 button game flash games like rooftop shooters have more movement options
    A large part of the levels created in this game seem to be created in a bizarre way, but at the same time in an extremely clever way. - that's just called bad level design why is there 2 costumes that are used to walk on the lava when the lava will become wet in a few minutes
    Hidden passages, secret streets and intriguing maps accompany this work that winks at the classic games of past generations, in a good way. - this is supposed to be a way to backtrack and discover secrets but the only way to do this is to go to another level get a costume go back to the level, and get back to the secret without taking damage

    almost all reviews after this are extremely subjective or rehashes of these points.

    TL:DR Scores are biased and most actual points have huge fallacies.    … Expand
  70. TheQueenOfMedia
    Apr 14, 2021
    0
    All these 10/10 ratings have gotta be made by AI. This game is a crap sandwich. If you're truly interested in this game, make sure to read actual reviews first.
  71. DocCab
    Apr 11, 2021
    0
    Just doing my part in righting the inflated user score by obvious bots and fake accounts. Game sucks. **** Squeenix.
  72. SimoSS
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    look at the names of those that voted 10 and look at their profiles....only voting for balan wonderwolrd. why reviews are so late? why user scores are earliest than critic scores? square enix is so smart. watch the reviews on youtube and you can see that it's garbage. don't buy it
  73. Trinica
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    Easily one of the worst games of all time. The positive reviews are 100% fake, there is no way anyone gave this a positive review in good conscience. There is a reason there are currently ZERO critic reviews - Square Enix definitely doesn't want any out there.
  74. Landgraf_paul
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    59€ За игру времен ps2, не понимаю как такая игра вообще может издаваться таким крупным издателем
  75. 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
  76. I_Trust_In_GF
    Feb 1, 2022
    0
    A work of bad taste and paleolithic platform design, as well as a horrendous port that doesn't make good use of the console potential
    It's really aberrant that this came out so bad, considering who his creative mind was
  77. JmanTheHitman
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    actually kind of funny bots and trolls are reverse review bombing this game with great scores. But lets be honest square doesn't care about this game and neither should you. Stay away at all cost....
  78. Outsiderrob
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    This game stinks, the bots are giving it a 10/10

    Don’t even try it, it’s that bad
  79. 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.
  80. octoyoshi
    Mar 29, 2021
    3
    This game is a dumpster fire. The characters are extremely slow, the graphics are passable at best and the Switch version is just abysmal, the music is super generic, and it is so damn boring. If you have 60 bucks burning a hole in your pocket, don't buy this game. Buy something else like Bowser's Fury, Crash 4, or even Monster Hunter Rise. Just don't buy this hot garbage.
  81. Fezehim
    Mar 31, 2021
    4
    All the Ingredients for a great platformer are in there somewhere, but they just didn't come together, movement is not smooth enough for a platformer, and the frame rate drops far too often, particularly in the later levels. There was clearly ambition here and the costumes were a great idea, if poorly executed, and the final boss was surprisingly fun given how bad the rest of the game was,All the Ingredients for a great platformer are in there somewhere, but they just didn't come together, movement is not smooth enough for a platformer, and the frame rate drops far too often, particularly in the later levels. There was clearly ambition here and the costumes were a great idea, if poorly executed, and the final boss was surprisingly fun given how bad the rest of the game was, but after beating the game with the bare minimum amount of statues needed, I have no intention on ever going back to collect the rest of them.… Expand
  82. FoxyChalet
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    The positive reviews are all trolls, or people with ulterior motives. Buy at your own risk.
  83. thetraineralex
    Mar 30, 2021
    1
    awful game, with awful level design and gameplay, do not listen to the bots trying to buy their way out of this mess
  84. DavidBrowne
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    Terrible game, the world looks empty, the plot is really bad and overall I give it a 0
  85. SuperMarioMario
    Mar 28, 2021
    4
    looks good, the character designs are amazing, plays like hell, the music is great, but after a few minutes I can't stand it anymore
  86. HexenVexen
    Mar 29, 2021
    3
    The game is alright, overall pretty poor with a lot of terrible choices in it, but somewhat has some merits, especially in music and art direction. The gameplay is generally quite lackluster though, feels like a game for toddlers at times. I only recommend buying it on sale, but I would recommend A Hat in Time or Crash 4 over this.

    On a side note, these reviews are really fishy... Just    The game is alright, overall pretty poor with a lot of terrible choices in it, but somewhat has some merits, especially in music and art direction. The gameplay is generally quite lackluster though, feels like a game for toddlers at times. I only recommend buying it on sale, but I would recommend A Hat in Time or Crash 4 over this.

    On a side note, these reviews are really fishy... Just look at the positive comments, all of the names are just one random word and all reviews use similar grammar and wording. The "users found this helpful" thing is also ridiculous, there's no way there are 70 people actually marking those as helpful, even 20+ year-old games don't have that many. I also find it hard to believe that so many people go out of their way to mark the Negative reviews as "unhelpful", clearly either Square or some really dedicated fans are using bots to help this game's reviews. Don't be surprised if this review is "unhelpful bombed" as well.    … Expand
  87. ChampionChris
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    Seriously, don't buy this game. It's so boring and monotonous. These good reviews have to be fake. I'm not one to say that, but this is in the top 5 worst games I've every played and easily worst game of 2021.
  88. StefenTheLegend
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    As far as overpriced bad games goes this is one of the highest in recent memory.
  89. JoeMamama
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    Final boss nearly killed me , and I'm not even talking about an in game death.
  90. Glasso
    Mar 31, 2021
    1
    Wow! Wow! Wow! what a sad attempt by the publisher/ developer to put a load of fake user ratings here on metacritic. This "game" is an atrocity and a literal waste of data storage space.
  91. Kakadu
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    Easily the worst game I have ever playedvby far. Overpriced, with absolute tedious garbage gameplay and bad level design. Graphically it's almost an insult in how bad it looks abd just everything about it screams low quality and lack of effort.
    Metacritic needs to do something about the bots.
  92. GamerGuySuckIt
    Mar 30, 2021
    0
    This game is so bad that Square-Enix or Yuji Naka himself payed for a bunch of bots to raise the games user score. Yes, it's that pathetical and bad.
  93. Eyeflaps
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    Several times throughout the game I started feeling REALLY sick and dizzy. I never get like that with games. Then I go online and find out the game has a seizure risk. This game needs to be recalled. This is a health concern.
  94. Joocifer
    Mar 30, 2021
    0
    I rather play with a bucket full of crap. Pay no attention to the bots giving this a 10.
  95. Ak3chi
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    This game literally looks like it was made for the PS2. Play Crash 4 instead for a great experience at a fair price.
  96. HazeTheHawk13
    Mar 28, 2021
    1
    This game had alot of potential and hype going for it in it's first trailer being published by Square and developed by the creator of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sadly There was no care or Polish put into this title, they released a demo that everybody hated and could have delayed the game to better it but they didn't. It plays horrible, looks horrible, and feels horrible. Don't waste your moneyThis game had alot of potential and hype going for it in it's first trailer being published by Square and developed by the creator of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sadly There was no care or Polish put into this title, they released a demo that everybody hated and could have delayed the game to better it but they didn't. It plays horrible, looks horrible, and feels horrible. Don't waste your money on this garbage. The developers didn't care and neither should you.… Expand
  97. jackofsome
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    TRY THE DEMO FIRST.

    It is free and it will show you whether you will enjoy this game or not. This game is nowhere near a 10. I was disappointed in the lack of movement options, the repetitive gameplay, and poor graphics. The levels where very bland. I never wanted to explore a level like did in Mario Odyssey, I just wanted to get to the end of a level to just get the level over    TRY THE DEMO FIRST.

    It is free and it will show you whether you will enjoy this game or not.

    This game is nowhere near a 10. I was disappointed in the lack of movement options, the repetitive gameplay, and poor graphics.

    The levels where very bland. I never wanted to explore a level like did in Mario Odyssey, I just wanted to get to the end of a level to just get the level over with.

    The lack of movement options bothers me the most. Your character moves slow (with a poor animation). There is no button to run, dive, or even jump if you get a certain powerup.

    This game could have been something special. But it is just playable. It falls short in so many areas making it generic and bland.

    Definitely not worth at the 60 dollars. Maybe if it was 20 dollars it would be worth its money. If you really need a 3D platformer that doesn't have Mario in its title, play something like Yooka-Laylee that is so much cheaper and better in quality.    … Expand
  98. stilgarsCH
    Feb 8, 2023
    0
    This game is so bad they had to pay Japanese bots to post broken English reviews on Metacritic.
  99. 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  100. Kadanka
    Mar 30, 2021
    0
    Was one of the worst games I have ever played. Deleted and forgotten in shame. Would give it a 2/10 but doing a zero cuz of all the fake reviews being posted. DONT BUY! Try the demo! You’ll see what I mean.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
36

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 6 out of 9
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    May 17, 2021
    50
    This game is far too undercooked. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 73]
  2. XGN
    Apr 16, 2021
    55
    Balan Wonderworld looks great but feels incomplete. The game lets you journey through six different stories while collecting golden statues and morphing from one outfit to another. There are 80 different outfits in the game, but some of them feel double or not useful at all. Where the game is great to play alone, the multiplayer feels rushed, where player two doesn't get to do all the things player one can. That being said, the game feels like a great way for kids to spend time.
    Read full review
  3. Gamer.nl
    Apr 12, 2021
    30
    Balan Wonderworld is a videogame from Yuji Naka. However, even if the team had more time we wonder if the game would be worth your time.
    Read full review
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