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. efeylmaz14
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    And there you have it, beautiful graphics, great tunes, solid gameplay, surprisingly good and thoughtful gameplay add up to an experience that no action/platformer gamer should miss 93% -Dave
  2. Olony
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    The first thing I value in a game is undoubtedly its gameplay.
    And in that, Balan Wonderworld is promoted with the highest rating, imho.
    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. Hidden passages, secret streets and intriguing maps accompany this work that winks at the classic games of past    The first thing I value in a game is undoubtedly its gameplay.
    And in that, Balan Wonderworld is promoted with the highest rating, imho.
    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.
    Hidden passages, secret streets and intriguing maps accompany this work that winks at the classic games of past generations, in a good way.
    (especially if you love games like NiGHTS or Croc, you will also love this Balan Wonderworld)

    I can be more than satisfied, despite everything.
    And I would say that I can confidently recommend it.
    Especially if you are looking for an intriguing and surprising platformer.

    P.S .: the game's soundtrack is great.    … Expand
  3. Amonex
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    I have to admit to be surprised by the huge upgrades that this game has in other levels respects what they use for the demo.
    There a lot of cool puzzles ideas here, especially level 5 and 8, and the costumes are just one more cool than others.
    Happy to have experienced this by myself.
  4. Ithughy
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    Probably, it's the recent best platform of the last decade.
    The most original, and surprisingly fun to play.
    I recommend to everyone who loves the genre.
  5. Ifhyn
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played.
    Amazing and fun, with awesome gameplay and incredible platform design.

    Absolutely gorgeous game
  6. Ughyc
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    I've loved the time that I've passed with this marvelous and colorful game.
    Almost unique in his genre, and with some of the most genius platforming design ideas of the current gen.

    I'll gladly recommend this game to the players that search an interesting old style platform game today.
  7. Orphemus
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    I've played a lot of platform games in the recent years, but this Balan Wonderworld it is easily one of the best of them.

    Balan Wonderworld it is a spectacular game, full of color and at the same time full of heart. A brilliant combination of interesting levels design with a nice touch of gameplay, especially for the advanced costumes like the Frog Jump x3. I'm proud to say that I'm    I've played a lot of platform games in the recent years, but this Balan Wonderworld it is easily one of the best of them.

    Balan Wonderworld it is a spectacular game, full of color and at the same time full of heart.
    A brilliant combination of interesting levels design with a nice touch of gameplay, especially for the advanced costumes like the Frog Jump x3.

    I'm proud to say that I'm enjoyed playing it.
    And can I easily recommend it to every lovers of the platform genre games.

    P.S.:*The Full game it is much bigger and better than the simple free Demo.
    And the DayOne patch make the character even more faster in every kind of movement.    … Expand
  8. HanSol
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    The most colorful and amazing game I've the lucky to play.
    I'm really impressed by the overall quality of the platform design of this game. With interesting ideas to discover.
    And even just for that, this game is a must play.
  9. Wall-El
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    Only when you play the full game you can really see the maximum potential of this Balan Wonderworld.
    A masterful platform game.
    But many people just doesn't be impressed by the free Demo, that actually doesn't show even the whole incredible platform ideas of the game.
    (especially in world 10 and 12)

    For this reason you should buy this game.
    Because it is actually truly a great game.
  10. KrilinPhil
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    LOL to who doesn't even try the full game...
    How much are desperate the haters today.
    This game is much better than many ridiculous platforms games today.
  11. Nitrus
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Easily one of the best games I've played this year.
    I'm really happy to express my modest opinion regarding this already controversial game.
    And I'm happy to say that this game is amazingly good.
    Reminds me the old school platform games.
    And if you also like the platform genre, you should give this a try, playing the complete game.
    (especially world 11 and 12, truly gorgeous level design)
  12. Ghylliam
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    10/10 OST
    10/10 Level Design
    10/10 Art

    I'm really loving the whole message give by this game.
    And I think that every platform games they should take note of this little great game.

    P.S.: also, the game requires you to download the DayOne patch for better experience it.
    And this really make the whole game faster and better
  13. Eddie-Bim
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    The most lovely and charming platform game made.
    I'll suggest everyone to play this wonderful game
  14. Ichyto
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Best game played this gen.

    A truly charming and unique experience to live
  15. Avryl
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Instant Masterpiece game here

    Gameplay 10
    Artstyle 10
    Fun 10

    A colorful and great game to play.
    So, I can definitely recommend it
  16. Walkym
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Definitely the best game I've played this year.
    An instant classic game.
    And surely a MUST PLAY
  17. Gurenn
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    An emotive game that hit the right spot, in a good way.

    This maybe can be a chance for every today's player to finally experience a surprising game, in the most old style classic way possible.
    And as a platformer fan, I can serenely say to be surprising satisfied by this Balan Wonderworld
  18. FuscoRo
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Fantastic
    Just fantastic.

    A sort of revolutionary platform game, that take the player to have coscienze of which are the best approach.
  19. Limiro
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Maybe isn't perfect, but for even the message of this game alone, this game really hit me emotionally.
    You are going to be surprised by the meaning of this strange game, until you realize the emotional message at the end.
    Really great
  20. Kiroph
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    It's the type of game that reminds me the first 3D platform games ever made long ago.
    And I'm like it.

    If you are seriously searching for a nice little but absolutely surprising platform game, this is what you should play for sure
  21. Heriett
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Literally the most beautiful platform game ever.
    If you are seriously searching for a colorful and finally original platform game, inspired by the classic, you should definitely Buy This.
  22. Woldyn
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    Literally a Pure Joy to play.

    This kind of games should be a great spot for the beginner career of any platform games lovers.
    I'll hugely love this Wonderful Wonderworld
  23. Vinerio
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    I really liked this Balan Wonderworld

    Because it was the most interesting, beautiful and fun platform game I've played in 2021
  24. Evyry
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Most original platform game recently released.
    And at first I was thinking of just another platform game like many others.
    But, instead, this Balan Wonderworld is much more.
    Really inspired and definitely classic but ingenious with his level design.
    A great game indeed
  25. cyteRyu
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Funniest and cutest platform game of the year.

    The simple mechanics of the different costumes make part of a constantly evolution of their same quality, opening multiple different approaches to all the levels of the game.
    And this thing makes the whole platforming design of this game really great
  26. Eghyth
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    If you are searching for a good platform game, this is what you need to play.

    Artstyle 10/10
    Soundtrack 10/10
    Level Design 10/10

    The thing that surprises me more it's undoubtedly the platforming of the game. When you reach the second part of the game, the platforming becomes more complex and definitely more interesting.
    Deserves to be played by who likes the platform genre
  27. Elirk
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    The most shiny and original platform since the last 10 years
    And not only for the artstyle, but definitely for the platform design of this.

    A surprise ending, full of emotion and wonderful moments.
    One of the most memorable platform game, imho
  28. brianlconrad
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    All 10/10 review's are paid bots that upvote themselves and push down bad reviews. How do I know that? Easy. Let's try something. I'm gonna say this game is utterly rubbish. Like, honestly, this is BAD. 60€ for this? A fraud, a swindle. Now, look at my upvotes. My score (10/10) is literally the opposite of what I'm saying. But the bots will upvote me as one of their own. So now I'm on theAll 10/10 review's are paid bots that upvote themselves and push down bad reviews. How do I know that? Easy. Let's try something. I'm gonna say this game is utterly rubbish. Like, honestly, this is BAD. 60€ for this? A fraud, a swindle. Now, look at my upvotes. My score (10/10) is literally the opposite of what I'm saying. But the bots will upvote me as one of their own. So now I'm on the top reviews and everyone will see this: do NOT buy this game, do NOT waste your money. Use that money for other game, for give a present to your beloved ones, charity, porn, whatever you want EXCEPT this.… Expand
  29. Lisazy
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    When I play a platform game the very first thing that I care it is the gameplay, and for that's the reason of why I'm happy to have purchased this game.

    Because this Balan Wonderworld makes of his simple but effective gameplay his own strength. Since the mechanics of the costumes continue to evolve with each world in the game, and becoming more complex and opening multiple new ways for    When I play a platform game the very first thing that I care it is the gameplay, and for that's the reason of why I'm happy to have purchased this game.

    Because this Balan Wonderworld makes of his simple but effective gameplay his own strength. Since the mechanics of the costumes continue to evolve with each world in the game, and becoming more complex and opening multiple new ways for complete every levels.
    A true surprising experience overall.

    And if you also looking for a cool platform game, you should Buy this little but great platform game    … Expand
  30. AtomZone
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Literally the best platform game I've played on Switch.

    An energetic and colorfully great platform game, with a nice gameplay and a great music.
    Absolutely recommend it
  31. Balanfan69
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    This may just be the best game of all time. I really didn't have high expectations for this game I though "Another platformer just like that mario trash, nothing like good games like cyberpunk 2077 (Though the "patches" have made it worse) or fortnite. But WHOAH did that game blow me away, the stunning graphics, fast paced platforming, everything. All this on the switch? Like WHOAH. ThisThis may just be the best game of all time. I really didn't have high expectations for this game I though "Another platformer just like that mario trash, nothing like good games like cyberpunk 2077 (Though the "patches" have made it worse) or fortnite. But WHOAH did that game blow me away, the stunning graphics, fast paced platforming, everything. All this on the switch? Like WHOAH. This game is totally radical and I think you should get it, I did a pixel count and I got 1440p in handheld mode, 120fps, with 8k and raytracing. I haven't even mentioned the costumes, I absolutely love how each costume does 1 thing, it's like the odyssey capture mechanic but it's actually a good game! There are so many unique costumes that are all super fun to play around with! The only thing I would improve are the cut scenes, while they convey the story perfectly they look pretty bad. All in all 20/10 game I hope to see a sequel !… Expand
  32. rilosaz
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    If you are searching for a good and original platform game, then this is exactly what you should play.

    It maybe can be a little strange to say, but this is that type of platform game that evolve dramatically when you going on with your journey.
    So, I can safely recommend it
  33. Arolo
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    This game is practically awesome.
    An easy must have.

    Played and adored this masterpiece
  34. Linoby
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Original and interesting game, with a powerful theme.

    This is basically the best kind of platform game that anyone can ever remotely ask for it.
    Magnificent platform design, mixed with great gameplay
  35. Jeqlin
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    A fun game.
    Yes.

    Balan Wonderworld is a fun platform game, at least.
    And this alone is just a lot, considering how much others platforms games doesn't even try to evolve the gameplay.
    In this aspect, Balan Wonderworld wins
  36. xxx128
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    11/10 Greatest Game of All time!!! Also welcome to the gaming industry, which is basically a greedy, lying sack of filth :(
  37. Thelydry
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    The literally most beautiful platform game made.
    Everyone's should play this incredible game
  38. Ahgalken
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    This is a wonderful beautiful platform game to play.
    Original and charming, this game is a gorgeous work
  39. Xynok
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Easily the most interesting and intriguing platform games of this generation.

    You should try this.
    Because it's really an amazing game
  40. Ghokihu
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Colorful and beautiful game.
    A really nice and great platform game for everyone
  41. Dalosy
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    The best platform game ever released on Nintendo Switch.

    I suggest to ignore the ridiculous negative 0 fake reviews here, because comes from ridiculous babies that doesn't even play this game
  42. SpriteTheRapper
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Somebody once told me that Balan Wonderworld was the best platform game ever, He was looking pretty cool with his willywonkatiktok glasses and that cool looking Balan hat on his forehead, Well the best platform game reviews start coming and they don't stop coming. This platform game truly hits the ground runnin' with its amazing platform game features, somebody once asked if you shouldSomebody once told me that Balan Wonderworld was the best platform game ever, He was looking pretty cool with his willywonkatiktok glasses and that cool looking Balan hat on his forehead, Well the best platform game reviews start coming and they don't stop coming. This platform game truly hits the ground runnin' with its amazing platform game features, somebody once asked if you should play this platform game, I'd say yep, It's got a good concept, I could play it a little myself and we could all go for a good platform game! I cry sometimes when I'm playing this platform game (Because its so darn good) Just to get it all out whats in my head and I really love this platform game, I wake up in mourning and I step outside then I step back inside to play my favorite platform game (It's this one bt dub dubs!) And I scream at the top of my lungs "I LOVE THIS PLATFORM GAME!"
    Its such a good platform game that it makes me break out into song well here goes nothing....
    Ooooooh BAAAAAAYBEEEEE I compare you to a kiss from a platform game on the switch, the more of this platform game I get the better it gets, Now that this platform game is in my switch this is the only game that will be seen.
    Platform 10/10
    Game 10/10
    Song I wrote 11/10    … Expand
  43. Uwuym
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Basically, this Balan Wonderworld it is one of the best platform games ever released for Nintendo Switch.

    If you are looking for a fun but intriguing platform game, I surely suggest you to Play the full version of this game. Because the only way to see the gameplay that evolve drastically is to reach the second half of the game, and obtain the late costumes. You will going to enjoy    Basically, this Balan Wonderworld it is one of the best platform games ever released for Nintendo Switch.

    If you are looking for a fun but intriguing platform game, I surely suggest you to Play the full version of this game.
    Because the only way to see the gameplay that evolve drastically is to reach the second half of the game, and obtain the late costumes.

    You will going to enjoy this.
    Because deserve every single minute of your time.    … Expand
  44. Bakinam
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Reviews are b0tted, they will upvote me because i gave it a 10 and copy pasted a positive review, game is OPPOSITE of 10/10

    The first thing I value in a game is undoubtedly its gameplay. And in that, Balan Wonderworld is promoted with the highest rating, imho. 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    Reviews are b0tted, they will upvote me because i gave it a 10 and copy pasted a positive review, game is OPPOSITE of 10/10

    The first thing I value in a game is undoubtedly its gameplay.
    And in that, Balan Wonderworld is promoted with the highest rating, imho.
    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.
    Hidden passages, secret streets and intriguing maps accompany this work that winks at the classic games of past generations, in a good way.
    (especially if you love games like NiGHTS or Croc, you will also love this Balan Wonderworld)

    I can be more than satisfied, despite everything.
    And I would say that I can confidently recommend it.
    Especially if you are looking for an intriguing and surprising platformer.    … Expand
  45. Eoncats
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Holy f***. Never in my life have I seen a game more deserving of the elusive "ten out of ten." Absolute masterpiece.
  46. Majichavethetor
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    Instinctively there are many forms of satisfaction that persons can achieve from the video games. One such feeling is Balan Wonderworld. Discrete visual for perplexing combinations enhance true romance of the eyes. Many hours are gifted to the players for participation one only has to find secret passages hidden treasures to understand them. In the world of time and place value presentsInstinctively there are many forms of satisfaction that persons can achieve from the video games. One such feeling is Balan Wonderworld. Discrete visual for perplexing combinations enhance true romance of the eyes. Many hours are gifted to the players for participation one only has to find secret passages hidden treasures to understand them. In the world of time and place value presents with this opportunity. A must purchasing is encouraged gladly gifted to your satisfaction!… Expand
  47. TriedMyCase
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    Man I really liked this game But [REDACTED].however there are still enjoyable moments. I feel like they could have [REDACTED] but overall I [REDACTED]
  48. papajohn1987
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    Stunning, simply Stunning. Somehow Kojima has done it again and made a masterpiece.

    The gameplay loop of unlocking new powerups, all of which unique and extremely fun, and then using them to find collectables is simply genius, and has never been done to such an amazing degree before in gaming history! All of these collectables, by the way, are found in a multitude of ways! Some are    Stunning, simply Stunning. Somehow Kojima has done it again and made a masterpiece.

    The gameplay loop of unlocking new powerups, all of which unique and extremely fun, and then using them to find collectables is simply genius, and has never been done to such an amazing degree before in gaming history! All of these collectables, by the way, are found in a multitude of ways! Some are obvious, some are their own little levels within a level, and some are hidden around the map! And I loved every second of it!

    If you are looking for a game with breathtaking visuals, suburb music, unbeatable level design, and seemingly endless amounts of content, that, upon completion, leaves you satisfied yet yearning for more, then Mario Odyssey is a 100% must play for you!    … Expand
  49. Applehead
    May 15, 2021
    10
    What an absolutely stunning masterpiece. Neil drunkman really hit it out of the park with this breathtaking and beautiful experience that is only made greater with gameplay people couldn’t even dream of With storytelling that brought me to tears (spoiler warning) just cover your eyes when the part when Tony hawk comes out with a copy of barnyard on dvd it’s quite disturbing what he doesWhat an absolutely stunning masterpiece. Neil drunkman really hit it out of the park with this breathtaking and beautiful experience that is only made greater with gameplay people couldn’t even dream of With storytelling that brought me to tears (spoiler warning) just cover your eyes when the part when Tony hawk comes out with a copy of barnyard on dvd it’s quite disturbing what he does with it. Over all it’s an incredible piece of art that will be remembered years to come. Also Tony hawk also has a gun in the game be careful he can shoot you in the head.… Expand
  50. YoungJijii
    Jun 6, 2021
    10
    I wish I could give it a 12/10 if I could, one of the best games I've ever played.
  51. 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
  52. Coldasice00007
    Jul 13, 2021
    10
    Very awesome game I love it. And it was well worth the money. I don't know why alot of people don't like it.
  53. jomamaaa
    Dec 24, 2021
    10
    BALAN WORNDER WARLD IS THE FIRST GAME TO MAKE ME CRY... IZ GOT IT ALL......THE STEOTYYTRRY!!!!!!! THE LOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE MOXY!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE MOXXXXyyyyyyyyy !!!!!!!!!!!! IT HAS NO FLAWS AND IS FUN!!!!!!!!!! LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THE PART WITH THE FOXES THE BOXES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS AN 11/10 FOR ME ONLY IF THEY RATED IT JUSTLY BUTBALAN WORNDER WARLD IS THE FIRST GAME TO MAKE ME CRY... IZ GOT IT ALL......THE STEOTYYTRRY!!!!!!! THE LOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE MOXY!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE MOXXXXyyyyyyyyy !!!!!!!!!!!! IT HAS NO FLAWS AND IS FUN!!!!!!!!!! LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THE PART WITH THE FOXES THE BOXES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS AN 11/10 FOR ME ONLY IF THEY RATED IT JUSTLY BUT NMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF IT NOT MARIO METACTRIRCCICT SCROE OF 0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JUST CUZ NO RED PLUMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT MARIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ag GREAT WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BALAN WONDERLAOWWD HAS SO MANY DIFFERENT POWERWES!!!!!!!!!!!!! IZZ EVEN HGOT GOLF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO HATED GOLF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOBBBBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXEPT FOR THE NINTTEDO NORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BALAN OWONDER WORLD 11 OUYTA 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AS IENSTEN WONCE SAID "MARIO IS JUST PLUMBER, HE IS ALWA YS MARIO ALWAYS RED, BALAAAN IS ALWAYS DIFFETRENT ALWAYS NEWYEEAK" !!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLAY BALAAAN WONDWORLD IF A YOU HAVE A BRAIN DOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  54. Iamconfusion
    Apr 3, 2023
    10
    2nd best game ever made, I am very trustworthy ;) As you should expect, the creators of Sonic 06 have delivered the 2nd best game ever made, behind Sonic 06.
  55. NotGamesVillage
    Mar 28, 2021
    9
    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
  56. KoolKingKiya
    Mar 28, 2021
    9
    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
  57. Kirbyfan45
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    From the mastermind of Yuji Naka and his team at Balan Company, Balan Wonderworld is a game that, despite somewhat knowing what to expect, still surprised me with its creativity. Each new area I went to had new gameplay ideas that kept me hooked playing. That alongside the easy to pick up gameplay helped me get drawn into this mystical world with great CG cutscenes that spark a new limitFrom the mastermind of Yuji Naka and his team at Balan Company, Balan Wonderworld is a game that, despite somewhat knowing what to expect, still surprised me with its creativity. Each new area I went to had new gameplay ideas that kept me hooked playing. That alongside the easy to pick up gameplay helped me get drawn into this mystical world with great CG cutscenes that spark a new limit in CG. Alongside some creative visuals using many different techniques, and a mystifying OST, it's hard to call this game anything but great!… Expand
  58. Micky-717
    Mar 8, 2022
    9
    A very good platformer 3D with beautiful music.
    Very long to complete and with more than 80 moves set to acquire.... it's very fun to play. I had more fun to play this game than Mario Odyssey.
  59. 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
  60. Phuz
    Apr 3, 2021
    8
    Let's be sensible here if you are in to COD, you wouldn't go and buy Hello Kitty Racers. This is a kids game, this is for young kids that would usually play Minecraft, or Paw Patrol, you get the picture. Don't expect an adult game here.

    The visuals making people sick? I'm guessing a night out on the drink would be a can of Bass shandy for you guys? If this game makes you sick, you'd    Let's be sensible here if you are in to COD, you wouldn't go and buy Hello Kitty Racers. This is a kids game, this is for young kids that would usually play Minecraft, or Paw Patrol, you get the picture. Don't expect an adult game here.

    The visuals making people sick? I'm guessing a night out on the drink would be a can of Bass shandy for you guys? If this game makes you sick, you'd better stay tee total and never go out on the lash, or smoke green. You'll be pale all night.

    I can only give a vague review as I think 3D platformers are a bit **** I would choose Giana Sister's over a 3D platformer any day.

    So the game starts, it looks damned good. Think a cross between Ghibli, The Mask and Alice in Wonderland. Basically weird, cute and spinny, with beautiful colour. My first down point came early on. Loading screens. Just too long. It reminded me of SAO where you're like come on, 5 seconds ago would have been acceptable but this is a bit of a joke, so a frustrating, immersion killer there but many games are like this.

    Yes it does feel a bit jittery at times but it wasn't game breaking, not even close.

    Two complaints I have here are also present in Mario Odyssey and that is objects you are stood next to popping up blocking your whole view and a very draggy, delayed response. Come on, Mario 1 on the NES was responsive as hell, even Pong in the 70's was responsive, why this sluggishness? Hollow Knight managed, why cant others? No need for these plod along controls.

    So next observation. The camera handles really quite nicely but the music was a bit too childish. I think they should have aimed more Pokemon, rather than circus like.

    As a general overview it looks amazing, it has a fun atmosphere, it has this costume gimmick for abilities and puzzle solving, which I guess suits the rather OTT setting.

    I think my kids would love this. I'll get them to try it and update my review. I normally don't like the little screen and I had to play this in hand held. I probably would have enjoyed it more on the TV docked.

    I just don't get the complaining here. It felt like any other 3D platformer to me but with a bit of extra wackyness to it and lush colour. I played the Yooka Laylee demo recently and that scores around 7.5 in reviews and it was rubbish. I turned it off after 5 minutes. This held my attention better. I preferred the Blaster Master Zero demo I played after this but I'm an adult, that was always a likely outcome.

    For me this is a 3/10, or 4/10 but I am not the target audience. I think if I was a youngster that enjoyed 3D platforming and the load times and character speed were sorted, then I would give it 9/10 but those issues were very noticeable for me.

    Even from a stand point of not liking 3D platformers, I have hated some AAA titles way more than I disliked this.

    People trying to vote super low, saying Square have put fake reviews in is ridiculous. Often people will make their first review when they see something good getting ripped apart for no reason.

    My 8 score is not to counter balance anything. It is what I see the game as being worth to the people it is aimed at.

    I don't really feel that bad for the scores though because Square games are usually childish and boring and get 10's. This is the opposite, it isn't boring but is actually aimed at children rather than childish.

    I would play this over FF9 any day. Vivi - straight up copy of Orko from He-Man. A big **** gay cry baby tin man that constantly chink chink chinks, arguing constantly with some irritating rat creature that is chasing a princess that looks about 12 and don't forget the blurry graphics, bad movement and some dire combat system. But no you all keep giving it 10/10 and when Square actually do something pretty decent, you jump all over it because it wasn't aimed at you in the first place.    … Expand
  61. DragotheKomodo
    Mar 29, 2021
    8
    i personally love the game, i return to it pretty often.
    sure the game play is simple, but it does not require complex game play.
    the music and looks of the levels are beautiful. and try to finish the game, it has a very emotional ending. the game is about overcoming struggles the worlds take place in people's heart, the Tims are positive emotions, the Negati are negative emotions    i personally love the game, i return to it pretty often.
    sure the game play is simple, but it does not require complex game play.
    the music and looks of the levels are beautiful.
    and try to finish the game, it has a very emotional ending.
    the game is about overcoming struggles
    the worlds take place in people's heart, the Tims are positive emotions, the Negati are negative emotions
    most negative reviews seen to be from people who don't understand the game
    they get angry out of confusion.
    sure the game is not perfect, some costumes are pretty useless, camera can be a bit wonky at times, the menu did not need the same button actions as the game play.
    in conclusion
    is the game perfect? no, but is it the worst game of 2021? far from it, it is a beautiful roller coaster of emotions, that is better to finished rather then complete.

    i hope Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima's Balan Company return for another emotional adventure    … Expand
  62. Eratyx
    Mar 30, 2021
    7
    I got extremely stoned and in the mood for a zero-difficulty baby game before downloading the demo. I do not regret my decision. Romping around in a weird dream stage where the happy dancing animals outnumber monsters 3 to 1 and you gain abilities by wearing kiddy animal costumes was absolutely magical. Gameplay-wise, this is definitely not for adults or anyone looking for a challenge.I got extremely stoned and in the mood for a zero-difficulty baby game before downloading the demo. I do not regret my decision. Romping around in a weird dream stage where the happy dancing animals outnumber monsters 3 to 1 and you gain abilities by wearing kiddy animal costumes was absolutely magical. Gameplay-wise, this is definitely not for adults or anyone looking for a challenge. This is Yuji Naka unchained, every childish dream implemented as is, with no regard for video game gameplay principles.

    If you suspend all expectations and lose yourself in the childish wonder, you'll feel like a kid until you get bored and have to grow up again. If you approach it like any other video game, you'll be sorely disappointed.

    A+ baby game, D- platformer game.

    (Not a bot btw, I got the name Eratyx from a random name generator in Neverwinter Nights a long time ago. I know it looks fishy but this one is a real person!)    … Expand
  63. MudokonMajesty
    Mar 31, 2021
    7
    I liked my experience with Balan Wonderworld but I’m also aware with the flaws of the game, I have bought this game on Nintendo Switch and still not too sure which console it looks better on. I am aware that all buttons are jump and how the game doesn’t look polished but I found it somewhat fun, it might be because I am biased since this is Yuji Naka’s work (worked on Sonic and Nights) butI liked my experience with Balan Wonderworld but I’m also aware with the flaws of the game, I have bought this game on Nintendo Switch and still not too sure which console it looks better on. I am aware that all buttons are jump and how the game doesn’t look polished but I found it somewhat fun, it might be because I am biased since this is Yuji Naka’s work (worked on Sonic and Nights) but with a few more original costumes (getting rid of some that do the same thing), more button functions and a polished look then I believe it could of been more successful upon release.… Expand
  64. BukiTanuki
    Apr 28, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my first time leaving a review on a game so I'll try my best and give the best opinion I can.

    Graphics 5/10 The graphics of Balan are lackluster for today's day and age, textures are low quality, some board elements are fuzzy and the render distance for some objects are poor. They definitely aren't what they could be for the systems that Balan is on, however they aren't the worst I have seen in a present day game. I definitely feel the graphics should have been improved but again, they aren't the worst I've seen.

    Controls 3/10 The controls are one of the biggest issues of the game. They feel uncomfortable, irritating and limit the enjoyment of the game. The one button mechanic was interesting in theory, but in practice it flopped. I think this should have used 2 buttons minimum, 1 for jumping, and 1 for using a costumes ability/interacting. Some costumes were irritating to use because they either could not jump, or you had to sit still to use their ability/ability was used at random.

    Concept 8/10
    I love the concept of the game personally, but I understand it's not for everyone. The idea of collecting costumes to solve puzzles is very cute and having to solve different characters issues is something I personally enjoy doing in games, however, as soon as game mechanics started to get involved, stuff fell apart. Some costumes were irrelevant or a copy paste of a different costume.

    Mechanics 5/10
    Some things I disliked about the mechanics is the waiting time between switching costumes, how getting hit immediately removes a costume, the collecting of statues had a cool concept in theory for when you collected them all, but what you get for collecting them all is very disappointing. I did however enjoy the concept of the costumes and the mechanics of some of the costumes and their uses. I also enjoyed collecting drops and feeding the Tims for the tower of Tims, however I feel it takes way too long to compleat the tower and it also feels disappointing to complete and get no reward.

    Characters 9/10
    I absolutely love the characters and character designs. I adore that every character looks different and they don't all have the same body shape, facial features or skin tone. There are characters of different ethnicities and characters that aren't conventionally attractive, they have different nose shapes and each has a different personally/way they react to their issues in life. The characters are a big part of what made the game for me because they are all different.

    Story 7/10 The story itself is something that is used frequently in media, character experiences distresses, goes into turmoil and becomes evil/a boss only to have their issues magically resolved and be ok. However I'm not against this plot because it does have a positive message to it and feels good. I also enjoy the idea of the big bad also being a victim rather than being evil for the sake of being evil. But for the most part of find the message to really impress me.

    Message 10/10 Not to be confused for the story. This message is something I longed for in media because it delivers something important to it's audience; no matter how big or small your problem may be, you're aloud to be upset. I loved that each characters story wasn't something like "my family died" like Iben's or "our environment is being destroyed" like sana's. Some issues are what most people would consider "irrelevant" or "dumb" like Cal and Lucy, but it shows that it's ok to have those low points and it doesn't matter if it's any worse or better than anyone else's.

    Art/designs 8/10
    As I stated before, I love that each character is different, but I also love the designs for the world's and elements. I find it all very charming and done in a nice cartoonish way that brings the world and it's inhabitants together. I also enjoy 85% of the costume designs with a few that are not very creative or that just don't look appealing. If the games graphics were better than they are, I feel it would have really brought into light the beauty of the art in this game. Price 2/10
    Given the outcome of this game, I don't feel that it is worth full price at all. As much as I enjoy a lot of aspects of the game, there are just too many flaws that I can't ignore. I would probably pay $40 (cad) for the game in its current state, but if it were to come out after having as much development time it needs to be better, I would more that happily pay full price.

    Overall I think that the concept of this game is good, it has heart and charm, but unfortunately, what makes this game a game is lackluster and desperately needs improvement. Would I suggest anyone but the game? Probably not, but I would suggest watching a let's play or a different way to enjoy the game for its art.    … Expand
  65. GameCorp_Meyk
    Sep 13, 2021
    5
    Balan Wonderworld isn't a good game, at least on Switch. The extremely poor performance and graphics as well as some questionable gameplay decisions bury the hope of a good game. Only the art style, the immense creativity and the really good soundtrack should give most players any kind of pleasure. Friends of the sixth generation of consoles should have a little fun despite these seriousBalan Wonderworld isn't a good game, at least on Switch. The extremely poor performance and graphics as well as some questionable gameplay decisions bury the hope of a good game. Only the art style, the immense creativity and the really good soundtrack should give most players any kind of pleasure. Friends of the sixth generation of consoles should have a little fun despite these serious flaws. But stay away from 100% completion!… Expand
  66. ElSmasher
    Oct 9, 2021
    5
    If in fact, the game draws its pin from the game on its festive and cinematographic artistic. It has a pretty wacky direction that can be felt at times in somewhat disappointing gameplay.
  67. Cywor
    Apr 20, 2021
    5
    This is the worst Videogame ever running on my Switch. Graphics are horrible... Balan runs constantly under 10 Frames. It hurts, because we all love the games Sonic or Nights and it's hard to believe, this was directed by the same Director...

    Balan Wonderworld feels like frozen in Time for the last 20 years. It should have been higher budget, so it's just a tragic downpoint for Platformers.
  68. 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
  69. 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
  70. 2015exe
    Nov 30, 2022
    4
    Okay, hear me out. I'll start by saying that the Switch version DEFINITELY leaves a lot to be desired(BTW, get use to seeing a lot of caps here. That's just how I roll), but I only have a Switch right now, so that's my problem. I won't deny the obvious; Balan's Bout is kinda boring(which is an issue I've seen with other games before this one came out), the boss fights are WAY too easy, andOkay, hear me out. I'll start by saying that the Switch version DEFINITELY leaves a lot to be desired(BTW, get use to seeing a lot of caps here. That's just how I roll), but I only have a Switch right now, so that's my problem. I won't deny the obvious; Balan's Bout is kinda boring(which is an issue I've seen with other games before this one came out), the boss fights are WAY too easy, and there's much more effort put into the music than almost everything else. The enemies pop up WAY too **** much too, and I don't like how most of the costumes take away the ability to jump, which is, you know, an important part in GETTING TO PLACES. The message of the game is also a little cliché; I mean, we've all heard it several times in the past. I'll even say this now: Not every boss fight needs to end with some big group dance. Taking the train is also really uncreative; it's just a short ride around the midway. The least they could've done is make several midways, and let players travel back and forth between them. Honestly, it makes the game's opening VERY deceptive. Sure, it starts out looking magical, making it look like Balan's meeting both Leo and Emma at the same time, even though they're seperated, but that's all smoke and mirrors for one of the most mundane games out there. It makes sense why most people believe the game should be around $10.00, not $40.00. Now even with all the flaws, I believe the game has SOME redeeming qualities. The game as a whole is kinda like what would happen if Psychonauts and Nights Into Dreams had a baby, and I think that's a really good idea for a crossover. The levels are also very unique in their own separate ways, even if they portray the story of a character's life. The costumes, ad frustrating as some of them are, are all really creative, even if some are just carbon copies of others. Hell, the costumes gave me some inspiration for my own game. Balan and Lance are pretty much two sides of the same coin, and their personalities make them perfect rivals. Where Balan is all about optimism and lending encouragement, Lance is all about grief, stifling and eliminating encouragement. One part I really like is the second level of Chapter 1, where the environment warps when you move. That's a cool idea, and I really would've loved to see that incorporated more in the game. Another thing I wish they did was make segments where the levels change when you have your back turned, like in Layers Of Fear. As for the game overall, I wouldn't really pay it again after completing it once, but it definitely has some notable parts to it. It may not have exactly lived up to it's name, but it's not COMPLETELY awful.… Expand
  71. 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
  72. TaniaTucker
    Nov 10, 2022
    4
    Lo siento, pero no me ha gustado. Es como si fuera un juego antiguo, aunque mal ejecutado. Tenía poténciale pero la historia al mismo tiempo también es confusa. Los niveles no son acordes. Me sabe mal, pero no me ha convencido
  73. 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
  74. 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
  75. 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.
  76. 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
  77. 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
  78. 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.
  79. 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"
  80. 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
  81. 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
  82. 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
  83. 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.
  84. 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
  85. 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.
  86. 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
  87. SmashLampJaw
    Mar 27, 2021
    1
    Easily one of the worst games I have ever played. I don't think I have ever felt a platformer that felt this bad to control and had such limited, bad ideas for content.
  88. 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.
  89. Bnois
    Apr 15, 2021
    1
    Just doing my part in compensating all those perfect 10 reviews from paid bots
  90. 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
  91. 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.
  92. 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.
  93. 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.
  94. 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
  95. 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
  96. 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
  97. 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.
  98. 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
  99. 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
  100. Adasc2906
    Oct 24, 2021
    1
    This is terrible. Just terrible. What was supposed to be a hit 3d platformer became an unplayable mess. Even toree 3d which costs 1 $ is better than this garbage
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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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