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. 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
  2. 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.
  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. Arolo
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    This game is practically awesome.
    An easy must have.

    Played and adored this masterpiece
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  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. 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
  9. 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)
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. Ghokihu
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    Colorful and beautiful game.
    A really nice and great platform game for everyone
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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"
  30. 0Villain
    Apr 12, 2021
    0
    Very confident in your game, inflating the score like that, eh Square Enix?
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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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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