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. Landgraf_paul
    Mar 29, 2021
    0
    59€ За игру времен ps2, не понимаю как такая игра вообще может издаваться таким крупным издателем
  2. 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
  3. Ichyto
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Best game played this gen.

    A truly charming and unique experience to live
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Eddie-Bim
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    The most lovely and charming platform game made.
    I'll suggest everyone to play this wonderful game
  7. 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....
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. FoxyChalet
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    The positive reviews are all trolls, or people with ulterior motives. Buy at your own risk.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. DavidBrowne
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    Terrible game, the world looks empty, the plot is really bad and overall I give it a 0
  20. 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
  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. Walkym
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Definitely the best game I've played this year.
    An instant classic game.
    And surely a MUST PLAY
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. StefenTheLegend
    Mar 28, 2021
    0
    As far as overpriced bad games goes this is one of the highest in recent memory.
  28. JoeMamama
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    Final boss nearly killed me , and I'm not even talking about an in game death.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. Joocifer
    Mar 30, 2021
    0
    I rather play with a bucket full of crap. Pay no attention to the bots giving this a 10.
  35. 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
  36. 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.
  37. 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
  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. 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
  40. 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
  41. stilgarsCH
    Feb 8, 2023
    0
    This game is so bad they had to pay Japanese bots to post broken English reviews on Metacritic.
  42. 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  43. 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.
  44. Starfree
    Mar 30, 2021
    0
    I have never seen a game reviewed by bots this hard before. This game is hot Garbage. At best it’s a 4/10. It’s not even so bad that it’s fun it’s just bad. The only good thing is the cutscenes but they aren’t good enough to endure the garbage gameplay in between the cut scenes.
  45. 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
  46. Novasway999
    Mar 30, 2021
    0
    El peor juego de estos últimos 3 años. Jugué la demo y No aguante ni 15 minutos. Es un juego con malos gráficos, malos niveles, malos diseños...etc. No hay ningún punto positivo que se le pueda sacar. Ojalá este título sea el punto de partida de como no hacer un plataformas 3d.
  47. 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
  48. Thelydry
    Mar 31, 2021
    10
    The literally most beautiful platform game made.
    Everyone's should play this incredible game
  49. 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
  50. MablePooHead
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    Worst Game Ever. Super boring and not funny at all. Don't waste your money on this game.
  51. DianeTheGamer
    Mar 30, 2021
    0
    Do Not Listen to the Positive reviews, they are Lieing and Fake. One of the Worst experiences I have ever had in my entire life. The Game plays, looks, and feels horrible beyond belief and the frame water will often drop below 10FPS making the game basically unplayable. The controls feel horrible and the models like dissapear and vanish when you get close to them. The game is a huge mess.Do Not Listen to the Positive reviews, they are Lieing and Fake. One of the Worst experiences I have ever had in my entire life. The Game plays, looks, and feels horrible beyond belief and the frame water will often drop below 10FPS making the game basically unplayable. The controls feel horrible and the models like dissapear and vanish when you get close to them. The game is a huge mess. Anybody hoping for a Sonic/Nights feeling game you won't find it here. The game is trash..… Expand
  52. 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 :(
  53. 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.
  54. 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
  55. Memerio
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    At least you can jump in Bubsy 3d. Don’t listen to these bots made my Square Enix just to make the game seem good even though this game sucks fat hairy balls
  56. 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
  57. inTangibleJames
    Mar 31, 2021
    0
    This game is a waste of time, and one should be wary of the positive ratings being botted. Shows that this company is more interested in selling the game, than the game itself. Look for another game, there's hundreds of thousands of them that are better than this game.
  58. 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
  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. 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.
  62. 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
  63. 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
  64. 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]
  65. 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
  66. 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
  67. 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.
  68. 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
  69. 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.
  70. 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
  71. Strider97
    Mar 27, 2021
    0
    Plays like crap. Looks like crap. Music sounds like an off-brand version of the Wii sports theme. Character vanish. Animations are bad. Not responsive. Sluggish. Poorly thought-out mechanics. No back button in menus. Worst game of 2021.
  72. 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.
  73. 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
  74. 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.
  75. 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
  76. 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
  77. Gamewing
    Jun 15, 2023
    0
    This game changed my life! (Don't buy it. it is the funny bad as opposed to bland bad so it is semi redeemable, but not something a sane person would actually want to play)
  78. 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
  79. HypnoTheSpy
    Mar 4, 2023
    0
    Yeah, what do you want me to say? This game is just plainly bad and it baffles me how industry veterans like Yuji Naka were able to create something like this. Don't buy it, even for the joke.
  80. PuppyP101
    Apr 25, 2023
    0
    This game sucks first of all there are so much costumes that some of them don't need to exist and the level design sucks its so hard to get around and you need to change costumes every single second of the game and you don't want to play a part of the level? then just use a costume with the ability to fly or walk in the air and then use it cause there's no cooldown this game had suchThis game sucks first of all there are so much costumes that some of them don't need to exist and the level design sucks its so hard to get around and you need to change costumes every single second of the game and you don't want to play a part of the level? then just use a costume with the ability to fly or walk in the air and then use it cause there's no cooldown this game had such potential from the trailer
    but its just bad    … Expand
  81. bobb2
    May 18, 2023
    0
    i need to track down all of the 127 people who gave this game a positive review
  82. 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.
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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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