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Platform, Action
OpenCritic48IGDB57
Balan Wonderworld is a wondrous action-platformer game themed around a mysterious musical theatre.
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Unpretentious, raw, nostalgic and richly built.
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A few lines from each review; the whole review is on the critic's site. Not part of Taste Buds's numbers.
EurogamerMartin RobinsonApr 2021Surreal, enigmatic and often sloppily executed, Balan Wonderworld is a 90s throwback that might be too period correct for some.
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Video ChumsA.J. MaciejewskiMar 20218.2/10If you have a soft spot for classic 3D platformers and imaginative game worlds, you'll have a lovely time with Balan Wonderworld. With a heartfelt story, plenty of cuteness, a clever costume system, and oodles of stages to master; it's one incredible adventure.
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Cubed3Mar 20218/10Balan Wonderworld is perfect for those who want a relatively relaxed game that delights the mind while not being overly tricky, fills up the cuteness meter, and rewards those who seek out every collectable. There are occasional frame rate drops and some potential confusion at the start due to lack of narration or knowledge about musicals. Along with what for some will be an issue with minimal lack of difficulty increase outside of boss battles and post-game content, this means overall enjoyment may be restricted for some players. However, for the ideal target audience the world of Balan is a joy to explore; the various textures of clothing, the world and items make it feel immersive. The whimsical and unique costumes add more than a style change, they are central to the thrill of helping chapter characters regain their happiness for their passion, be it a hobby or a job. The darker elements of the bosses' appearance and the regular enemies balance the predominantly cute style, making Balan Wonderworld a great new title from Square Enix.
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GamesBeatJeff GrubbApr 20211/5 starsThe kindest thing I can say about the game is that it does make for an entertaining livestream. I broadcasted my play on Twitch, and my audience seemed to really enjoy watching me suffer. So I guess this is a great one for all those fans of masochism out there.
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VideoGamerJosh WiseApr 20212/10If only Naka, staying true to form, had given the whole thing a dose of high speed; his work only holds together when it hurtles past our eyes, growing vivid with velocity.
Read the reviewSnippets via OpenCritic, where 9% of critics recommend it.
IGDB rating 4.2/10 from 18 ratings.
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“Is Balan Wonderworld too earnest?”
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