![]() The game plays out across twelve multi-level areas called Chapters. Gameplay from Balan Wonderworld the player character (centre) uses a costume ability to traverse the environment.īalan Wonderworld is a platform game where players take on the role of either Leo Craig or Emma Cole, two children drawn into the magical realm of Wonderworld by a being called Balan. Critics panned its gameplay and design, although some praised its graphics and music. The game received generally negative reviews and underperformed commercially. Square Enix also published a novelization by Kawasaki. There were subsequent claims from Naka and other employees regarding internal conflict around the game's quality and marketing.īalan Wonderworld was released worldwide for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on 26 March. The cutscenes were created by Visual Works. The music, composed by Ryo Yamazaki and Hironori Anazawa, emulates musical scores and includes vocals from West End performers such as Laura Pitt-Pulford. The scenario was written by novelist Soushi Kawasaki. The aesthetic was based on musical theater, and Naka studied the hero's journey when creating the story draft. Development began in 2018 it was Naka's first collaboration with artist Naoto Ohshima since Sonic Adventure (1998). They explore levels, collecting items to progress to further areas and using a variety of powers unlocked using themed costumes.īalan Wonderworld is the debut project of Balan Company, a subsidiary brand of Square Enix led by Yuji Naka, the co-creator of Sonic the Hedgehog and Nights into Dreams. Assuming the role of two children guided by a magical being called Balan, the player explores twelve worlds themed after the hearts of troubled individuals. Square Enix has taken many risks in publishing in recent years, and it will be interesting to see if Yuji Naka's latest universe is one bet that pays off or if it ends up in the same value bin as The Quiet Man.Balan Wonderworld is a 2021 platform game principally developed by Arzest and published by Square Enix. Fans of Nights into Dreams may be thrilled at something new in that vein, but they are lely not numerous enough to push Balan Wonderworld to success on their own. Players know that it's a 3D platformer, but its simplistic nature may turn off many looking for the next great entry in that genre. While the opening cutscene sets up a storyline for both playable characters, there's no indication on whether the rest of the game follows up on those threads.Įven with some knowledge thanks to the demo, the whole of Balan Wonderworld is still a mystery to many. The top hat-wearing character on the box art is the titular Balan, an overseer to the festivities who guides the children from mission to mission and participates in sparse bonus sections that appear to feature little more than quick time events. If the demo is any indication, the whole of Balan Wonderworld will see the two child characters helping more citizens in the real world via platforming and boss fights that take place in a colorful dreamscape. Those who played the demo likely came away with a general sense of confusion thanks to both the unresponsive controls and the overall dreamlike atmosphere of the experience. ![]() This is similar in practice to Mario capturing enemy powers with Cappy in Super Mario Odyssey, only much more limited in scope. Players choose one of two child characters who can take on the traits of several fantastical residents of the titular Wonderworld. ![]() The gameplay is similarly confusing, utilizing just a single button for every action. The level in that sample deals with a farmer fighting against inclement weather and ends with an inexplicable dance party. Many players likely already know if they're excited about Balan Wonderworld thanks to a sizable demo released at the end of January. Related: Everything We Know About Balan Wonderworld Its success or failure could either inspire future expansion of this trend or cause it to stop dead in its tracks. ![]() While Nintendo never stopped producing amazing games in this vein and Activision has brought back Crash Bandicoot, Balan Wonderworld represents the first wholly-new game in recent times to come from a bigger publisher. Everything from the crowdfunding success of Yooka Laylee to indie standouts like A Hat in Time and Snake Pass calls back to the glory days of the Nintendo 64. Balan Wonderworld is just the latest in a years-long revival of the 3D platformer.
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