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Review of Balan Wonderworld on Xbox Series X/S

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Mar 2021
Cover image of Balan Wonderworld on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 4
Released: 26 Mar 2021
Genre: Platformer, Action-adventure
Developer: Arzest
Publisher: Square Enix

Introduction

Welcome to the land of Balan Wonderworld, where you can change costumes faster than you can say 'What did I just play?' This whimsical platformer had some big names behind it, and yet somehow tripped over its own shoelaces. Let's dive into this magic show gone wrong.

Gameplay

In Balan Wonderworld, you play as Leo and Emma, two kids who find themselves in an enchanting but oddly chaotic world governed by the magical Balan. The game prides itself on its costume-switching mechanics, allowing our heroes to don an impressive EIGHTY different outfits, each with unique abilities. If that sounds cool, just remember that some of those powers are less useful than a chocolate teapot. You'll find yourself hopping around collecting gems, battling silly enemies called Negati, and trying not to lose your sanity as you navigate through levels that can feel more laborious than fun. Oh, and let's not forget about the mini-games! Yes, they exist, and they're about as welcome as a mosquito at a picnic. The true twist is that you can only wear three costumes at a time. Talk about putting a limit on your superhero dreams! Once you exhaust your costume options, there's a high chance you're going to have to backtrack due to some level design that may have been a tad lazy (sorry, designers!).

Graphics

Graphically, Balan Wonderworld is a colorful feast for your eyes. However, it's less 'party time' and more 'I spilled my Skittles all over my TV.' The character designs pop and scream with personality, capturing that quirky, theatrical essence intended by its creators. But, when it comes to performance, the game sometimes lags behind as if it were hauling a giant bag of costumes up a mountain. The vibrant worlds are visually charming, yet they struggle under the sheer weight of the player's expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Balan Wonderworld could have been a magical experience full of heart and adventure, but it ultimately feels like a jumbled mess of ideas. It's clear that a fantastic and engaging game is lurking just under its colorful surface, but something went awry behind the scenes. If you're itching for a platformer with some creative potential, you might want to wait for a patch, a sequel, or perhaps a great miracle from the gaming gods. It's not impossible to enjoy, but do so with a hefty dose of caution and a good sense of humor. Here's to the hope that Balan gets his act together next time - because this was one show that didn't quite make the spotlight.

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