Balan Wonderworld
Review

Balan Wonderworld (2021) is a running, jumping and exploration game. It draws on classic 3D platform games but with simpler controls and a more laid-back challenge. Like Mario Odyssey, much of the gameplay revolves around getting temporary abilities (here it is with outfits) to progress. This offers unique puzzles while reducing the number of buttons you need to press. It's a platform game not generally loved by gaming experts, but a really good fit for younger or new-to-gaming people.

Play involves exploring elaborate stages and switching between costumes to access different actions with the single-button controls. There are 80 different costumes that can be collected, each has a different ability and attack style. The costumes interplay with the puzzles in each of the levels, providing abilities to help you progress. Not only that, but the varied abilities encourage experimentation and often result in discovering ways to access parts of levels sooner than the game design expects.

It's a simple approach, reminiscent of character switching in Skylanders, although some have found it too limiting. For younger players and those looking for a light and breezy game, Balan Wonderworld excels. On your own or with another player, you steadily work through each of the 12 worlds, helping the people you meet to unlock heartfelt cutscenes.

The platforming action is spiced up with a load of mini-games and challenges. From rolling boulders to playing soccer and bowling there is a lot to do in addition to the main game. You can also revisit completed levels to hunt down any remaining statues (and don't have to complete the levels to save the items you find). Then there are the little helper characters who you can collect and breed to help you by attacking enemies, finding items and destroying spikes.

The result is a simplistic and saccharine platform game, a lighthearted escape to another world. The simplicity resulted in negative reviews but is a real boon to families and those looking for an unusual and puzzle-focused challenge.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Balan Wonderworld 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 2 weeks ago.