Balan Wonderworld

Balan Wonderworld 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 that's a particularly good fit for younger or new-to-gaming players.

CONTENT RATING

Fear,

Violence

PLATFORMS

PlayStation 5

Xbox One

Xbox Series X|S

Nintendo Switch

PlayStation 4

POSITIVE GAMEPLAY

Imaginative

Interpretation

Parent-Child Co-Play

Silly Fun

Exploration

Inquisitiveness

Perseverance

Route Planning

PLAY STYLE

Co-Op Local

Co-Op Story

Co-Op Assistant Role

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. For families looking for a cooperative mix of action, puzzles and characters there's a lot of fun to be found here.

GAMEPLAY TRAILER

Good to know

Insights to ensure your child's gaming experience remains safe and enjoyable

Review difficulty level

Some children might feel frustrated with different game levels or obstacles. Talk to them about recognising when it's time to take a break and turn their attention somewhere else. Often, when they come back relaxed, they're more likely to find success.

Master skills together

Some platform games require a lot of skill and combination movements, which can be frustrating to master. For younger players, set time aside to help them learn and practise the skills.

Build resilience

Platform games can promote perseverance. Encourage children to "try, try again" until they succeed while taking regular breaks.

Skill level

Suggested by Family Gaming Database

Although this is a relatively complex 3D platform game, there are minimal penalties for failure. This is particularly true if you play with an older or more experienced player. Being inquisitive is a benefit as this lets you discover new routes through levels. The way that abilities are tied to outfits also makes the game more approachable for younger players.

Content rating

Rated PEGI 7 for Fear and Violence. There are battles that involve non-realistic violence towards both human and fantasy characters. Impacts are indicated by flashes. When a character is defeated, they quickly disappear. Human characters have three lives and once they are exhausted, the character falls to the ground and respawns nearby.

PEGI rating explained?