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
POSITIVE GAMEPLAY
PLAY STYLE
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
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.
Accessibility
There are 16 accessibility features for
Balan Wonderworld
Data by Family Gaming Database
Game details
Platforms
PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
Release date
March 26, 2021
No. of players
You can play with 1 to 2 players in the same room, but you can’t play it online.
Genre
Action | Platform
In-game purchases
Yes
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