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Balan Wonderworld 2021
Balan Wonderworld is a 2021 platform game released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It was developed by Arzest and Balan Company and published by Square Enix. The game features two child characters controlled by a magical entity named Balan as they journey through twelve distinct worlds inspired by the hearts of people in distress. Players navigate levels, collect items to unlock new areas, and utilize various abilities obtained through themed costumes.
This title marks the first venture for Balan Company, a brand under Square Enix founded by Yuji Naka, who co-created Sonic the Hedgehog and Nights into Dreams during his time at Sega's Sonic Team. Development started in 2018, representing Naka’s initial collaboration with artist Naoto Ohshima since Sonic Adventure in 1998. The game’s visual style drew from musical theater influences, while the narrative was shaped by studying hero's journey structures.
Novelist Soushi Kawasaki wrote the story. Music was composed by Ryo Yamazaki and Hironori Anazawa, incorporating musical styles with vocals performed by West End artists like Laura Pitt-Pulford. Cutscenes were produced by Visual Works. Internal disputes arose among Naka and staff concerning quality and promotional efforts.
Upon its release on March 26, 2021, the game faced poor commercial performance and mostly negative critical reception. Critics criticized gameplay and level construction, although some appreciated its visuals and soundtrack. Square Enix also released a novelization penned by Kawasaki.
Trailer
Plays from YouTube only after you click.
Crew
- Director
- Yuji Naka
- Designer
- Tomohide Hayashi
- Programmer
- Yuki Hatakeyama
- Artist
- Naoto Ohshima, Yuki Endo, Masamichi Harada
- Writer
- Soushi Kawasaki, Yuji Naka
- Producer
- Naoto Ohshima, Noriyoshi Fujimoto
- Music
- Ryo Yamazaki, Hironori Anazawa
Details
- Developer
- Arzest, Balan Company
- Publisher
- Square Enix Creative Studio I
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Modes
- Single-player, Multiplayer
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
