BALAN WONDERWORLD (2021)

Developer: Square Enix, ARZEST Corp.
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Action
Rating: 2.7 of 5, 620 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 12 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A bright and bouncy platformer that feels like a cheerful stage show, with gentle exploration and a touch of heartfelt wonder.

casualcolorfulcutefast-pacedfamily friendlywhimsicalexplorativeemotional

What players say

Players are split on Balan Wonderworld: some find it charming with great art and music, while others call it a confusing, incoherent mess with basic PS1-era platforming. The lore is hidden outside the game in a separate book.

Screenshots

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More by Arzest

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.