Sonic the Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka is back with an all-new action-platformer. It’s called Balan Wonderworld.
Naka teams up with character designer and Team Sonic co-founder Naoto Ohshima. Balan Wonderworld marks the first time that the two have collaborated in 20 years. Ohshima is perhaps best known for designing Sonic and Doctor Eggman in the original Sonic the Hedgehog.
“Entering a whimsical and bizarre land through a mysterious theatre, players will take on the role of Leo and Emma as they embark on an adventure like no other,” publisher Square Enix says. “Led by an enigmatic maestro named Balan, they must navigate through Wonderworld to restore happiness and balance the hearts and minds of all they encounter here.”
The platformer has over 80 costumes for players to discover along their journey through a variety of unique environments. The costumes change Leo and Emma’s appearance and grant them a wide array of fantastical powers.
Balan Wonderworld launches on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X in spring 2021.
My Take
Balan looks interesting. I’m not sure that it will captivate players the same way the original Sonic the Hedgehog did back in the early 1990s. However, it should be a solid, family-friendly title.
