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Mabinogi pure music mode5/26/2023 It's just a mishmash of random elements and architecture that feel as though they've been pilfered from a grab bag of other games and franchises, from Crash Bandicoot to Sonic the Hedgehog. There seems to be neither rhyme nor reason to its art choices and overall atmosphere. The visual presentation feels dated, like a game designed a decade or more ago using bland, soulless objects and characters. Unfortunately, that's about all it has going for it. Other than an occasionally uncooperative camera, it's a fairly smooth and glitch-free experience. Balan Wonderworld has all the basics of a decent little Mario-style 3D run-and-jump adventure, including colorful worlds, simple controls, and lots of stuff to find and collect. Players can also enlist the help of a friend to take on levels as a team. The heroes also collect golden statues used to unlock additional levels - including special mini-games in which players take control of Balan as he fights his nemesis - as well as gems called "drops" that can be used to feed and grow little creatures called Tims in the hub that connects all of the worlds. One costume allows the game's protagonists to grow taller, another lets them jump and hover further, and another empowers them to swim through magical, cube-like water passages. Each level is filled with monsters and contextual traversal puzzles, both of which can be dealt with using a wide range of costumes - such as a dragon, a plant, and a jellyfish - that bestow special abilities. Upon visiting a mysterious magical theater, they're whisked off to the Wonderworld, a land of imagination presided over by a strange being named Balan, who subtly and gently guides the kids in confronting their problems and fears as they explore a series of whimsical levels that involve plenty of classic platform-style running and jumping activities. Show moreīALAN WONDERWORLD begins with a story sequence that shows one of its two lead kid characters - either Emma Cole or Leo Craig, depending on which you choose - experiencing social issues in the real world. Puzzles reward players for using simple problem-solving skills, though some may stump or frustrate younger kids. Narrative themes include friendship and perseverance, and cooperative play for two local players encourages communication and teamwork. There's no blood or gore, and enemies simply disappear when defeated. Players occasionally fight enemies using a range of abilities, from electrical shocks and ground pounds to tornado spins and laser beams. They also get the opportunity to help other people - whose imaginations are creating these colorful worlds - confront their problems. Upon visiting a mysterious theater, they're whisked off to a fantasy realm where they learn how to deal with the darkness within themselves, which manifests as fantastical creatures. Players assume the role of either Leo or Emma they're a couple of kids having trouble with their confidence and friendships in the real world. Parents need to know that Balan Wonderland is a running and jumping adventure available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and X/S, and Windows PCs.
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