Balan Wonderworld: A charming videogame created by Yuji Naka of Square Enix, the same company responsible for Sonic the Hedgehog and NiGHTS into Dreams. It's an underrated game worthy of getting a second chance.

Taking on the role of children Leo Craig or Emma Cole, guided by a magical being called Balan, the player explores twelve worlds themed after the hearts of troubled individuals. Gameplay follows the chosen protagonist as they explore sandbox levels, collecting items to progress to further areas and using a variety of powers unlocked using themed costumes.

But alas, the game underperformed commercially and received negative reviews, mainly due to the lack of storytelling and absurd gameplay. What's worse is that Naka, who claimed of how the game was going to be his 'one chance' to make a new 3D platformer for Square Enix, had left the company shortly after its release. But when I played this game, I didn't think it was so bad. 

Despite its flawed gameplay and confusing plot, I found Balan Wonderworld was pretty cute and well designed, and the music was spot on. Even my my likes to watch me play such a relaxing game with beautiful music.  Besides, a novel based on that game was released and it did better at the plot and character focus. I was disappointed that the game didn't reach success or popularity. Because in my eyes, it has a lot of potential, and I found some other Balan fans online who want to have it redeemed as well. So, I propose that we all come together and vote for Balan Wonderworld to be given another chance at redemption.

I mean, NiGHTS into Dreams was given another chance with Journey of Dreams, and that game was better than the original. The new Balan Wonderworld game should get a redo, and have major improvements over the original. Here are my ideas for Nintendo, Sega or Square Enix to try out for a new Balan game:

1.  There should be more character focus. The Heroes should even have a chat with the inhabitants over their problems at the end of each boss fight, right before the dance scenes. That way, the dance climax scenes shall feel more appropriate with the characters talking and getting over their problems before going back in. There should even be more cutscenes focusing on Balan and Lance. That way, he protagonists shall learn more secrets about them.
2. The game needs more words. The characters should have conversations and/or voice acting in the game so there's be more story and character depth to the game. More cutscenes featuring voice acting or subtitles should help the story of the game make more sense.
3. The costumes need to be less absurd. While the costumes may be cute, they need better functions than the ones like the Box Fox. More useful costumes and the less complicated ways to get them shall make the game better to enjoy playing.
4. The Levels and Gameplay need to be cleaner. More perfect control functions shall make the gameplay easier to control. Making the levels less glitchy and with more convincing special effects shall be more fun to explore. And the light effects shall be toned down to prevent causing epilepsy.
5. More fun Sidequests shall give the player more to do besides collecting statues, rescuing and feeding Tims, and fixing the clock. There should even be character sidequests in the chapter levels, just to add the complexity to the game.
6. The music in the original game was great and all, but it would be awesome for more songs that'll be even catchier and more beautiful. That way, the player can enjoy the music while playing to the game.
7. Speaking of music, they should make the dance scenes more enjoyable by making them dance levels. Just imagine using the controls to dance to the beat, just so you can earn gems and trophies. They might even be fruitful in beating the boss levels. What better way to fight a boss than a dance battle?
8. You can customize the male and female players with different outfits for them to wear as they progress through the game. You can even customize the Tims, give them nicknames and train them to become stronger allies. 
9. Balan's Bout should be bigger and more complex. Like instead of just those rhythmic dances, you can play as Balan in those sidequest secret levels to beat enemies and collect lots of gems and trophies. The more you play as Balan, the more love he shall receive.
10. You can earn the other inhabitants Leo and Emma rescued as optional characters to play, after freeing each one. Along with the costumes changing features, depending on the character.

Yuji Naka believed in his latest game, and so should we. So please, Nintendo! Please Sega! Please Square Enix! Give Naka's underrated gem another chance! Us Balan supporters want you to redeem Balan Wonderworld as a better and improved game franchise for everyone to enjoy. We must Defend Balan! Let's all sign this petition to give it enough strength to have a perfect videogame comeback! Every Moment is a Redemption!