One of our most anticipated games of the year is getting a demo ahead of its full release. Square Enix announced that a free demo for 3D Platformer Balan Wonderworld will launch on January 28, on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam PC.

The demo will feature multiple levels from three different worlds, including the boss battle of the first world. Like the full game, the demo will support two player drop-in local co-op, similar to the Skylanders series, as players take on the role of the young protagonists Leo and Emma.

World One features a beautiful farm, woven from the memories of a farmer who’s crops were ravaged by a storm. Square Enix recommends the Jumping Jack costume to reach higher places, and the Dainty Dragon to clear obstacles with its fiery breath. The demo includes the first two Acts and the boss battle.

The demo also includes the first acts of Worlds Four and Six. World Four takes place in a fantasy world of floating islands, where the aerial costumes Soaring Sheep and Aero Acrobat could come in handy. World Six takes place in a town where a a girl befriends a kitten. Players can use the Gear Prince and Pumpkin Puncher costumes to operate machinery and defeat foes.

Each level can be accessed via the hub world, the Isle of Tims. The cute Tims can grant Leo and Emma special abilities, and can be fed magical droplets to enhance their abilities.

Balan Wonderworld will release on March 26 on Steam PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox. It’s rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence.


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Eric has been writing for over nine years with bylines at Dicebreaker, Pixelkin, Polygon, PC Gamer, Tabletop Gaming magazine, and more covering movies, TV shows, video games, tabletop games, and tech. He reviews and live streams D&D adventures every week on his YouTube channel. He also makes a mean tuna quesadilla.