So everyone! Let& #39;s talk about Balan& #39;s revealed form at the end of the game. I& #39;ve been putting this conversation off seeing as how there& #39;s been some controversy, but I would like to share my thoughts all the same.

A thread! https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🧵" title="Thread" aria-label="Emoji: Thread">

(story spoilers below, watch out!)

For story purposes, the secondary look links Balan& #39;s existence to Lance, who was the previous Maestro of Wonderworld before being corrupted by the humans& #39; negativity. He created Balan as a way of preserving balance in Wonderworld. But I think there& #39;s a hidden symbolism too...

The revealed Balan is the form he hides from others and represents another side of himself. A quieter, more melancholy side, a contrast to his normally ecstatic and exuberant persona. Both are valid and genuine countenances, but they serve different purposes.

In the novel, we see a few instances where Balan removes his hat in order to comfort a grieving Visitor. They are instances where being bubbly is not an option, and also allow him to show a greater sense of vulnerability. (As Lance would warn him, not too much now!)

Now, my theory for the drastic appearance change. It& #39;s an aesthetic decision to emphasize the contrast in Balan& #39;s personas. His hairstyle and countenance change to reflect and more acutely illustrate the contrast between joyful and melancholy.

But both appearances are still Balan. They both reflect a kind-hearted, otherworldly being whose job it is to restore balance to people& #39;s hearts. Balan himself embodies this balance, and it& #39;s reflected in his two appearances.

And honestly? While I prefer his more "iconic" look and was initially disappointed that none of the awesome fan theories had come to pass, ultimately I accept both forms of Balan, because they are both part of who he is as a character. And he& #39;s beautiful either wayhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💖" title="Funkelndes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Funkelndes Herz">

...also, inb4 the inevitable twisting of this theory into something awful and accusatory.