(1)So let's talk about #BalanWonderworld
Turns out, Square Enix fucked the game over, big time.
And the strange vitriol towards it covers up this fact.
And I know by making this I'm going to get harassment, but I don't care.

(2)First off, Budget cuts, leading to datamined mechanics and features that would be cut only for something like a lack of money. (more drop colors, more multiplayer slots, bigger Tims, the final dance sequence an explorable area, etc.)

(3)And let’s talk about the infamous “animeboybalan”, I don’t think that look was ever the original intention. The image below shows a teaser image of hatless Balan, who looks nothing like what he got, but instead looks like, well, Balan but without the hat. Stylization and all.

(4)It seems the “anime-boy-balan” was a last minute decision, based on the teaser photo, and most likely made by Square Enix. The look they gave Balan doesn’t fit the game, but it sure fits every other games they have. Probably a last minute decision forced for sales.

(5)There was a huge lack of enthusiasm from the games creators after January, which is sad.
Mixed with their art being cut and tampered with, as well as the unwarranted backlash, their vision has shredded by Square Enix after having NiGHTS and other things torn away from them.

(6)I wanted to make this thread even if it isn't seen, because as an artist I'm pissed off. This is a game with a variety of races, non-sexualized women, a fun gameplay mechanic if you give it more than 10 minutes, and a creative style, and it got completely thrown under the bus.

(7)I doubt this is going to change, but I want to try, for people who care, use #SaveBalan as a hope to save this game.
Updating games is possible. I doubt Enix will listen, they’re silent about the game, but we can at least show regard for the art that was lost.
#SaveBalan

I'm amazed by how quickly there was a response to this thread, and a positive one as well. As mentioned in the tweet, I never expected this, thank all of you who interacted and continue to interact, here's hoping we can #SaveBalan