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Do you have some time to go down memory lane? Well, get ready to go back in time, around the years 1997 and 2001 when the release of two nostalgic Japanese-style games was released. They both were once known to be played on the Playstation one and two consoles. The two games that I’m referring to, which are included in this one fantastic game are Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil.
Klonoa is an anthropomorphic creature, just like many cartoon-designed characters having both a mix of animal and human abilities. There really isn’t one animal or creature to describe what Klonoa might be. However, to me, I would think he was a cute little dog, but it could appear to others as a rabbit or cat in some of the facial and body features. Nevertheless, this cute little hero wearing his cute little Pac-Man design on a blue hat is on a mission to save the day in both games.
His main goals for these two games are a little different. One relies on him in a dream world where he must help Lunatea, while the second game is him saving and discovering many new mysteries in Phantomile. He might be a little naive at times, but who isn’t? Klonoa is possibly a big-hearted character who wants to set out to do good and help save the day by overcoming many difficult obstacles coming his way. This may include defeating giant bosses, helping and meeting new friends, and discovering some new mysteries to aid in the game. So if you have what it takes to be Klonoa and defeat these demonic foes and save the day, then you should give these two games a try! Especially if you are a collector and love classic games, you’ll love these improved graphics, classical Japan-style music, and art as you play this game.
How Was The Game
To be honest, I can’t lie. This is going to be a whole new experience explained by myself, as I’ve never had the chance to try any Klonoa games in the past. I wanted to, don’t get me wrong, but even when I had a PlayStation console, my TV never had any one of them playing. Yet, it did look quite interesting when growing up and I honestly would have loved to play them as I’m a big platformer gamer. Especially, with this adorable character, that to me appeared as a black and white dog with ears that possibly allowed you to fly or glide just like Dumbo from Disney. Maybe even a game that was a little magical too! So to my surprise, here is how I felt about the two games.
- Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
The first thought was how unique the characters, not the hero, but the foes were in this game and how his ring, which he holds on to, encapsulates his friend Huepow. In some way, the ring friend is actually an invisible sidekick cause he’s stuck in the ring that Klonoa wears. Plus, the ring is the primary weapon used to defeat enemies of all types. Each little movement and action includes such a cute sound Klonoa or the defeated enemy will create. It’s kind of cute and different. I do want to point out that, since it’s a Japan-based game, the sound effects sort of fit perfectly.
Additionally, the game’s map where we can travel too is very old-fashioned, so the classic appearance is something that really will stick in your mind, even if you remember Playstation games. It actually could look like one of the old games like Gex in how the characters look and move. On top of that, the 3D appearance back then didn’t really need help with the player to control any cameras. As you move, it goes along with you. So going around something or into, it doesn’t require any other movements with the controller’s buttons to move the camera. I sort of always enjoyed that, saves you from being confused to do too much at one time, and just simplifies the gameplay.
The main thing about the game is finding items to refuel our little hero, collecting gems, and even completing a puzzle by collecting pieces. I’ve noticed that these are all over the level. In addition to that, the ring that Kolona holds on to but doesn’t wear is his way to defeat the enemies, His friend or sidekick is inside the ring, and it allows Kolona to pick them up and throw them or even get a little lift into the air.
I think there was one downfall with Kolona’s abilities, if it wasn’t for the enemies his fluttering ability wouldn’t help him in this game. I had sometimes a little difficultly with the fluttering or flying with Kolona’s ears. It’s like he lowers down and then goes up a little just to begin falling down again. It’s not a consistent glide or flight and so the game may just not play as great as it would if there wasn’t the ability to use the enemies to give us flight. Also, if you make a mistake, at least the enemies seem to always reappear in a few seconds. It’s like a neverending line of the same enemies appearing even after you defeat them. So there is always a chance to reach gems and so many other things to complete the level fully.
As in Mario, I’ve also noticed there are 5 major locations in this game. The many places you’ll get to see are the wind, water, tree, sun, and moon kingdoms. Each with unique enemies and bosses to defeat at the end. Even for an older game, it’s not as easy as to play through quickly, there will be challenges and plenty to overcome in each separate level of those worlds. However, it’s nothing but joyful and something quite entertaining. This classic game does provide such a better appearance in graphics. No more blurry vision, everything looks clearer and still plays exactly like it would have in the past, as I would think since I haven’t played it before.
- Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil
I think right away when realizing it’s about dreaming. Well, the title Lunatea a world in the dreamland is close to the word luna like another word for the moon, so it sort of makes total sense. However, back to the game. Now this one feels a bit more high-spirited with the music! My twin actually told me right away, that when she saw the game it reminded her of Sonic, and honestly, how it plays it does!
It’s got Klonoa as this outgoing character who loves to move in all different ways. He is snowboarding in the snow, running fast through levels, jumping, fluttering, and just keeping up with defeating any foe in his way till you get to the final location. Of course, so many obstacles will be stopping you, but with great fighting tactics, it’s a piece of cake to get you through the level.
I don’t know why, but this game is maybe a bit more interesting to me. It’s entertaining, with a lot of music playing loud in the background as you move quickly around as in the other game, but so much more things to do and utilize. Regardless, I still just adore the design of Klonoa, and what he can do as a character. He makes the game so much fun being this animal with so many different abilities and much more things that he can do in this game. Plus, how he has to go about defeating these large bosses and enemies in each level. In some way, I just feel it’s even more eventful than the first one, but they both are both still really nice games.
Lastly, I wanted to add in some extra bonus content that is available for all players who buy the special edition of the game. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is not just for playing, but you can decide on purchasing the bundled collection set and play the games as well as enjoy the beautiful artwork, full of color and dynamic images. Additionally, you’ll also be able to play through the beautiful soundtracks and check out the fun and cute clothing you want to dress Klonoa up in during his adventure. This again is all an optional purchase choice, but if you don’t need these extras, the game is still a blast on its own and always a good reason to add to your classic game collections.
Final Thoughts
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a great game that I’m so grateful to have a chance to play and will continue to play as I don’t want to ever remove it from my console. It’s one of those platformers that keeps me engaged for hours and cheerful as the entire environment in the game and background sounds all make me feel happy and joyful inside. Even if I’m taking down these enemies of all sizes. It’s a game that has everything I would want in a platformer.
From being the hero, Klonoa saves and meets new friends, playing through bright and original levels full of obstacles to overcome, defeating many foes, plenty of items to discover, and all-size bosses that are tough but that is what makes the game so much more entertaining. Of course, always winning the game, stopping them, and finally, you can call victory when completing the game, that is what makes this a game so worth playing and playing over again and again!
