Fri, 08 May 2009 by Corbie Dillard
Does Namco's Klonoa remake manage to capture the magic of the original Playstation release?
Before true 3D platformers became all the rage, 2.5D platformers began showing up on Sony's Playstation console during the 32-bit era. These games featured 3D visuals, but kept the player on a 2D pathway through the game. This would allow developers the freedom of using 3D visuals without the hassle of trying to figure out how to set up the play control in a fully 3D environment. Namco released the original Klonoa on Sony's Playstation console in 1998 and despite being an outstanding title top to bottom, the game went largely ignored and its sales proved fairly dismal.
Now here we are a full ten years later and for Klonoa's 10th anniversary Namco has chosen to resurrect the floppy-eared mascot on Nintendo's Wii console. Not only does the game feature a gorgeous visual makeover, it also gains a few Wii motion controls as well. But does this classic 2.5D platformer still have what it takes to compete in a world dominated by flashy 3D platforming titles?
Despite the 3D visuals found in Klonoa, the game is still basically played on a rail. While this might sound a bit limiting to gamers who've become used to the freedom of a fully 3D adventure, the game does offer up multiple pathways throughout each level that allow for quite a bit of exploration, especially in later levels. Klonoa has several gameplay moves at his disposal beyond the standard running and jumping moves found in most platformers. Using his Ring, Klonoa can grab onto enemies and carry them, and he can then choose either to toss them or throw them in a downward motion that will provide him a double jump. You can even make Klonoa flap his ears and float in midair for a short amount of time by holding down the jump button while in the air.
There are six different areas in Klonoa called Visions, and each Vision is divided into two stages. At the end of the second stage, you'll generally square off with a boss before you can proceed to the next Vision. Along the way, you can rescue villagers that are hidden throughout each level, and also collect Dream Crystals in order to gain extra lives. While platforming plays the biggest role in Klonoa, there’s quite a bit of problem-solving as well: many levels feature tricky puzzles that require you to hit various switches or locate keys to open locked doors. It's this careful blend of platforming and puzzle-type challenges that gives Klonoa its unique appeal.
The play control in Klonoa is quite responsive and provides a solid feel for the tricky platforming elements strung throughout the game. The various gameplay moves at Klonoa's disposal also add a lot of variety to the mix. Namco even chose to add in an interesting Wii motion control move that allows you to shake the Nunchuk controller in order to unleash a whirlwind that can temporarily stun certain enemies. It's a small addition, but it does come in quite handy for those times when you find yourself in a tight spot with one of the game's many enemies. Couple all of these gameplay moves with some absolutely amazing level design and you've got a game that plays as good as it looks. Being able to go back and collect villagers that you might have missed the first time around adds in a solid dose of replay value as well.
The original Playstation version of Klonoa was certainly no slouch in the graphics department, but Namco has really raised the bar with this Wii update. The visuals in the game are absolutely stunning and the vibrant color schemes truly bring the world of Klonoa to life onscreen. Even the amount of detail found in the various backgrounds adds a lot of visual depth to the overall presentation. Namco has also tossed in some fancy cinemas that play out in between most levels, giving the game a more modern look and feel. The Wii console might not output true HD visuals, but you certainly wouldn't know it from playing this visually stunning title.
While the visuals in Klonoa got a major upgrade, the music and sound effects weren't so fortunate. Of course that's not really a bad thing considering how fantastic the original soundtrack of the game was. You'll notice slight changes here and there, but for the most part it sounds pretty much just like the original Playstation release. Namco did add in some voiced dialogue to highlight the many cinemas that play out during the game, but the voices are a bit on the cheesy side and seem a bit overdone at times. It's certainly nothing overly annoying, but it will make you wonder why the same attention to detail taken with the visual upgrade wasn't given to this voiced dialogue.
User Comments
1. CowLaunch
08 May 2009, 10:55 BST
Might well get this.
2. Clint Eastwood
08 May 2009, 11:03 BST
I will be buying it once I finish Klonoa 2. Looking forward to it!
3. Twilight Crow
08 May 2009, 11:16 BST
WANT it WANT it WANT it WANT it WANT it WANT it
btw very good review Corbie.
4. Mayhem
08 May 2009, 11:31 BST
Kept this one on the radar, looks like it might be a purchase now (having heard much good things about the original PS1 game but not played it).
5. i8cookie
08 May 2009, 11:51 BST
i loved the original when it came out. I tried the sequel very recently but got bored, found it a bit childish and two dimensional, so might give this a miss on the assumption i might feel the same about playing the original again.
6. y2josh
08 May 2009, 12:02 BST
so many games on the must buy list in the next few months for me
7. Nanaki
08 May 2009, 12:35 BST
I was always told how good this game was, but I never had the chance to buy it. Based on the review, I might give it a shot!
8. LEGEND MARIOID
08 May 2009, 12:37 BST
Maintained on pre-order list
9. Objection_Blaster
08 May 2009, 12:50 BST
And this isn't a full-price title in the US, isn't it? So I think I'll put it on my list next to DK:JB NPC.
10. Dazza
08 May 2009, 12:53 BST
Nice review Corbie, this wasn't at all on my radar until now. You have totally convinced me. I am a sucker for 2.5D platformers, this sounds like just the ticket.
Heads up for Euro readers, it's out on the 22nd May, only 14 days away.
You can preorder for £17.99 at Play.com in the UK. A bargain price from the sounds of it!
11. VenomTheEvil
08 May 2009, 13:12 BST
Yes! been hoping this would be good!
12. zane
08 May 2009, 13:46 BST
@corbie thanks for reminding me of the non-existent hd ;( btw good review as always when you're around. If you says something is good it's usually worthu of the bookshelf (eq piedistal)
13. Stuffgamer1
08 May 2009, 13:51 BST
@Objection_Blaster: Correct, it's only $30! I bought it Tuesday, and highly recommend it! Looks like this review is spot-on.
14. Hyper Knuckles
08 May 2009, 14:56 BST
I must buy this.
15. Ian Daemon
08 May 2009, 15:15 BST
I totally missed KLONOA on the first PlayStation, but based on this review (and that price) I'm going to go pick it up for the Wii. (and I'm still tickled at that TOMBA reference a couple days ago.)
(I'm not looking for TOMBA to return, it's just nice to see that it isn't forgotten.)
16. Wiiloveit
08 May 2009, 16:14 BST
I CAN'T WAIT TO GET THIS. It's not that expensive, and it's a bummin' good game, at that. No need for a review to tell me so - even though they do all seem to be saying that the game is excellent.
Also, do you mean Tombi, Ian? I remember that game (or at least... the demo), and I was pretty impressed at the time, even though I never bought the full version. Now if someone would just listen to me and remake the first three Crash Bandicoot games for the Wii or DS, I'll be happy as larry.
17. siavm
08 May 2009, 16:38 BST
This game still does not look like much to me.
18. vherub
08 May 2009, 16:38 BST
this wasn't really on my radar, but the great reviews have convinced me to pick this up.
19. MarkyVigoroth
08 May 2009, 17:23 BST
New Play Control: Klonoa, Door to Phantomile!
20. Swerd_Murd
08 May 2009, 17:50 BST
30 dollars = instabuy!
21. WolfRamHeart
08 May 2009, 18:09 BST
Great review Corbie! I bought this game and I love it! If you own a Wii you SHOULD own this game! Don't miss out on this excellent game! Do yourself a favor and go buy it right now!!!
22. Lonnie2Hottie
08 May 2009, 18:40 BST
Yet another game on my to get list.
23. Popyman
08 May 2009, 18:43 BST
@MarkyVigoroth: Persona 3:FES!
I can do it too! =P
24. Link79
08 May 2009, 19:20 BST
I love a good platformer! This looks just delicious. Anybody have a napkin? I'm drooling all over the place here. Well I'm off to buy my copy.
25. mastersworddude
08 May 2009, 19:49 BST
I bought it the day after release and its great! And the visuals are the best i have ever seen. (On wii)
@MarkyVigoroth it's cant be a NPC because you can use the classic controller and gamecube controller, plus its a remake not a port.
26. Corbie
08 May 2009, 19:54 BST
Very few games exceed my expectations, but Klonoa certainly did. And at $29.99, it's a steal! ♥
27. mastersworddude
08 May 2009, 20:28 BST
Have you beaten the game yet Corbie?
28. Corbie
08 May 2009, 20:45 BST
Yep, and about 10 times on the PSone.
29. ATRUEZELDAFAN
08 May 2009, 21:00 BST
DEFINITLY gonna get this. rented it from blockbuster when i was little and never got a chance to beat it. Im glad they remade it
30. Kid_A
08 May 2009, 21:31 BST
REALLY want it. But I simply don't have the money. Got to save up for the new Punch-Out!!
31. mastersworddude
08 May 2009, 22:26 BST
The english voice acting is Okay but i changed the language to Phantomile.
32. NESGamepro
08 May 2009, 22:40 BST
Totally missed this on PS1, and I've been looking for a good platformer lately. I might have a winner here, still looking forward to Cave Story though.
33. Adam
08 May 2009, 22:45 BST
If you aren't a fan of puzzles in adventure games, would you still enjoy this? I prefer platformers like Mario where it's all about timing with maybe a few secrets along the way. I'm also not a fan of backtracking unless it's an open world like Metroid. Is it a game that can be beaten in one sitting? Is it challenging or overly forgiving? I'm still not sure what to expect from this game. If it's not the kind of game that you can play over and over again, I'd rather wait and rent it.
34. Corbie
08 May 2009, 23:01 BST
The puzzles aren't a huge factor in many of the levels, and even those that show up are more about timing and platforming than actual thinking.
35. mastersworddude
08 May 2009, 23:46 BST
Yeah like some of the puzzles you have to hit all the switches in time and i gets challenging.
36. Adam
08 May 2009, 23:52 BST
Excellent. Thanks, I'll probably pick it up soon then.
37. Luigison
09 May 2009, 00:31 BST
I bought it the other day thinking it would be could, but it was awesome! I love it. Don't know how I missed it before, but I'm glad I have it now. Any recommendations for other Klonoa games? I've played another one on GBA, but don't remember what it was called.
38. Corbie
09 May 2009, 00:40 BST
Both GBA Klonoa games are fun, but much more puzzle-oriented in design. Klonoa 2 for Playstation 2 is great, although not quite as good as this original.
39. taps
09 May 2009, 00:49 BST
Favorable review for a great game, but after the Kororinpa disaster I don't know if I can trust this reviewer's opinion anymore.
40. Corbie
09 May 2009, 01:35 BST
You're right, Marble Saga: Kororinpa was a disaster.
41. WolfRamHeart
09 May 2009, 02:11 BST
LOL! Very funny Corbie!
42. breaderer
09 May 2009, 02:46 BST
I heard this game was short. Is it true?
43. mastersworddude
09 May 2009, 03:02 BST
The main story is kinda short, but after you beat the game you unlock reverse mode where all the levels are turned around, and getting all the villagers in each level is challenging too.
44. y g g r a 09 May 2009, 14:36 BST
lol gotta have this game
i LOVE Klonoa ♥
45. gameking23
10 May 2009, 01:41 BST
Just added this to my must buy list.
46. Ricardo91
10 May 2009, 04:19 BST
I love the Klonoa series, I've been dying to play the original Klonoa, but could never find it in my local trading shops, so this is going on my list!
If this does decently, Namco might make a Klonoa 3 and release it on XBLA/PSN/Wiiware!
47. TwilightV
10 May 2009, 04:52 BST
I hope it sells enough to get the sequel put on Wii too.
48. Corbie
10 May 2009, 05:20 BST
That's why everyone should go buy this wonderful game. I'd ♥ to see a Klonoa 3 someday.
49. sirgrim
10 May 2009, 19:45 BST
This game is very good. I'm also surprised with how beautiful it looks. The levels are vibrant and everything matches up so perfectly. No glitchy pixels, and almost everything looks in-line. Definitely 30 bucks well spent.
50. taps
11 May 2009, 01:03 BST
Um, I guess I have to clarify because it wasn't clear enough the first time I said it. Your review of Kororinpa 2 was a disaster. Your criteria for reviewing games is pants. You clearly didn't play the game for very long because you failed to describe many of the game's additions and improvements. Instead you gave a non-passing score largely b/c it 'duzent play like teh furst won!!1' To quote user accc: "This review completely misses the mark... Once you unlock the customizable figure roller the controls barely feel any different than the original. it outclasses the original in almost every way." The comment about the faster marbles is quite accurate, once you spend some time with the game you get marbles that control as sensitively as the originals, the problem is Hudson attenuated some of the speedy stats for the first marbles in the game. Not to mention that most of the tracks after the first world or two are exponentially more challenging than the originals. I'm usually not one to cite capricious GAF, but you would be laughed off the message boards for this review. Maybe you should think of applying to Eurogamer, I hear a reviewer spot just opened up.
51. KnucklesSonic8
11 May 2009, 04:47 BST
No mention of the game's Challenge mode or other replay value-extending features. That surprised me the most. Otherwise, decent review.
@taps: While I wasn't as critical, I wasn't a fan of the MSK interview either but each one to his own I guess... The game deserved better, if you ask me. I finally got it and I'm thoroughly enjoying it, been playing it a lot. I cannot believe Corbie just called the game a disaster when it's miles better than some other things I've seen. I'm gonna restrain myself from saying more about this... for now at least.
52. Ragnor
11 May 2009, 14:03 BST
I played the PS1 demo of this back in the day, and I thought it was pretty good.
53. Corbie
12 May 2009, 09:33 BST
I was kidding calling the game a disaster. I was merely making a play on taps choice of words. At least WolfRamHeart caught it.
I scored it a 6, which if you take a look at the scoring policy, you'll notice is "Not Bad" and that's exactly what I thought about the game. Our score of 6 is about what a 7 is on many other sites, and looking at MetaCritic, many of the media outlets scored the game in the 6-7 range.
And as far as playing time goes, I actually put in quite a bit more time than I was originally alloted for that game, thus the review being a tad late, not to mention having to skip the Legacy of Ys DS review altogether. I consider the original Kororinpa one of the best Wii games out there, in fact it's in my Top 5. But this sequel changed things that did not need changing. And while I agree with the comment about the customizable roller, I felt like most people might not stick with the sluggish control long enough to reach that plateau.
54. gameking23
12 May 2009, 19:30 BST
Just put in my order for Klonoa from Amazon. Now I can not wait.
55. mastersworddude
12 May 2009, 21:54 BST
"Hideo Yoshizawa, the executive director/producer of the Klonoa series has stated the if the series was well received, he is willing to remake Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil for the Wii, and will likely make a Klonoa 3 afterwards, to develop the character."
BUY THIS GAME NOW!
56. sirgrim
13 May 2009, 01:37 BST
^ I hear ya! I'm already buying a 2nd copy to give to my Nephew, and got a coworker to buy it too. Keep it up my Klonoa AV'd brotha!
57. gameking23
13 May 2009, 01:38 BST
here is fingers crossed to another Klonoa. So far Klonoa has been jumping around from 24 to 27 in Amazons top hundred Wii games.
58. Corbie
13 May 2009, 08:03 BST
I bought a second copy for my sister. She loved the original Klonoa on the Playstatioin so I couldn't resist getting one for her.
59. Ian Daemon
18 May 2009, 18:13 BST
I played the heck out of "Klonoa" for the Wii over the weekend and I have to agree with Corbie that it's a fun game! I love 2.5D platformers and hopefully we'll see a revival. Klonoa can be a shorter experience, but the item collection aspect of the game adds a little replay. The end of the game will definitely test your platformer skills. (Something that only the later levels of Super Mario Galaxy did...) Ok, NOW I'm asking for Tomba.
I wonder how much "Icarian: Kindred Spirits (WiiWare)" will be like this?
60. Mickeymac
24 May 2009, 15:49 BST
"If you're a platformer fan, you absolutely must own this wonderfully charming title."
SOLD!
Really, I've been looking forward to this game for a while now, and it looks like it may very well be the first Wii game that I've bought in a long while.
61. LEGEND MARIOID
19 Oct 2009, 09:25 BST
Please someone do a Klonoa 3
62. Kurona
21 Dec 2009, 18:51 GMT
I've always been a huge fan of Klonoa, ever since I got it's sequel for Christmas. I loved this game. and I agree with your review and score.
63. NotEnoughGolds
28 Dec 2009, 20:41 GMT
Never thought I'd say this, but this game seems a bit too kiddish...
It might just be the cut-scenes or the way Klonoa flails in the air when he does his "hover."
Also, the platforming is a bit tricky - I'm never quite sure if I'm actually going to land on a platform when I jump over a pit.
The boss fights are kinda fun though I guess. I may or may not return to this game to complete it.