If you’re old enough, odds are you’ll have fond memories of mid-90s platformers. We are talking the likes of Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon. However, when these were at the top of the platforming tree there was a host of others that time hasn’t been so kind to. The likes of Croc, Gex and Glover to name a few. And odds are, if you ever see a list of underrated 3D Platformers from the 90s, one other name will be in the mix – Klonoa.
From the Cult Graveyard
A somewhat cult classic with PS1 owners. One that merged 2D side-scrolling and 3D environments to create a 2.5D title. Level structure was outstanding, where background environments actually turn out to be explorable areas.
You play as Klonoa and his cute mate Hupoe working together to save a singer from the evil Ghadius, and it is held as one of the best-hidden gems of the PlayStation (just check the eBay’s price for them).
Read more: PS1 Modding – A History of PlayStation Piracy, Part I
Time had forgotten about Klonoa in many ways. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series has just been released with a whole wave of nostalgia for some.
Japanese developers Monkey Craft and publisher Bandai Namco have teamed up for this re-mastered bundle.
The remasters of Klonoa: Door to Phantomile from 1997 and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil from 2001, which was originally released on PS2. Meaning both of these forgotten platforming hidden gems will get a chance to shine once again.
Two and a Half Dimensions
Both games feature the series’ signature 3D graphics set on a two-dimensional plane. Players can run from side to side, jump on platforms, and defeat enemies to advance.
Taking control of Klonoa, you can grab enemies with your Wind Ring. This object fires a small burst of air forwards that inflates and pulls them back to carry. And then you can throw them forward or use them to perform a double-jump in mid-air.
It’s standard platforming fare, but it is all very tight and controls well. You explore each level to find secrets and hidden items. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series never really hits that high on the difficulty scale. But that’s not to say both games don’t have their moments.
With these being remasters there has been a few new features and quality of life improvements added. Mod cons like selectable difficulty levels and a two-player cooperative mode, a “stopwatch” mode, and of course higher resolution and framerate all round bring the game up to date.
Oddly the competitive mode involves letting player two give you a super jump when needed.
Resurrection
Though it’s worth bearing in mind these two games come from two very much different times i.e. PS1 era and PS2 era. So the lion’s share of work has gone into Door to Phantomile, though it’s using the 2008 Wii release of the game as its starting foundation.
Both look great in their own way, though being able to swap between the old version and the new, like a few titles have seen – would have been a welcome addition.
But for how good the game is…there is a bit of an issue as the base game costs £39.99/€49.99 but there is a separate Special Bundle for £15.99/€19.99 that adds a digital art book, soundtrack and a number of DLC masks and hats for the game.
Why wasn’t this added to the core game is beyond me, as it’s a remaster bundle – so that sort of stuff would have been added value for long-time fans, instead of an extra they have to shell out on top of the game.
Review code provided by publisher