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Underrated: Klonoa Series

Posted by Amber Ahlborn

Klonoa 2

As far as underrated games go, the Klonoa titles have enjoyed moderate success. Still, if you were to stop random gamers on the street and ask if they've played a Klonoa game chances are they haven't. The first Klonoa game was released on the original Playstation and was one of the earliest titles to combine sprite based characters with 3-D environments. The game play was centered around classic 2-D platforming with an emphasis on using the enemies Klonoa grabbed and inflated to clear barricades, jump higher (including stringing together long series of aerial maneuvers), and find ways around various obstacles. It was fantastically fun and innovative, offering a solid challenge and a very rewarding experience.

After Klonoa: Door to Phantomile was released, it saw a number of sequels on the Japan only WonderSwan hand held system and the GBA as well as one more console release on the Playstation 2 titled Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil. There's a lot to like about these games, from the whimsical art style to the surprisingly melancholy stories found in the console titles. One of the presentation highlights for me was always the music. Both of Klonoa's console games sport beautiful soundtracks that showcase both playful and eerie tunes.

Klona 2 - Maze of Memories music

Klonoa 2 - Ruins of Sorrow music

Simply put, these are some of my favorite games. I own the original Playstation disc.

The Original

Also, there's good news for all of you out there who failed to discover the first game. It's seeing an updated remake on the Wii.

The Remake

Don't let it pass you by a second time! Now, let's all join the little Namco cabbit for some Caramelldansen to celebrate his series, may it see greater recognition in the future.

Get up and Dance!

Related Links:

Klonoa: Careful, Namco. You Tread On My Dreams.

Klonoa's Truimphant(?) Return

Underrated: Buck Bumble

+ DIGG

+ DEL.ICIO.US

+ REDDIT

Posted Dec 15 2008, 12:00 PM

Filed under: wii, amber ahlborn, Playstation, klonoa, underrated, underappreciated

Comments

Nemo Incognito said:

The problem with Klonoa is it's hard to describe to other people what makes it so good without spoiling it for them. So while the series may be loved by almost everyone who has played it actually convincing people to try the games is a chore.

December 16, 2008 12:49 PM

Demaar said:

My Wii has been neglected for so long it's not funny. Last game I played was Zack & Wiki and I'm not even kidding. I reckon I'll prolly pick up Klonoa's remake just to own another core game.

December 17, 2008 10:38 AM

That Fuzzy Bastard said:

And worth mentioning the GBA games, both of which were absolutely terrific puzzle-platformers.

December 17, 2008 11:55 PM

About Amber Ahlborn

Artist, writer, gamer and DigiPen survivor, she maintains a day job as a graphic artist. By night Amber moonlights as a professional Metroid Fanatic and keeps a metal suit in the closet just in case. Has lived in the state of Washington and insists that it really doesn't rain as much as everyone says it does.

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Amber Ahlborn - artist, writer, gamer and DigiPen survivor, she maintains a day job as a graphic artist. By night Amber moonlights as a professional Metroid Fanatic and keeps a metal suit in the closet just in case. Has lived in the state of Washington and insists that it really doesn't rain as much as everyone says it does.

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