Difficulty:

Easy

Time Spent:

10 Hours or Less

The Bottom Line:

"Just plain fun"

I just happened to see this game for the Wii in a video game store, and it looked like an adventure that would be a lot of fun to play. It just so happened that I was right. I am a huge fan of platformers, and as soon as I started playing the first level of this game, I thought to myself, "this is my kind of game." Later on after I bought it, I found out it was a remake (or "wiimake") of the original Klonoa Door to Phantomile that was released for the Playstation 1. The game is a mixed blend of both 2D and 3D platforming elements. It is a 2.5D platformer. It suit my video game taste. It is what I have always wanted to play, and it is the type of video game that was right for me. Its genre is what a lot of video games are lacking this generation. That is platformers. They started out in 2D but then moved to 3D and looked even better and more exciting, but we haven't really seen that many platformers nowadays because they have stopped making them since RPGs and shooters came along, took over, and dominated this current generation of video games. Just like the way I feel about Vexx, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Frogger's Adventures Temple of the Frog.

You control the character of Klonoa who has a friend named Hewpoe. There are six worlds each with two levels, and these levels are called "visions." So there are a total number of twelve visions in the game. The game was way too short though, and this made me extremely disappointed. However, the gameplay is fun, entertaining, exciting, addicting, interesting, appealing, classic, and nostalgic, and there is something about that that gives you a charming, heartwarming feeling inside. So that makes up for the game being too short. The level design, visuals, and worlds are creative, colorful, eye catching, and attractive. The graphics are wonderful and great and give off a clear, bright picture. The music is soothing and lovable to the ears, which makes it very memorable. Classic, fun, nostalgic gameplay and frequently changing backgrounds in each level are what truly make this game a blast. Gameplay mechanics are simple and are a snap to learn.

You are on an adventure filled with magical creatures and evil villains.
Enemies in this game are called Moos. Gameplay includes floating in the air and bouncing on springboards to reach high platforms, picking up and throwing Moos at switches to open doors, break crystals, and activate moving platforms, picking up and throwing Moos at eggs to break them and reveal goodies, or picking up and throwing Moos at other Moos.There are jewels in each level, and you will earn an extra life if you collect one hundred jewels. There are also silver and gold circles. If you collect a silver circle, you will earn an extra life. If you collect a gold circle, you will earn three extra lives. You have five hearts in one life. There are also these hidden yellow parts called Phantomilians, and if you collect all of them in each level, the ones from each level will form together to make a different shape or object, and you will unlock an extra vision at the end of the game. Eggs contain goodies like hearts, silver or gold circles, jewels, or phantomilians.

The challenge of the levels in this game does not really come from difficulty, but rather more from figuring out where to go in your direction or path. This can be confusing at times and you might get lost and have to do some thinking or backtrack in order to guide yourself to the right place. If you can't figure it out, there are video walkthroughs on Youtube if you type in the vision and level you are on in the game, and this is very helpful when playing.

After you beat the game, you will unlock a ton of extras. There is a reverse mode that will have you play and beat the game backwards from right to left instead of left to right and there are more hidden rooms to discover, which can offer a better challenge. There is also a boss mode where you try to beat the bosses within a limited amount of time. And more.

Klonoa is aimed towards kids, but can definitely without a doubt be enjoyed by teenagers. It is also aimed toward new or casual players, but this time may not be enjoyed by hardcore players because they may find it too easy. I was more than happy to finally see a new, different platformer that suit my taste, and I believe that the Wii really needs more of these games. Klonoa takes you back to the past, and its delightful style will have you relive old times of classic video games, but with a newer sort of 3D twist. This game will satisfy your craving and quench your thirst for another platformer. It is more of a game that will let you relax, chill out, and enjoy yourself rather than frustrate you and put your skills to the test. It is a game that any new or casual player that loves platformers, a heartwarming experience, and undeniable charm will do good to check out. If you are either a new or casual player, this game is for you. If you are a hardcore player, skip it.