Klonoa: Door to Phantomile

"A gem of a game that many overlook"

While browsing through my rental store, I happened upon Klonoa. Recalling one line reviews, words like "sleeper hit" popped into my head. The last thing I remember the words sleeper hit being plastered onto was Bubsy, which was NOT a comforting thought.

But I ended up renting the game. And you know what? I like it!

Journey with Klonoa through a world of dreams threatened by nightmares. The game is ultimately a very cute fairy tale type game, but in terms of overall gameplay its much more than fun. The gameplay is similar to Kirby, in which you use enemies or other projectiles in various ways to defeat other enemies, hit switches, and so forth. The game has some puzzles which require some thought and some skill, with the same going for bosses. Even now, the graphics are very polished, with a good integration of 2D sprites on a 3D world. All of the gameplay takes place on 2D "tracks," while the worlds (and bosses) are completely composed in 3D. Which translates to good old gameplay fun, mario-style. For those looking for a break from the Tomb Raiders and Crash Bandicoots of the world, dream of the world of Phantomile and give Klonoa a rent. Although not long enough to warrant purchase, Klonoa will give you a couple of days of pure adventuring bliss.

Scores are from 1 to 5.
Graphics: 4
3D backgrounds are well detailed, if a bit on the blocky side. The 2D sprites are for the most parts good, even though they look a bit unnatural on 3D.
Music: 5
Klonoa boasts a great soundtrack that fits the moods very well. They are well composed, so sometimes I find myself just standing in a level, listening to the music ^_^
Sound: 5
Cutesy sound effects to accompany a cute game, but done well. All sound effects fit their situation perfectly. "Conversation" sounds are also done well.
Gameplay: 4
Although not the most original game, the game is a blast to play, and any adventure game fan would be a fool to not play this. Because of the nature of this game, it is not overwhelmingly difficult, so both novices and experts will have fun playing this.
Overall score: 8

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99