Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series

Let’s get in some nostalgia with the Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series! If you are looking for a lesser known but still iconic experience that takes you back to the classic games that you know and love, then you’ve come to the right place. Klonoa might not have the brand recognition that other titans of the genre do, but that doesn’t mean this game isn’t a tour de force of brilliant game design, both in form and function. If a game that tickles that part of your brain that wants to go back to the good old days is what you’re after, then let’s keep reading as we jump into it.

Gameplay

A side-scrolling action game series that first released back in 97’, the Klonoa games provide the same kick that Super Mario Bros. and Rayman: Legend can. It has well-designed maps that you can run through, interesting enemies to defeat, and a unique story that few other games even come close to.

Klonoa mostly has you traversing simple platforming levels and defeating enemies to get to the marked exit. You are able to pick up enemies and throw them into other enemies to clear the path. There are a few boss battles here as well, but the gameplay mostly follows the established formula.

Amazingly, this is a series release, meaning both Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil are both included. There are a good amount of gameplay in this title, and the games aren’t too hard either. This would make a perfect gift for someone who likes retro games, or a younger audience. So, it makes the perfect gift for if you want to get a child into gaming, or just want a nostalgia kick.

There is a lot of replay value to these games. Hidden areas that you might not have spotted are suddenly revealed after a little exploration. This is a game that offers no explanation, it just exists, true to its self and it really comes through. For a game that does not hold your hand, it is not too challenging.

Visuals

This is a much-needed remaster. The game has been brought back from the brink with a new lease on life. The colors pop like never before, the character models are smoother and more defined, and the world seems a bit more coherent. There are also some brilliant prerendered cutscenes that add a lot to the presentation of the story. Something I found to be a very welcome change.

Music

The music of these games is brilliant. Its bright, poppy and fun and it keeps you plodding along quite peacefully. There is something wonderfully pleasant about the musical arrangements in each level that keeps you in a certain state of mind. This is not a game designed to challenge you, rather to let you relax as you play it.

Pros

• Excellent visuals and characters
• Brilliant story
• Awesome gameplay

Cons

• Lacks any real challenge