Reliving the dream

The golden age of everything returning continues. Anyone who grew up during the original PlayStation era has likely heard the name Klonoa. Sadly these games have been dormant for years. Bandai Namco is finally bringing back Klonoa with the Phantasy Reverie collection. Now it has been a minute since I had experienced these games, so like all returning titles I had to dig out and dust off the original PlayStation and reacclimate myself with these games to see how much work the team actually put into this collection and needless to say, I was impressed.

The Phantasy Reverie collection consists of both original Klonoa games. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile was the first game originally dropped on PS1 back in 1997. The second game Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil came in 2001 for the PS2. Both games are built using the once popular 2D/3D style where the game moves like a 2D game, but exists in a 3D world. Similar to titles like Pandemonium. This allows players to move in and out of the environment and traverse hidden paths to uncover more areas to explore.

MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $39.99

For those unfamiliar with the series Klonoa is a relatively simple platformer. Think of it in terms of Kirby when compared to Mario. Instead of focusing on precision it is more laid back. Klonoa has a ring that can be used to grab enemies and toss them at other enemies or objects in the environment to solve puzzles. These games were never extremely challenging, but instead more focused on finding and collecting everything. The boss battles are usually done in a circular pattern and involve learning the patterns and having the patience to take them down. This is a very chill game and even more so with the inclusion of the easier mode in this collection.

While the first game is pretty boilerplate when it comes to mechanics, the sequel really dialed things up. Lunatea’s Veil features a lot of the same mechanics as the first game with a hint of Mega Man thrown in. Enemies will give Klonoa powers that can be used to defeat other enemies and of course solve puzzles. It felt like an evolution of the series, which makes it even sadder that it just ended here.

This collection doesn’t add a ton of new features outside of the aforementioned easy mode. Instead Bandai Namco opted to simply give it a new coat of paint with just a couple quality of life changes. The difficulty settings are nice, especially since one gives players infinite lives, a mechanic that is truly outdated today. I could also fast forward cut scenes if I simply wanted to get into the action and even the option to make the wind bullets go further, making attacking easier. There is a pixel filter if you want to make the games look like the classics, but the new visuals are so nice I cannot imagine myself ever using it.

Klonoa was a wonderful series that didn’t last very long. It is incredible to see it come back, and more beautiful than ever. These games are truly chill and a joy to play and I am thrilled to see them come back. I hope Bandai Namco decides to give us a truly resurgence of the series, and maybe even DLC to add the portable versions that came out along the way. It is awesome we live in an age where even some of the obscure classics can make a return. Klonoa is still as charming as ever and I don’t want the series to disappear for another handful of years.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.

Good
  • Visual overhaul is beautiful
  • Such a chill game
  • Wonderful soundtrack
Bad
  • Lack of extras
8
Great
Written by
Ken is the Editor-in-Chief of this hole in the wall and he loves to troll for the fun of it. He also enjoys long walks through Arkham Asylum and the cool air of Shadow Moses Island. His turn-ons include Mortal Kombat, Metal Gear Solid and StarCraft.