Klonoa (Wii) Review

Posted by Sean Garmer on 07.11.2009

Does this Wii Remake of a classic PS1 platformer do the game justice? Oh, you bet it does.

When Namco released a game about a rabbit/cat with floppy ears that look like hands and wearing a blue hat with a Pacman logo on it, people wondered if this would go the way of the many "Mario imitators" or just bad platformers. However, Klonoa proved to be a stand out platformer with 3D movements on a 2D track, with a colorful world and simple platform elements that combined to make an enjoyable experience. Namco later released a few more titles featuring their unique hero and his pal. 10-12 years later, Namco decided to remake the original PS1 title for the Wii and thus Klonoa Wii is here. Does this remake do the original justice? In my opinion, It actually makes the original game much better.




Title: Klonoa
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Developer: Paon Corp
Genre: 3D Platformer
Players: 1
Rated: E-10


Graphics:



The Wii remake introduces Klonoa fans to the original Door to Phantomile in 3D, which is a very welcome sight. For those that played the original PlayStation version, nothing is missing here. The six worlds all have their own setting where players can be taken through green hills and see windmills in the background in the Wind Village. They can also travel through Gunston mine (at times in a cart) with bats and tread through its dark setting. I think you get the point, but it is nice to see the lushness of 3D added to the platforming. You see the world as perhaps it would be imagined in a child's dream, while still keep the identity of the original adventure. Klonoa himself looks cool with his blue Pacman hat and all. I can't believe Namco actually considered putting him in the game without it. To be honest, I couldn't think of him the same without the hat. Along with Klonoa is his little friend that looks like a rain drop. He serves as his assistant and also Klonoa's spokesperson sometimes during story parts. The camera wraps and moves along with the character on screen so it is never a problem. Since this game does not have an all out exploration element to it, there was no point in having a free roam camera that the player controls. Personally, I'd rather have it the way it is in Klonoa, than having to deal with the camera half the time. There is exploration but it is not like in Ratchet and Clank or Psychonauts where you roam around this huge world unlimited. The game also runs in 480p widescreen, which is cool for the Wii.


Gameplay:



Since this is a remake, the story from the original is the same. The dream world of Phantomile is attacked by the evil Ghadius and Joker, who decide to kidnap the magical songstress Lephise. The story eventually goes on to not only give you a cool twist, and give you much humor, but also discusses complex themes such as death and betrayal. This remade version also includes English voiceovers so that the kids and newcomers can understand the story better. The game still gives the Klonoa veterans the option to keep it without those voiceovers and just use the normal speak of the characters. Klonoa is an old-school platformer, no action element, no RPG element, just good old platformer. Namco did add a whirlwind move that can be used to keep enemies still, but its kinda extra and unnecessary. I never used it, but I can see where it makes it easy for newcomers to get used to the game. Other than that, Klonoa uses simple maneuvers like jumping and grabbing. When grabbing hold of an enemy he can also use them as a projectile, throw them off the screen to solve a puzzle or hit an object, and also throw them up so that Klonoa can double jump. Also, the character only moves left and right as this a side-scrolling adventure.

The baddies the player faces are of all different shapes and sizes, each level also creates their own enemies Klonoa has to take out. Each world has only two levels in it and then at the end is a boss. The bosses are an eclectic variety as well and each present their own challenge that you must figure out in order to defeat it. They also take up a lot of the screen in order to provide the epic encounter that they should. The best part is there are no waggle controls for the Wii Remote. All control options are available here, people can use the Wii remote sideways, the nunchuck configuration, Gamecube controller, or classic controller. So it is good to know that anyway that people prefer to play it does not limit you to using the Wii Remote. Though I did feel that the Wii Remote sideways was the best way to play it.



When the player isn't bashing the bad guys, you can use the limited exploration available to search the area for extra lives or items that you may not have found just rummaging through straight ahead. You may also have to deal with some puzzles, they are all easy to figure out though. Most of them either involve throwing one of the enemies onto a switch or finding a key somewhere.

The one issue with Klonoa is that it is really short. Most players can probably finish the game in around five hours. For only 30 dollars though, it is not a bad buy. At least they don't try to rip you off by giving players a short game and then still charging 50 or 60 bucks for it. Secondly, it does not have much replay value, unless you just really enjoyed the story and game, as I did. There is a time attack mode that lets you go up against any boss and try to beat others online by getting the best time. Then there is also a mirror mode, which basically lets you play the game in reverse.


Sound:

The original voices have been re-recorded to match the audio quality of today's sound systems, so that is a plus right there. The sound effects of the enemies, the environments, and all the other bells and whistles are just fine. The music matches the environments quite well and even during the talking parts it doesn't intrude on the story elements. The voice acting is at the level of any Saturday morning cartoon out there, it may sound odd to older gamers. However, to the main appealing demographic the voices work just fine.


Lasting Appeal:



This is where the game falters a bit because it does not have much to make people play through it again. It has those two modes I mentioned above the time attack and mirror mode and that's it. The mirror mode is cool, but the novelty wears off after a while and you get tired of going through it. I liked the game so I could probably play through it another few times. However, for those that just want the experience of beating it you could probably do that in a day or two. As I mentioned before, at least the game is only $30 bucks.


Fun Factor:



The fun someone has with this may be determined by your age and tolerance for cute characters and simple gameplay. If you really like platformers and have never played this, I suggest you give this a whirl because this is a classic in the art of platforming. I had fun taking out the enemies, exploring for the extra items, and dismantling the bosses. If you are willing to go past the simple and child like facade there is a lot to discover about Klonoa. How much you find however, is up to you.


The 411:

This remake is a wonderful addition to the Wii library. I'm very glad Namco Bandai decided to bring back this classic and not just port it to the system. The fact that they took the time to add 3D graphics, voice work, redo the audio, and make the controls simple should be commended. I'm also glad they left the rest of the game intact for the series and platforming veterans out there. If you've never played a Klonoa game, or only got your hands on the GBA titles this is certainly with the time. However, unless you really enjoy platforming or the game, even for 30 bucks, the shortness of the title may only warrant a rental. Regardless, it doesn't change the fact that this is a great title and I hope it is well received so we can get a new Klonoa title on the Wii at some point.

Graphics	8.5	Gone is the 2D sprites, Klonoa moves into 3D rather well and his brings his vibrant and colorful world with him. Some of the best graphics on the system.
Gameplay	8.5	It's simple, but this is also an old-school platformer. Jump, run, grab enemies, float. It is all here. The story is good too.
Sound	8.5	The sound effects are fine, the voice work is cool, and the music fits
Lasting Appeal	7.0	Time Attack against bosses and Mirror mode is all there is, and it isn't enough for a five hour game.
Fun Factor	8.0	If you like platformers you should have a lot of fun with this.
Overall	8.5   [ Very Good ]

Screenshots
All 2 Klonoa Screenshots