Klonoa: Empire of Dreams Review

Klonoa is not a name which comes readily to mind when I think of awesome platformers. Mario holds the most dominant spot on the list with Sonic, Rayman, Jak, and whole bunch of other “who cares about ‘em” characters. Klonoa really deserves some recognition, however, for his game is one of the best platformers ever created, 2D or otherwise. Klonoa, welcome aboard.

Klonoa is a platform/puzzle game, but don’t let the word “puzzle” scare you. These aren’t traditional puzzles. Rather, they’re elements integrated into the platform design. I’m sure, when playing a game, you’ve at one point said, “Ah, how clever!” Klonoa capitalizes on that feeling. Granted, there’s a good deal of jumping around, dodging enemies, and grabbing things, but it’s good jumping, dodging, and grabbing that never gets old, because it never replicates a scenario sprite for sprite. The game is so well-balanced and smart in its execution that it’s too much fun to play.

Klonoa is split into five worlds with several levels in each. There are three kinds of levels. The basic level, a mix of platforms and puzzles, only requires you to find the exit. The exit won’t open until you’ve collected the three hidden stars, however. Some levels have a moving camera that you have to keep up with, and this is where it’s all about fast-paced action. A few slick 2D snowboarding levels are also present. Oh, there are some boss battles, too, and while they aren’t nearly as clever as the coinciding levels, they’re better than your average game’s.

Some of the later levels introduce some very tough challenges, but Klonoa is set up in such a way that I doubt you will ever feel inclined to throw your Game Boy at the wall. Each level is split into different sections, like the different rooms found in Metroid. If you die or are forced to retry (because you are stuck), the whole level does not start over. Only the current section is reset. Klonoa, as a character, is also given three hearts, and there’s plenty of extra life to find, so dying usually isn’t that big of a deal (which might make the game kind of easy). Collecting all 100 gems on the snowboarding levels can be a bit aggravating, however, since it has to be done in one run.

Klonoa can do quite a bit considering he’s limited to the A and B button. The basic commands include jumping, grabbing, and floating. You might think the float acts as a double jump, but double jumping (which I’m glad to see is included) is only executed when you grab an enemy or a block and jump with it. It’s not quite like a regular platformer, but it’s still a brilliant setup.

What was odd about the game was that I found myself having increasingly more fun as I kept playing. With platfomers, this usually isn’t the case, but Klonoa managed to keep introducing new elements, new puzzles, and new challenges that I just couldn’t stop playing. You’ll most likely pass the game in about 8 to 10 hours, but don’t fret. Beating the game and collecting all the gems opens up three extremely challenging bonus levels. A lot of games don’t really give you much of a reward in the end except for a measly “Congratulations.” It’s nice to see Klonoa make an effort to keep you hooked well after you’ve brought peace to the world. Being kind of a puzzle game, you might think that Klonoa loses some charm a second time through. However, when I replayed old levels to collect more gems, I found myself coming across each situation with almost the same wonderment. Definitely worth a second (or third) trip through.

Many GBA games try to get away with the bare minimum and end up looking grainy and unbearable. Klonoa may not be visually extravagant or intricate, but it’s easy on the eyes and doesn’t subtract at all from the gameplay. Colorful, double-scrolling backgrounds. Easily discernable obstacles. Vibrant, smooth, and well-animated characters. I think that covers all the bases. I do have one minor complaint, and that is that Klonoa suffers from Rayman disease. The camera doesn’t always show you enough of the current situation, so sometimes you’ll jump down thinking the coast is clear only to find yourself standing on a pit of spikes. Unlike Rayman, this isn’t as constant, nor is it as punishing. Yet other times, the camera will struggle to keep up with your character, but don’t let that deter you from everything else this game has to offer.

Klonoa is a good enough game on its own that it doesn’t need a stellar soundtrack to back it up, but it wouldn’t hurt. The music is a mix between Harvest Moon and Kirby. Both of those games ring of happiness and border on annoying. The sound effects are more off-putting since only a handful are available. Klonoa himself seems to only have one sample. All the sounds are very scratchy, too, which may be standard GBA fare, but it could be a bit better. Oddly, the game doesn’t feel quite the same with the audio turned off.

Final Comments

Klonoa: Empire of Dreams is one of the most enjoyable, well-crafted, and clever games I have ever played. It even puts many 3D games to shame. I didn’t want to divulge too much about its gameplay, because half the fun is coming across it yourself. This is a sweet, sweet game, and you should do yourself and your GBA a favor by playing Klonoa. Few handheld games have captivated me as much as this one has, and it deserves my highest recommendation. Tired of all the Super Mario Advance rehashes? I think you will find something to truly love about Klonoa.