StaySkeptic that game isn't even techinically deep, it is trenched by Blazblue and Guilty gear And games like Doom, Persona, Nier Automata, FFVII are frikkin epic compared to it. And this doesn't mean gameplay alone: story, soundtrack, visual design , lore, other gameplay elements excluding combat But whatever opinions are opinions
Y'know, I've been curious about Klonoa for a while and watched several reviews of it but it's yours that'll get me to play it. No one else really talked about the enemy grabbing mechanic, the core concept of the entire game from the looks and sounds of things. You're the only one I've watched that's said they take one thing and do that one thing incredibly well, iterating on it and evolving it, instead of throwing endless gimmicks at you and that's the kind of ingenuity and creativity I respect in a game.
Klonoa on PS1 is simply brilliant. It had me hooked for a long time, and I absolutely loved my time with it. The presentation, the gameplay, everything was spot on. Seeing the ending was probably one of the rare moment a video game made me cry. And I was 20 when I beat it. I was heartbroken, I needed to talk about that ending, I wanted to find out more about that whimsical world, I felt so many bursts of emotion that I can't really describe it properly. I seeked out a PS2 just to play Klonoa 2 and loved every minute of it. Klonoa series is criminally underrated and everyone should at least play the first two games on PS1 and PS2
The same here. Played it in my 19. Cried in the end. Played the remake with a friend of mine and her daughter. We all end up crying in the end. Rarely we see a story of such level of emotional connection in platform games. Tearaway ending was touchy for me.
What sticks out to me is when comparing Klonoa, Nights, and Sonic Shuffle, all three themed around dreams, the music from all of these games is excellent to sleep to.
I only played Klonoa in a demo disc for the PS2 (which also included some sick ass trailer for Devil May Cry and Jak and Daxter). Looks interesting though.
I miss games like Klonoa. It wasn’t so silly that it got annoying nor too serious that it got grating. It was a perfect balance of the two. I enjoy games like GoW 2018 a lot (Disagree if you want) but I rarely ever see games like Klonoa anymore and it annoys the shit out of me.
Wow. I never thought I'd see you talking about Klonoa of all games. I first played this game a few years ago on my Vita. Absolutely loved it from start to finish, and it made me feel like a kid again when I was done with it. You described the ending best with the "happy dream that you wish you could go back to" idea. It's too bad it's so obscure, it really deserves to be more appreciated than it is. Especially that soundtrack, which I still listen to regularly.
Digi Valentine put me on to how much of a well made classic this series was. Now you've went and confirmed exceptional gameplay too, big ups to both of you Brits.
How I learnt about this game way back when was getting to the 5th track in Ridge Racer Type 4 and going "that's an odd name for a circuit, Phantomile huh?". It was a real spike in difficulty and intensity, and was very short (not unlike Klonoa itself I guess). Few years down the line I'm digging to see what I missed from the PS1 library, and I see this Klonoa, subtitled "Door to Phantomile", it then hit me that the track was just one of those classic Namco moments of cross promotion. Cross to late 2020 and I finally play the thing, and come the ending it's right in the top level of games that really resonate with me on a deeper level. Probably my favourite 2D platformer of all time. I swapped out my Spyro phone wallpaper for a Klonoa one, that's saying a lot.
Hell yeah, do more positive stuff and talk about whatever games you want. Most video analysis kinda suck because they usually fall in the "Turns out the good game is actually bad cause I'm smart" so it's nice to hear someone talk good about a game.
Flockerz exactly Pretty accurate of most of the comments here Almost got depressed cause of it Just the thought of people calling you not a true fan just because you enjoyed the new game
I played the Wii-make of Klonoa. Then I played Klonoa 2. Then I played the GBA games. Then I got sad realizing Klonoa 3 might not happen. Thanks for making this video.
ES21007 It’s going to be an anime movie. No live action bullshit. So it should be good. And the people behind the stories of the original Klonoa games are working on it.
I love this video series idea! There's all sorts of reviewers that are talking about modern games, but not as many as there should about more classic games from before the PS3 & 360 era, but I mean even those would be welcome. Either way, this video has made me want to go play this game like right now so I'd say thats a job well done!
Eddyoshi I’d definitely recommend you go play it. I played it years ago and I’m so glad I made that decision. Truly one of the most creative and touching games I have ever played with intriguing gameplay, wonderful graphics and memorable characters. It’s below six dollars on PSN right now, so that would be your best bet in buying it.
I fall into sadness every time I remember Klonoa is dead because of poor marketing from Bandai Namco, specially because it was one of the first games I played. Also you should play and do a Klonoa 2 video, there's lots of people that knows about Klonoa but not about Klonoa 2 which is a superb game and I consider it even better than the first one.
I'm touched to the core by this game and its themes everytime I think about it. Thanks for shining some extra spotlight on a game that really encapsulates what only video games are able to deliver as an medium of entertainment.
Thanatos388 you can't take yakuza's story that seriously after the sidequests, tales games have the same plot almost everytime, and world of final fantasy is just dumb.
I'd love to see you talk about more Legendary games like this. But I'd also like you to talk about Klonoa 2. I haven't played any of these but your analysis is always appreciated!
This is a game I just passed by in the playstation store, researched a bit, bought, and instantly treasured as one of my fav platformers!!! Never thought you would even know about this game, but I'm grateful and happy that an analytical reviewer like you could play it!!!!
I borrowed this game in 4th grade from a friend and finished it in one session. I barely remembered anything about it at all, and seeing your footage made me wonder if this was really the same game I played back then. But when you got to the darker section, it suddenly all came back. This game made a deep deep impression on me back then and I only now come to realize the extent of this impact. I absolutely need to replay this, thank you so much for reminding me of this experience.
Well the thing is I had this game when ps2 was aboug to be released. Managed to play through it at some point, yet never collected all the things there are and never bothered to check internets for my answer. Kinda forgot I had this game. Might be because it was butt-hard for my stupid kid-brain. Fuck gamingbrit for making content I get nostalgia feelings out of
TheFranss When you 100% the game, you unlock a new level which just so happens to be the hardest level in the game. Then, when you complete that, you unlock a record player which allows you to listen to any track from the game. There’s your answer if you are curious. Also, really interesting story. It’s cool that this game was a part of your childhood. I definitely felt nostalgic for me too when I saw this video had been uploaded.
I never played the first, but I did play Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil to completion when it first came out (and since). From this video it seems like the games are very similar (almost as if K2 was just an excuse to remake the first game in full 3D but with different characters and story) even down to the ending being very... different. I love Klonoa 2, and now I want to try the first. Thanks.
Klonoa was my entire childhood and the very reason I got a ps1. I remember playing this in a grocery store where they had set up a ps1 for the kids to use when parents went shopping. Every day I went there just to play it, I drew the characters at home and hummed the songs at school. Absolutely adored this game and it made me laugh and cry and for a child it had a huge impact on me. Thank you so much for such a wonderful review on such an underated game.
I've been wanting to play this game since I saw Find The Computer Room's video on it 2 years ago, I thought it looked amazing. I think it's time I finally tried it out, thanks for reminding me about this game!
It makes me so happy to see a Klonoa video on this channel: It's a game that never seems to be talked all that much, but It really deserves more recognition.
Thank You from the bottom of my heart. This series, in my opinion, is a gem of yours. I wish there were more now but I do understand that the way you are making videos right now is ideal for, therefore I understand that the next video like that will come when plans for it emerge. In the meantime have a good day and I wish you all the best.
Hey, I definitely like your take with old games, especially an underrated classic like klonoa. I especially love your take on games and how you could showcase faults die hards never point out and include ways on improving the game at hand. Keep up the great work!
A game of my childhood, can remember completing this game over and over again just to get the ending, which always brought a tear to me eye. Thank you gaming brit for bringing back memories of such a great game.
Man, those last few levels were long. I remember i finished one of those hard end game levels and the game crashed afterwards. I got so mad I kept from playing it for 2 weeks
Also, NiGHTS into Dreams is definitely worth a look imo. The concept is actually very similar to Klonoa and the gameplay is truly something else, you won’t find anything else like it, trust me.
Man I miss when games didn't try to cram meta nihilistic humor down your throat ad nauseum. Games that know when to get serious, and don't subvert their own moments with bad jokes get a big thumbs up from me.
Gah, this game was an experience. The ending made me tear up in the middle of a store I just happened to finish it in while waiting for something. Was a great buy for my Vita. Great to hear you enjoyed it as well! I wouldn't mind some more classic retrospectives like this, though I've enjoyed pretty much everything you've put out, so your content is good content to me!
Pretty good video, it's nice to see games that try to get as much mileage out of a simple yet flexible mechanic without going for set pieces that have little to do with said mechanic. 11:10 I've only played this game up until the first boss and heard that the ending is unexpected or darker than expected or something along those lines, I was fearing that it might head towards the "Add edgy bullshit to a light hearted adventure oh so mature and deep" hack type of writing but it's good to see that this is not the case with this game.
Honestly, one of your best videos. Love the fact you're doing more classic games, though I can't say they'll get you the most views. Back from the Dead also needs a come-back asap.
Aaah Klonoa. One of the few games from the fuzzy, blurry PS1 era i can call favourite. I would go back to it again and again. Beautifully made and fun to go through
I certainly wasn't expecting you to cover this shining old gem I've mostly not heard much about beyond ExoParadigmGamer's coverage of the franchise. I've probably heard the name and/or had a glance or two of Klonoa over the years (Maybe during the PlayStation 2 heyday when my school room-mate was playing an abundant quantity of PS1 & PS2 titles from Final Fantasy VII/VIII/IV to Medievil & Ratchet & Clank to Devil May Cry), but I must've glazed over it foolishly assuming it was "To do with Sonic or something" if not simply outside of my young-self's taste in games (It's safe to say my room-mate's was much better) or the Xbox's library that was my sole choice of the time. Since getting more acquainted with Klonoa as a game series, it definitely has struck me as something very much up my alley as someone who enjoyed Dust: An Elysian Tail & Ori and the Blind Forest for being games simply overflowing with charm (It did help Dust was something of a made-with-love mish-mash of classic ideas & Ori was one buttery-smooth game to play!). I'd just need a more ideal set-up for my PlayStation 2 (And PlayStation 4 as I'd like to get me some Gravity Rush, Yakuza, Tearaway & Hokuto ga Gotoku/Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise just to name a few) to give Klonoa among the LONG list of games I merely spectated during the PS2's heyday their fair & due shake (Though I'm still hopeful Ace Combat 4, 5 & Zero can get an 8th-gen/PC port as playing those on today's controller triggers would be a night 'n' day improvement!). But I'd be more than up to hearing more about less-remembered classics of by-gone console generations, as it's safe to say I'm more eager to explore the many games I've missed over the years from Shenmue to Bastion or Metroid Prime to Jak 'n' Daxter than a large selection of what's coming around the corner (Though new-Ori, Cuphead's DLC, DOOM: Eternal & DMC5 are lookin' to make one appealing detour!)
I’m so glad you covered this game, Brit. It feels like so many people overlook it just because they played the Wii version first (and i mean, really, huge atmospheric mistake there). In all honesty though I think Lunatea’s Veil blows the first game out of the water, so there’s my hype for when you get to playing that in full.
Thank you for giving us content that feels very different from your other videos, but just as natural. This is why you're one of the best channels on RU-vid. Cool beans.
Just finished and this was a great video dude! I would super love to see more videos do you gushing about classics you loved and recommending them to us! Great video as always
I actually had little to no memory of this game until about 7 years ago when I went to GAME shop and saw a Wii version and I looked and recognised it, bought it, played and it and as soon as the first level music came on, I immediately had flash backs to playing this as a kid, but I don't remember getting further than Vision 4. I completed the Wii version and felt accomplished, like an old tale had finally been given the ending it longed for. I loved the game and if I ever wanted to remember anything about it, the music would almost always get me to remember, especially Vision 1-2, my favourite of the tracks.
I played the Klonoa 2 game on a demo disc for the PS2. It only had 2 levels, one of the regulra platforming and one of some weird river minigame thing, but I'm pretty sure I played a bit of the original as well. The character design is absolutely astonishing. Klonoa is abstract enough to not be slotted into the "anthropomorphic mascot" trope, but distinct and put-together enough to be recognized as more than just Japanese weirdness. I also love how they gave him different outfits for the two main games. I feel like Klonoa is the Crash of japan playstation games. Both have incredibly solid platforming for the anti-Nintendo playstation console, with great character designs and themes distinctly Japanese or American, respectively. They also both have their bellies exposed for some reason Great video. I'd love to see more on things like the Klonoa series. You do a great job of being informative without trying to pander by being yet another stereotypical angry or nonsensical """youtube game critic""". Your Ratchet and Clank series still tops the charts for me, but I'm definitely more excited to see what other content you put out.
Only played Klonoa 2 as a kid, but distinctly remember loving the music and style. Especially the soundtrack still sticks with me today, which is pretty rad.
Charlie I just want you to know that this is exactly the kind of stuff I love seeing from your channel. I trust your opinions on games a lot because they often line up with my own, so when you reccomend classic titles like this they immediately land on my list of things to look out for
I played it only 2 years ago and it was still an enjoyable unique experience , thanks for making this video! I will appreciate any new video you make about a classic since our tastes seems to be similar and like-and hate- the same kind of games
I love these kinds of vids, I’m always looking for some solid older titles, and it’s awesome to find out a game like this exists. Would love to see more vids like this.
Man I haven't played this since a demo disc full of demos way back on the PS1. But the moment I heard that theme I legit felt the jolt of nostalgia like never before. I LOVE that theme.
Dude I love Klonoa! Thanks for reviewing it man. Not enough people know about this great series. I hope this inspires the creators to make another one. I really felt like this series deserves one more mainline game after the second one on the PS2. Anyways, thanks for making this review man! I love seeing my favorite cat-rabbit-thing get some love! ( :
It's always interesting to learn about a fun, obscure game I never heard of that's worth playing, like this one. You should definitely do more of these kinds of videos.
Interest commentary, makes me feel nostalgic and a little bit disappointed that my little sister (now 10) doesn't have the means of experiencing a game which I very much enjoyed. Good stuff! Keep it up!
Great work. Klonoa 2 is a great game as well, though I hear it's rare now. Watching this review reminded me that I've never actually played the extra stage in the first Klonoa. I guess I'd better find the old save and actually go for collecting all 72.
Man this game is just so good, definitely one of my favorite platformers of all time. If it's worth something to you, I remember the GBA games being a lot of fun but not nearly as good story wise, and Klonoa 2 being as good story and atmosphere wise but not as tight as DtP (I'm basing this comparison on 15+ year memories so it could be very inaccurate, but it kinda reminds me of how Portal 2 compares to 1). PS: Bamco you're fucking developing the game, give us Klonoa for Smash.
amazing video as always. You capture games with melancholic tones in particular very well. Maybe a modern game like celeste would be cool to see you cover or other games with odd emotional vibes in general.
Love the vid brother, very insightful and thorough. I only played Klonoa on a PSM demo disc, spent so many hours replaying that same first stage. Definitely need to pick up a physical copy of the original. Would be great to see more retro game videos from you.
I wish I could forget everything about this game so I could play it for the first time again. I also get this feeling that the Wiimake (the version I played), as well as all subsequent Klonoa games, are missing something, but I don't know what it is.
If you love Klonoa, a game I'd highly recommend is Ristar for the Sega Genesis. It's got a similar hook, being a game where you're only ability is to stretch your arms out and grab enemies and items but just like Klonoa it does everything it can with the mechanic and is backed by strong visuals and catchy music. An absolute classic! Anyways, it's nice to see you gush about a game you love, Brit.
Thanks and may I just say that I really do love these retro-analyses of games that many of us may never have had the chance to play. Your analysis of God Hand especially, makes me wish that modern console had more support for backwards compatibility/archival. May I suggest that at some point you look back on Heart of Darkness; a game that I once played at a friend's house 17 years ago, but never saw much of, however its visual style has left a distinct mark on me.
