ROR: Klonoa Door to Phantomile (PS1 Vs. Wii) 

Klonoa is one of those characters you just want to root for, mostly because he's so goddamn adorable.

I played the Wii version of the first game and I loved it. Also, to Eric Stitt's credit, he was only shown a picture of the character and did a voice based on that. If he had been given more information, including hearing some samples of the original seiyuu, he probably could've done a better job.

This is a pleasant surprise. Klonoa is SO underrated.

Your brother dubbing over Klonoa is hands down the best part

My wife, who generally isn't that into video games, was in and out of the room when I played this game, but she caught the ending and it made her cry too. She said it was such a tonal shift from the happy feel of the rest of the game.

My introduction to Klonoa was actually a cameo in Tales of Symphonia that caused me to me to look up the series to figure out what the heck it was referencing. I found the Dream Champ Tournament by chance, the next time I was in a game store and picked it up, and later got the Wii version. So I don't have any nostalgic attachment to Door to Phantomile That said, from what I've seen of the original, It looks to me like it really would have been better served by a remake closer to it's aesthetic. The sprites are a little low res and maybe not animated as fluidly as they could be, but the art style and and atmosphere are incredibly distinct. Literally everything about it, from the color choices to the architecture, to the character design has a particular slightly unsettling dream-like quality to it. The closest thing that comes to mind are old fairytale books with a darker tinge to them. Take the original Klonoa design, for example. He's definitely cute, with small, animal-like features and oversized clothing, but those yellow eyes are intentionally a little... I don't want to say off-putting, because they aren't bad. Surreal? Maybe that's a good word for it? The original CGI cutscenes are the same. The more modern design is a bit more mainstream and obviously takes cues from Sonic, which isn't a bad thing in itself, but it's kinda an injustice to both Klonoa AND Sonic because the games are going for something very different from eachother in tone and story telling style. Everything about Klonoa makes it pretty much destine to be a cult classic. It's whimsical settings, and storybook characters, slower, more puzzle-based gameplay, and darker subversions and undertones. That sort of aesthetic is unique and memorable, but it's just unlikely to ever really click with a larger audience, while it'll really appeal to people who enjoy that sort of depth. The remake kinda misses the point. That they were even considering redesigning Klonoa at all proves this. The new artstyle is like slapping a new coat of paint on the game and hoping that'll be more attractive to the mass market. But that doesn't work, because everything else about the game is still the same as before. So all it really does is create a discord between the new art and the rest of game. This is the same reason there's a dozen failed Sonic knockoffs from the 16bit era. I'm glad the Wii version exists. I'd probably have never gotten to play the game without it. And the original is starting to show it's age graphically and is begging for a loving update. But I absolutely understand why some people liked Door to Phantomile more.

The thing you REALLY missed, is that the majority of Klonoa's dialogue in the Wiimake was CUT, the lines he would've said are instead given to Huepow. Even when you turn the original Phantomilian language setting on, the old dialogue is not restored. All the charm and familiarity with Klonoa's actual personality a player would get from the original is almost entirely lost in the Wiimake.

I wonder if the Klonoa series would have sold better if it were marketed more toward people who enjoy the Kirby games or light-hearted platformers in general?

UPDATE: I've learned from helping to produce my recent collab on Haedox's channel that Yoshizawa was apparently not satisfied with the kid friendly direction that this game ultimately took. I apologize for missing out on that important tidbit, but finding information about these games is quite difficult. Haedox ultimately found that information on an archived Namco webpage talking about DTP's development. That page and the rest of the inside info on Klonoa's development history are largely inaccessible now, so I offered what information I could find when I wrote the script for this video.

I died a lot in the original game (and this is coming from someone who's 100%'d Mario Galaxy 2) so I appreciated the extra hearts in the remake. Great video!

TFW Michael didn't take your suggestion and says, "SHREK-CITING".

just saw a the latest direct...KLANOA IS BACK!

Has anyone come here after the Phantasy Reverie Collection?

it's not a remake... it's a Wiimake lol

If I could make difficultly options in Klonoa for the wii they would be: Peaceful with 10 hearts Ordinary with 8 hearts Rough with 6 hearts Nightmare with 3 hearts

Who’s here after the latest direct

I just realised... (SPOILERS) Klonoa had to go when Lephise sings the Song of Rebirth. Namco's attempt to revive Klonoa ultimately killed him, meaning that Klonoa left in more ways that one at the end of the Wiimake.

I got my copy of Klonoa when it released, being only 10 years old at the time. It quickly became one of my favorite games of all time, and I've still broken out my copy every few years to replay it. I even grabbed the Wii remake just to see the game from a new perspective. I sit here now, a 30-year-old man, watching this review and being reminded of that ending once more. No matter how many times I see it, I've come to the conclusion that there's no possible way for me to see it without at the very least getting a lump in my throat. The direction, the music, the acting and sadness coming out of these fictional character that, by all logical reasoning, shouldn't be capable of this effect... Simply put, it's possibly the most crushing thing I've seen in a video game. I have a deep respect for Namco being able to pull this off and not resorting to shoehorning in the typical happy ending. It certainly taught my childhood self the importance of accepting sadness and how impactful it can be for telling an engrossing story.

I really enjoy the graphics of the PS1 version. They remind me of Donkey Kong Country, Kirby 64 and New Super Mario Bros at the same time. The graphics of the Wii version also looks amazing, I just think the colors are a bit too dull. The cutscenes of the original are also AMAZING for their time, I honestly thought they were cutscenes from the Wii version at first. The gameplay also seems interesting with the throwing mechanic, though it's a shame the game is so short. I might play it someday, it seems interesting. This was a great review as always. I really love how in-depth you always go, and you have many intelligent points.

With the new remake coming soon I'm excited to see what you think!

I remember seeing the Wii version in a magazine. I instantly wanted to play it. I saw it in a gamestop I think 2 years later, picked it up, beat it in a day. I had a blast! I love the sequel as well. Too bad that didn't get a remake.

Actually Joker is Joka's Japanese's name. The remake fixed a lot of localization issues with the old game.

Good to see Klonoa getting some respect. Great game. The boarding sections in the PS2 game are sublime. The whole game is "Well this is fun" in the same way that pretty much everything in Rayman 3 is at least a little fun. Doesn't ever get dull.

Back here rewatching this out of the hype for the remakes

o.o You're going to review every Klonoa game ever?! I've been following your channel for quite sometime and I love your reviews. You just went even higher on my list of RU-vidrs I love! Thank you for making this decision because Klonoa deserves more love.

Thank you for including timestamps after the spoilers, really is a great addition!

You acknowledged "fan favorite" but this is legitimately one of my favorite YT series. And I watch a shitload of YT. You're the man Exo.

You say 2.5D in such underwhelming way, it should be 2.5DEEE!!!!

YOU CALL THE ENDING OF THIS GAME LIGHT-HEARTED?!

Conker's Bad Fur Day vs. Conker Live and Reloaded, that'll be interesting to see.

Oh, how I've been waiting for this day. Not necessarily because I'm a big Klonoa fan (not much at all, actually), but just because I like your reviews.

the wii version of Klonoa's voice reminds me of the change that Sora had from KH1 & KH2. In fact, Klonoa REALLY sounds like KH2 Sora in the wii version.

4:59 I’m so fucking glad this aged badly

I actually played the original PlayStation version's demo way back in the day. It wasn't until recent years when I got it on PSN. It's an interesting little game.

4:58 This aged well

Klonoa is back, so it’s time to review the original, remake, and the remake of the remake (and it will definitely have difficulty settings as the trailer shows Klonoa walking out of his house with 3 hearts, and other parts with more). As well as Klonoa 2 and its remake.

Due to the Sonic the Hedgehog s character design alone, this sounds like a series I would really like

One of things I like about your Videos is how you don't Judge Stuff by how much they match your Nostalgia Filter most of the time like a lot of other popular RU-vid Game Reviewers do.

ok, this might sound weird, but I adore your videos. they give me peace of mind, and I find them therapeutic, I like that you don't have any crass humor and talk at a nice pace. I rewatch your videos a lot when I play videogames

I know it's unlikely but an updated version of this with the phantasy reverie version would be cool

Surprised to not see 150 gem completion mentioned, and none of the top comments point it out so I will. The mirror spirit sections turn into super tight platforming challenges, and your reward is a bonus level, the tightest platforming challenge in the game and one of the toughest levels I’ve played in any platformer.

Glad to see a new video from you! I really enjoyed this one. I've never played a Klonoa game, but I'll definitely be checking this out on the PS3 soon.

“They changed Joka’s name to Joker for some reason.” Ah yes, that very much befuddles my brain as well. A clownish character being named Joker is quite confusing. I also wonder why peanut butter cups are called that. *Chews one slowly.* Hmmmm

KlonoaVirus is coming back in 2022 better play that game when it comes out this year

9:40 I watched this video like years ago and forgot how this scream sounded and holy fuck I forgot how soul crushing that scream is. The low quality audio crushing makes it worse I think.

Wii Klonoa sounds like Brawl Fox.

That was a good review. As a fan of Klonoa since the late 90s I had the opportunity to play the original & the remake & absolutely love both versions. Unfortunately my ps1 copy went missing but I did managed to get the wii version in 2009 for 25 nzd, which I still have to this day. Cheers for doing a video of 1 of my favorite video game franchises!

Oh man I just found your review. Thank you for reviewing klonoa it's a big part of my childhood where I was lucky to pick up the original for ps1 and fell in love!

Imagine if Klonoa, Kirby and NiGHTS teamed up. That would be epic. :) Maybe Sora Ltd. will have Klonoa (and NiGHTS) be playable in _Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Switch_?

I've only ever heard of Klonoa, never actually bothered looking at anything about the games. However this is a pretty interesting ip that I'm surprised hasn't been used more often

Fun fact: in the English dub, Hewpoe is voiced by the same person who voices Omochao in Sonic Generations.

In Klonoa Heroes and Namco x Capcom he speaks Japanese, still voiced by the same actress.

So Shady became the basis for the King of Sorrow from Klonoa 2 Lunatea's Veil?

You always do great with these videos. I loved Klonoa so much as a kid that was my sh*t when I played it on my mom and dads ps1

Dood, I am so hyped to see Klonoa getting some well-deserved love! And for someone to actually acknowledge that the Wii version is a quality title on its own. A bit unrelated, but in the eventual future, would you consider Shining Force (Genesis) and its GBA remake for a Remake or Re-Break?

This video has persuaded me into buying the game on PSN Store.

You sir, made me a klonoa fan since i first watched this when it was new, thank you!

Great review. I've played both versions and can confirm they are both good. I love the second one as well. The handheld ones are good, too, though I feel the puzzles tend to drag on. Never played the ARPG one, waiting for an English patch (I think I'll be waiting a while). If only more Video Gaming RU-vidrs would mention it. In my first and only video (for now?) I talk about how Klonoa successfully used simplicity to create a fun experience.

I love your videos and I agree with your statements, a positive from the remake is also the fact you can play with different controllers...and it's a Bandai Namco game!Seriously, why can't I use the classic controller and the GC controller in Nintendo games like Animal Crossing and KRtDL but I can in a Bandai Namco game?Anyway, I wish so much a new Klonoa game.

Thee first time I saw way Klonoa the cover of this game, I thought this was a Sonic.

I grew up with Lunatea's Veil as a kid, and I also got the Wii remake of this game about 5 years ago I think. I've yet to beat either of them (mainly because I doubt that I've even played the Wii remake of Klonoa 1, and I truly was terrible at playing Lunatea's Veil). I'm really looking forward to seeing what you think of the GBA games, since I've never played those (and they're now very accessible on the Wii U VC, gladly).

Would it be safe to say with this review you have.... gone the extra Phantomile?

It wasn't to long ago when i played this game getting it off the PS store. I hadn't expected the quality of this title showing that even though i grew up with the system there's still some hidden gems among history of software that i haven't played yet.

Klonoa (Wii) was my introduction to the series. Haven't played any of the other games yet but, these reviews have reminded me of why I should.

Did you know? Klonoa and Gantz Made an appearance in Namco X Capcom

grrr every time i hear the maintheme i feel like someone calls me on my phone, i got that song as ringtone for about 6 years now xD

Finally got to play this game thanks to the Phantasy reverie series.

I love this game, I really like the 2.5D used and story telling. It's really a shame that the franchise has been abandoned. I wish I had the Wii version.

So glad to see someone covering one of the most underrated franchises ever!

How is there not an episode on Metroid vs. Zero Mission? One of the few original NES classics to get a remake, and it's almost universally praised as a shining example of a remake improving every aspect of the game.

Klonoa was my first video game ever. I loved it then and i love it even now :) I knew there was a Wii-Version, but because i don't have a Wii, i won't get it. Still, thanks for the review, now i can see what the Remake has to offer. Personally, i'm happy enough with the PSX-Version, but if i happen to own a Wii in some time, i will get the Remake.

anyone here with knowlage of the remakes of the first 2 games that's coming out soon?

I remember playing the living hell out of the remake as a kid and loving it thinking it was the best game on the wii. I never played the original but I have seen vids of it. However, after so many years I wanted to come back to it and see if I still liked it. My ending result is I do still like it, but I hate the way Klonoa is in the story. The first problem being the VA of course, but I'm Eric has grown on me so it doesn't bother me anymore. My other problem is that Klonoa feels kind of left out. In the original Klonoa would talk a lot to NPC's to know whats going on. In the remake Hewpoe is the one who does all the work which I don't like because I pay attention to him more then I do to Klonoa. Another problem I had with the remake was Klonoa not having the correct expression for things. Don't get me wrong, Klonoa does show sad, angry and shocked expressions. Though, what ruins it is his smile. If so you guys didn't really noticed this, whenever Klonoa is either sad or angry he'll always be smiling. This makes me mad because I can't take any of the situations that Klonoa is in seriously. He does at times get the facial expression right, but that's very little. What also ruins this is Klonoa's VA. In the original, whatever situation Klonoa was in he'd talk in a tone that felt right for it. In the remake I again can't take Klonoa seriously. An example I can give is when Klonoa's Grandpa dies. In the original, Klonoa sounded very panicked in the position he was in. I felt it everytime I saw that part and I didn't want anything bad to happen. In the remake, Klonoa doesn't sound panicked like he did in the original. In a way, it feels as if he's a bit calm in the situation he's in. He feels sad yes, but the VA doesn't do a good job showing that. "Sigh" I love Klonoa so much and is the one character I want to know more about then any other character in the world. Namco encore thing is happening at this point and I'm hoping if Klonoa: DTP gets remade or remastered they do a better job on it.

Dude no shame at all - I cry EVERY time I see the ending T_T

HE’S BAAAAAAAAACKKKKK!!!!

I miss Klonoa.... To this day, I'm still trying to figure out what he is. This series sure has some great stories. I'm definitely going to check out the Wii remake after enjoying the PS1 original! Any plans for a Remake or Rebreak for Fantasy Zone II?

Good thing that Klonoa's voice in the Spanish version isn't as bad as the English version.

Empire of Dreams is actually one of my favorite GBA games, it's the first Klonoa game I ever played and I'm such a big fan of this series because of it. I haven't played the other GBA games in the series because I haven't gotten the chance yet however I've played every other game in this franchise (Even Volleyball.) I have done everything I can to make sure as many people as possible find out about these gamed it's just an amazing series all around.

The first game that gave me chills ever, I played it when I was 9 and loved it so much, really, that game it's my favorite psOne game, because it was the first game I really care to understand the story and started my passion for games as a whole.

dude... I fucking love klonoa to death...

All I can really say about Wiimake Klonoa is it made me feel sad that I had already played the original at that point. I really can't describe how excited I would have been to get to experience a new Klonoa adventure so long after finishing Klonoa 2. As it is, for the series to come back I would be absolutely ecstatic. Klonoa has done a lot for me and I will never forget it.

As easy as the remake looks, it still looks like a lot of fun. I see it as more of a game that is more about the story, rather than its gameplay. I could be wrong, but I'll find that out when I find the Wii version… unless the PS1 version doesn't use L2 & R2. If it doesn't use it, then I'll go towards the PSN version. Great video Exo! I can't wait to see the rest of the series!

Also there is a klonoa comic and Namco still owns Klonoa.

I'm gonna say it now, Exo, but that's a rather 70s setup you've got there... I like it.

Are we gonna get a Remake or Rebreak on Phantasy Reverie? I feel that the remaster of the wiimake could become a replacement for both of those versions.

klonoa is super underrated you are so underrated too you and klonoa deserve way more attentions

Great ROR as always, Exo! I look forward to seeing your review of Klonoa 2! :D Great to see you back again too! I actually do wanna try, and get into the Klonoa series, cause it does look pretty interesting to me!

17:15 "Door to Phantomile actually has quite the girthy soundtrack considering the game's length" You knew EXACTLY what you were doing

You didnt even talk about the extra ability! If you shake the nunchuck...

I wonder if you'll revisit this when the Switch remake comes out.

Exo is such an underrate reviewer.

Is it just me, or does Klonoa's character design fit in REALLY well with the Sonic cast.

I remember finding the Wii version at the game store near my apartment in college, and I instantly loved it, and went back to buy both GBA games later that day XD I still need to try the PS2 sequel still though, somehow I've never gotten around to that one.

Finally, a new video And it's on a series I've never heard of. And I've played Harvester

Erik stroton sound like Ryan Drummond

I really like the Klonoa games. Unfortunately the wii make sorta irritated me hard. Also yeah I'm a Klonoa 1 PS1 fan much bias inbound. I strongly dislike that they handed over most of Klonoa lines to huepow not counting Klonoa's english voice which completely ruined a certain important cut scene mid game.. I do like the Wii's graphics quite a bit though and the fact I can change costumes and have a cutscene viewer. I think the the wii version sorta lost the charm the ps1 story had as far as expressiveness. In the wii the characters animations felt a bit.. rigid at times. The wii version lacked some little things like when the forest guard in 2-1 jumps down with his tongue sticking out about several feet. "however in the wii makes files this animation exists I do not know why it was removed xD" I like that Paon who are the specific developers for this Klonoa did try to add stuff. I would also like to mention I agree with what you said on the difficulty curve. The didn't really need to be made easier @_@. I would have wanted a legit hard mode. It just all feels either a bit rushed or not very fully thought out :(. So as a person very loyal to the ps1 Klonoa I was pretty let down overall in some ways. Maybe new players can see it different but ps1 Klonoa DtP left a lasting impact on me.

Finally bought the Door to Phantomile on the PSN store! Thanks for introducing me to this series!

The instant you played Klonoa's English Wii voice I projectile vomited all of my organs out of disgust. How did they mess up that badly???

If you enjoyed today's video, don't forget to like this video, preferably *after* you've finished watching it. As usual, I apologize for the wait, but it was difficult to find time to edit a video of this length during college. I probably overdid things a little, but this game is kind of special and I wanted to give it a full treatment. The next video on Moonlight Museum will be a lot shorter. I wouldn't expect that video for at least a few weeks; things are getting busier in my personal life.

Fun fact: both PlayStation and PlayStation2 will give you progressive scan if you use the component cable, instead of the stock composite provided in the box.