Thanks to Hamada for helping with edits.
Starting in 1993 with the launch of Sony’s PlayStation, the industry began its “fifth generation” of hardware. It was an important period, one where developers began learning how to create games set within three-dimensional spaces. Titles like Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time were critical in pioneering how games would function in 3D, and everyone was eager to see how familiar properties would translate. Anecdotally speaking, there was little demand for 2D console games within my social circle – they were “outdated,” inherently inferior to their 3D contemporaries. Thankfully, a number of 2D games still released during this era, some of which are now regarded as classics. SEGA’s NiGHTS into Dreams proudly falls into this camp, as does Bandai Namco’s PlayStation platformer Klonoa: Door of Phantomile.
Similar to NiGHTS, Klonoa’s home, Phantomile, is a whimsical dream land under attack by a nightmarish villain, Ghadius. Klonoa’s cast is much chattier though. (Image: Bandai Namco)
Klonoa is a simple side-scroller. Altogether, its titular hero can tank up to six hits, though health pickups restore vitality. Using his distinctive ears, Klonoa can hover for a few seconds after jumping, giving some leeway if players just miss a platform. Nevertheless, Klonoa moves rather slowly, lacking the acrobatics or spectacle found elsewhere. The “cabbit” can’t even run, and carries little momentum while walking and none while jumping – if you stop pressing the D-pad while airborne, the mammal drops straight down.
That’s all fine, however, because Klonoa’s speed and physics support its methodical platforming and core mechanic: grabbing enemies. Using his Wind Ring, Klonoa can shoot a projectile in front of him. If an unguarded enemy lies in its path, then Klonoa grabs and hoists it above his head Super Mario Bros. 2-style. Captured critters can shield Klonoa from oncoming hazards, although flinging them functions as Klonoa’s primary attack. Should Klonoa be on the ground, he’ll throw them in whichever direction he’s facing. If airborne, Klonoa instead hops off them, granting an extra jump. Meanwhile, Klonoa’s discarded drone plummets downwards, potentially hitting other foes or breakable crates.
Klonoa is a “2.5D” game – meaning the action primarily happens along a 2D plane, but is set within 3D environments – and takes advantage of this. (Image: Bandai Namco)
In terms of structure, Door of Phantomile resembles Sonic. There are six main Visions, which sport two levels each. A boss fight closes every second stage, and the final boss gets its own one-act Vision. During the first level, Klonoa only encounters nigh harmless blobs. Some of these mooks gain shields during the second Vision, requiring Klonoa to strike from behind. Then subsequent Visions add onto this, making some foes vulnerable only from specific angles, giant, explode after a few seconds, or don protective armor. By the sixth Vision, even grabbing ammo becomes a challenge, requiring you to do so without triggering explosives. It’s a masterfully balanced difficulty curve, one that gradually rises without ever feeling unfair.
Generally, each stage has one route with occasional diversions, optional challenges to snag collectibles. Some levels boast more intricate, labyrinthian layouts, requiring backtracking, however. Clocks that function as checkpoints, breakable eggs that contain items, switches that alter the environment, and enemies lurk throughout Klonoa’s path, the foreground, and background. Gems are the game’s go-to goodie, and are found in the open and within eggs. Collecting one hundred nets players an extra life, as does nabbing a gold token. The most noteworthy collectibles are the imprisoned villagers; each stage tucks six away, and freeing every one unlocks a punishing bonus Vision.
One would be forgiven for assuming Joka is just a bumbling fool, but he proves himself a credible threat. Take notes, Reala! (Image: Bandai Namco)
Klonoa doesn’t just ramp up its difficulty as you go, either – its tone also grows darker. At first blush, it’s a lighthearted romp; Door opens with an adorable animal and his cherubic companion, Huepow, laughing together. After leaving their comfy village, our heroes visit progressively more surreal, dreary places, implying a looming darkness. At the midway point, Ghadius’ heretofore bumbling sidekick Joka answers those premonitions: he steals an artifact from Klonoa’s grandfather, nuking him in the process. It’s a loss the game treats with frankness. Plus, Door ends not on a moment of triumph or relief, but one of sadness. In another swerve, Klonoa isn’t from Phantomile – he’s a stranger Huepow summoned and manipulated with false memories. A tearful Klonoa’s denial swiftly changes to dismay once a wormhole emerges, violently tearing them apart. Now, obviously Klonoa isn’t a Gears of War or Dead Rising; it’s firmly a family-friendly affair. But I wish I experienced Door (or even its remake) during my childhood. Growing up admiring the near infallible Mario and Sonic, learning that heroes can fail or not get happy endings would’ve been a powerful message.
Over the years, I’ve heard nothing but praise for the Klonoa series. Regrettably, it took until its 2008 Wii remake for me to try it. It’s a solid game, but I’m glad I finally played the original – and I understand why so many venerate it. Unfortunately, Klonoa never quite saw mainstream success. After a direct sequel, some spin-offs, comics, occasional cameos in otherwise unrelated games, and that remake, things ended for the dream traveller (a film was announced in 2016, but was unceremoniously cancelled in 2019). That’s a shame; Door of Phantomile isn’t perfect – hey, nothing is – but its flaws are nitpicks. This is a wonderfully crafted side-scroller, one that explores its core mechanic thoroughly, satisfyingly, and confidently. Never does Door inflate itself with superfluous minigames or gimmicks, leaving a tight, enjoyable (if short) package. If anyone has any interest in the platforming genre, this is an entry I cannot recommend enough.
…However, Klonoa might be priming himself for an Encore. Here’s hoping! (Image: Bandai Namco)
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Hopefully in 2022, the Better!
Hopefully! If Klonoa gets a re-release next year, I’ll be happy. It’s a great series that deserves another chance. Plus, I really want to play Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil now.