In 1998 Namco released a small platform game titled Klonoa. Even though the game was loved by critics it seemed to slip through the cracks of most gamers collections. Now with the release of Klonoa 2 for the PS2 Klonoa has a second redeeming chance. In the game you play as Klonoa, guided by Lolo, the apprentice priestess, and Popka, a strange mouse like creature, trying to save the world. By shooting Wind Bullets from your ring you are able to capture enemies and use them to shoot other enemies, or to jump higher. These abilities help you to traverse through Klonoa 2’s 18 large puzzle filled levels. To break the standard platform gaming Klonoa 2 also adds 3D levels in which you ride a hover board over water or snow, creating an overall slightly different gaming experience.
Graphics: The visuals of Klonoa 2 are far above the standards of platform games. By using cel-shading it creates a 2D game that feels 3D, it also adds a very cartoony look to the game. Combined with the use of bright colors and smooth graphics producing no slow down, and few jaggies this game truly does excel visually.
Sound: The audio in this game is really nothing to get excited about. The music complements the happy, cutesy theme, but does tend to become a little annoying. The sound effects are good and the gibberish voice acting is interesting for a lit bit. Overall it fits with the game well, but is far from above average.
Controls: Perfect….Klonoa 2 has excellent controls. It is easy to navigate around the levels and defeat enemies with little frustration at all. All though, some gamers may feel the controls are to simple.
Gameplay: Klonoa 2 is easy to get used to, fun to look at, and has puzzles that are at the right skill level, they can stump you for a while, but not too hard to make you throw stuff at the wall. It does fall short in the length department, unfortunately, and contains little replay value. If you are an abed platform or younger gamer this is worth a purchase, but you owe it to yourself to at least rent it. Klonoa 2 is just plain fun.
