Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series

Even when accounting for slight hiccups, such as odd audio balancing in Door to Phantomile, there are no significant obstructions to enjoyability present here. Performance on PlayStation 5 was also smooth, if that was a concern. I’m eager to see this highly-anticipated duology sell well, so Klonoa can potentially become a new fixture in the platforming pantheon.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series certainly is the best way for the series to celebrate its 25th anniversary, as with the great improvements it has received, the series is back in the spotlight. The only thing that remains to be seen is what the future holds for the franchise.

The passage of time can sometimes be kind to classic games. Where Klonoa was once compared unfavourably to the far more “innovative” platformers that were doing the rounds, perhaps now it can be judged on its own merits instead, and while neither of the two Klonoa games are especially flashy or spectacular, the subtle and nuanced whimsy that sits at their core offers a particularly potent foil to the self-seriousness that far too many modern games – even platformers – express. Whether you’re replaying these for nostalgia or discovering them for the first time, Klonoa’s going to win you over with this collection.

The Phantasy Reverie series also offers an Easy mode that cuts the damage you receive in half and gives you infinite lives to retry the more challenging sections of the game. Once you complete either of the games, you also gain access to a Hard mode which essentially is a "zero hit challenge" mode where any hit you take is lethal, and you only have one life to play with.

If you’re expecting completely remade games, this isn’t the remaster collection for you. But if you want to relive your childhood memories and frustrations with Klonoa, the Phantasy Reverie Series is the way to do it. Getting two cult-classics in one is a fantastic deal, and if you can look past the quirks and situate yourself firmly in 2001, you’ll find these games just as perfect as you remember them. And if you missed out on the Klonoa hype as a kid but enjoy early 2000s platformers and want to see what all the fuss is about, there’s no better time to dive into the dream than now.

Having not played wither Klonoa before this review, I was expecting a bubbly platformer that was a product of its time, but instead, I was floored by how beautiful Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series was, and by how strongly it connected with me on an emotional level. I hope see more of this in the genre.

A straightforward remaster of two literally straightforward platformers, retaining the childlike wonder and charm, making it a dream for anyone to visit. [Issue#18, p.74]

Klonoa sees the revival of two beloved, but underappreciated platformer games from the early PlayStation years. While the graphics have been souped up, the gameplay is near identical including its unique use of catching and using enemies. Some quality-of-life changes have been made to make the games more accessible to both old and new players, most notably a more modern use of checkpointing.

Despite being light on extras, Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series delivers lovingly tuned-up remasters that honor and improve the source material.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series brings together the two main games of the franchise, updating aesthetic elements and adapting details to the present time without mischaracterizing what made the series stand out in the not-so-distant past. Even with some occasional dated details, the collection is great for introducing the brand to a new generation.

25th anniversary of Klonoa brings the long-lost series back to our cozy game libraries and gives us chance to defeat nightmares of Phantomile and Lunatea once more. Klonoa and his friends look in 4K and 60FPS more beautiful than ever and the remastered textures, sounds and this 2,5D experience will bring nostalgic tears to your eyes. However, 25 years of technological advance has shown its toll on the game and sometimes you will have to push through some not very pleasant moments.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a faithful and entertaining remaster of two classic PlayStation platformers. Bandai Namco did an excellent job keeping the franchise's identity alive and preserving the faithful combat and platforming. Though it may feel dated by today's standards, those who remember the Klonoa series will love these remasters, and those jumping in for the first time will experience simple platformers from a simpler time in game design.

Between wonder-filled stages and mini segments of mine cart riding and flying, there’s plenty in Klonoa Phantasy Reverie that feels familiar, but fresh. The collection naturally evokes a purer time in gaming where simplicity was key, and loveable mascots were trendy. While Klonoa was never the mainstream success it aimed to be, this remaster is the perfect opportunity for the franchise to dazzle a whole new audience.

If you're looking to fall in love with a platformer that wears its heart on its sleeve, you'll be happy to know that these titles still do hold up tremendously well, even if they may not feel as polished as some newer games in the genre. If you're willing to deal with some frustrations from dated design, you may find yourself head over heels for this loveable Dream Warrior, no questions asked.

This is a good remaster of two fantastic games that any platformer fan should not miss.

Phantasy Reverie Series is a great opportunity to play again (or discover for the first time) two cult platform games. Some elements feel outdated, even with the graphic improvements, but they are still fun to play.

After nearly 25 years Bandai Namco gives us the opportunity to (re)discover two great classic platform games. A quite good remaster that could have been far better with some extra material, and the addition of the chapters released on portable consoles.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a great excuse to recover two gorgeous platformers without having to tinker with old consoles or spend a fortune. A double remastering of the first two chapters released on PlayStation consoles, perhaps a little too intrusive the one applied on Door to Phantomile, which loses its characteristic 2D pixel art style on 3D modeled backgrounds, but all in all pleasant. Too bad for the lack of care shown for the outline, in particular UI and font of the texts, but it is an excellent birthday present for the 25 years of Klonoa, who after a quarter of a century still proves to be one of the most adorable and iconic from the PlayStation era.

Klonoa: Phantasy Reverie Series is the best chance to play two iconic games from the past, two platformers that remain modern and unique.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is an excellent opportunity for more players to get to know the saga. Despite the years, its gameplay is very entertaining, even if the fun factor might be short-lived due to their short stories.

Are you looking for a platform game that is both colorful and original? Then Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is probably for you! On this compilation which brings together the first two opuses of the Klonoa series, Bandai Namco and the Monkey Craft studio deliver a solid redesign work, especially notable on the founding part. Despite a simple technique, the levels are colorful and very enjoyable to navigate. Of course, the level design remains that of a title from the end of 1990 and the beginning of 2000, which is felt in particular on Klonoa 1. Despite everything, the epic is enchanting and finds its climax during the second episode. In short, a nice nostalgic parenthesis!

A pleasant, no-frills remaster that allows you to rediscover and enjoy two little gems of their time.

It might be easy to say that Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is simply a pair of remastered games that can't compare to more modern platformers, but that's only half-true. Although their relatively low sales and cult status meant that the formula wasn't really given the chance to evolve, almost anyone can still jump into these games and have a good time. The lack of meaningful new content on par with Klonoa's Wii remake from 2008 is disappointing, but the content that is here is still worthwhile. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a nice offering to underserviced fans, and can also be a good package for newcomers - or even people who are picking up a platformer for the first time.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Collection demonstrates both why these games are fondly remembered and why Klonoa didn’t go on to become more famous. Flawed gems perhaps, but important ones.

Klonoa is stuck in classic-game-port limbo -- not given enough shine to stack up against other remasters, and not quite zesty enough to hold up to modern titles. Still, a helping of nostalgia or appreciation for classic games makes these two otherwise great titles worthy of a playthrough.

The Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a love letter to fans of the series, but by modern standards the games fall a little short.

Nothing needs to be reassessed because nothing has been significantly changed. These are still two charming, well-polished platformers. There’s nothing mind-blowing about them, but I enjoy them for what they are and think more people should experience them. More effort could have been made in this collection, but the graphical clean-up is appreciated. I’m shrugging. You can’t see it, since this is a text review, but my shoulders are up.

Had the additional DLC package been included with the game as standard, we’d probably suggest Klonoa Phantasy Reveries Series as a must-have for fans hungry to spend time with its cool cat protagonist again. It would be easier to recommend to newcomers, too. But as it is, while some will get plenty of enjoyment out of it at full price, most might want to wait until it goes on sale. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is an enjoyable blast from the past, but it’s by no means essential playing.

Quotation forthcoming.

Phantasy Reverie Series is a relatively no-frills remaster collection. There's a couple of quality of life improvements and the games have a fresh lick of high definition paint, but if you didn't like Klonoa back in the day then you're not going to like it now. If you didn't play Klonoa at the time then you won't have the prerequisite nostalgia goggles necessary to gaze upon these games and see them for anything more than what they are — a couple of pretty good platformers and little else, and that's fine.