Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series

All in all, though, the two games are highly enjoyable. I don’t know if KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is going to be the game that finally gives Klonoa the audience it deserves. But if there’s any justice in the world, it will be.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie is a superb collection of platform games that shine a light on an iconic character from the genre, one that deserves this moment. Both games are full of fun and intricately designed levels, and not only look stunning, but are warm and welcoming.

While it may be lacking in extras, Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a fantastic release for longtime fans of this often unsung franchise. [Issue #61 – September/October 2022, p. 23]

The Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series has taken two classic games that deserve to be experienced and given them new life, and I’m honestly really glad that so many people will be able to see the magic that I’ve seen from the series. These are solid, polished platforming titles that feel great to play, look lovely to the eye, sound beautiful and are presented properly, with only the occasional frame drops and some annoying collectables bringing them down. If you enjoy platformers at all, be it Mario, Kirby, Spyro, Sonic or otherwise, do yourself a favour and get this compilation – Klonoa deserves to stand alongside them all as one of the greats.

It’s apparent that Phantasy Reverie Series was a budget job, but it stays in its lane and delivers two excellent games in one okay package. And yet this so-so port is maybe one of the greatest gaming gifts of the year. Thanks to it, I was able to reconnect with the simple pleasure of Door to Phantomile and also be introduced to the wonder that was Lunatea’s Veil for the very first time. After about eight hours spent across both titles, I’m reminded of how special these games are, in the whole grand pantheon of platforming icons there is still nothing quite like Klonoa. Thoughtful, intricate levels built around simple gratifying mechanics wrapped in a world that is dreamy and whimsical, yet with an undercurrent of melancholy.

Altogether, Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is an awesome little package. Monkey Craft were expertly able to resurrect Klonoa after an extended hiatus with flying colours - a lot of colours in fact. This game is sure to be a hit with long-time fans of the series and young kiddies looking for a bright platformer full of charm. Go Klonoa!

Even after 25 years, its fairytale-like story and easy control using only three moves and two buttons are still enjoyable. The level of difficulty of this game is enough for the beginners, also the story can appeal to anyone. However, the game is a bit too easy for core gamers and the volume is insufficient to reveal all the mysteries behind the stories.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a great celebration of the character's legacy with a refreshed visual look of two of his most classic games. However, despite being iconic platformers with a great story, they also have its downsides, such as frame-pacing issues on Nintendo Switch and lack of new content.

In summary, if you've never tried the series and always wanted to do it, you should definitely take the step forward and purchase one of the different versions of current consoles or PC. Klonoa is not a franchise that stands out for being a revolution, but the joy comes from taking the control and live an adventure full of fantasy.

Make no mistake, Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is the best way to currently play these two platforming classics and Namco has done a decent job of presenting these titles in the best possible light. With around 25 hours of dreamy, retro-styled platforming contained in this package, Klonoa veterans and younger platforming fans will find lots to love in the whimsical worlds and puzzle-platforming level design on offer here. Some performance issues aside, it’s tough not to fall in love with this duology. Catch it when you can.

Ultimately, this is a pair of good remakes of two very strong games, and I can only hope this time we don’t have to say good-bye to Klonoa again when it’s all said and done.