Klonoa 2
As far as underrated games go, the Klonoa titles have enjoyed moderate success. Still, if you were to stop random gamers on the street and ask if they've played a Klonoa game chances are they haven't. The first Klonoa game was released on the original Playstation and was one of the earliest titles to combine sprite based characters with 3-D environments. The game play was centered around classic 2-D platforming with an emphasis on using the enemies Klonoa grabbed and inflated to clear barricades, jump higher (including stringing together long series of aerial maneuvers), and find ways around various obstacles. It was fantastically fun and innovative, offering a solid challenge and a very rewarding experience.
After Klonoa: Door to Phantomile was released, it saw a number of sequels on the Japan only WonderSwan hand held system and the GBA as well as one more console release on the Playstation 2 titled Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil. There's a lot to like about these games, from the whimsical art style to the surprisingly melancholy stories found in the console titles. One of the presentation highlights for me was always the music. Both of Klonoa's console games sport beautiful soundtracks that showcase both playful and eerie tunes.
Klona 2 - Maze of Memories music
Klonoa 2 - Ruins of Sorrow music
Simply put, these are some of my favorite games. I own the original Playstation disc.
The Original
Also, there's good news for all of you out there who failed to discover the first game. It's seeing an updated remake on the Wii.
The Remake
Don't let it pass you by a second time! Now, let's all join the little Namco cabbit for some Caramelldansen to celebrate his series, may it see greater recognition in the future.
Get up and Dance!
Related Links:
Klonoa: Careful, Namco. You Tread On My Dreams.
Klonoa's Truimphant(?) Return
Underrated: Buck Bumble