Two ’90s pads in fairly flimsy new packaging

Platform game hero Klonoa’s fall into oblivion isn’t so strange when there’s been a lack of both new games and other initiatives to bring the series back into the spotlight (except for the Wii remake, but it’s been 14 years now).

However, the newly released Klonoa Phantasy Reverie series addresses that, by encasing both the original Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil under the same (renovated) roof.

However, it must be said right away that the games, which originated from 1997 and 2001 respectively, have not been upgraded to the same high level as, for example, Crash Bandicoot: N’sane Trilogy or Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom; Other examples of crowded old platform games from recent years. It is generally difficult to place the Klonoa Phantasy Reverie series among the accepted designations such as “remaster” and “remake”. It’s kind of a no – and frankly not a particularly beautiful sight.

In terms of gameplay, there isn’t much to object to, some outdated features aside. Control is relatively quick and easy to maneuver and the tracks alternate at times. All the old classic abilities, such as the ability to use enemies as a slingshot to reach higher platforms, are intact as well as the ever-changing perspectives.

They are quite simply fun and relatively entertaining games, without in any way claiming to be timeless classics.

One only wishes they would receive more dignified treatment.