The games themselves aren't exactly exciting anymore, either puzzle solutions are usually obvious immediately, and platforming challenges are mostly tests of patience rather than tests of skill (there's a lot of waiting involved). There's no bonus content of any kind beyond the addition of an easier mode and extraneous co-op options. However, other than a good HD touch-up, this remastered collection brings very little to these titles and doesn't do much to celebrate Klonoa's 25th anniversary. That doesn't make them narrative masterpieces, but the unexpected meditations on escapism and isolation were what set the Klonoa games apart from other platformers at the time - and still do today.

Above everything else, though, the surprisingly melancholic plot twists reframe the stories of both games and are even better with the benefit of hindsight. The original sound design is also great with all its uplifting music and effects, despite the fact that dialogue can be grating. The bold, vibrant coloration and character designs still hold their appeal, firmly rooted in the Sonic aesthetic of the late 90's. All the things that fans fell in love with over 20 years ago are here, and for the most part, those things are as charming as ever. It has to be said that these are very solid remasters of Klonoa and Klonoa 2 (which hasn't been on any other platform since the PS2). Related: You Should Play The Pac-Man World Remake Even If You Don't Like Pac-Man But everything is not as it seems, as Klonoa ultimately discovers the true nature of these worlds and his role within them. Enemies can be used as projectiles or to double-jump, and much of the games' platforming and puzzles revolve around that deliberately basic mechanic.

The one recurring element between both games is Klonoa's mysterious ring, which shoots wind bullets to capture enemies.

He's accompanied by a gaggle of friends and supporting characters in each game, some of whom have predictable roles while others have weirdly darker secrets and hang-ups. Both games chronicle the adventures of Klonoa the Dream Traveller, an adorable bunny-cat-thing who hops and floats through a number of equally cute worlds in 2.5D. On the surface, Klonoa's premise seems like typical platformer fare.

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