Blood, guts, and gore seem to be the ingredients in the more popular games but if you are looking for that here you're going to be sorely disappointed. Klonoa is as cute a game as they come.
The main character is hard to describe but he/she wouldn't be out of place in a weepie Disney movie. Instead of shooting the enemies Klonoa inflates them with his power ring.
The plot isn't too complicated and is one we've seen several times before - end of levels bosses, save a few locals and a princess along the way.
Klonoa, with 12 levels, is relatively easy to get to grips with but the gameplay does get progressively harder and its depth and playability is up there with the best. However, to master the techniques required to find all the hidden secrets, bonus points, extra lives etc will prove a challenge for even the most hardened gameplayer.
Visually, Klonoa is a bit like Crash Bandicoot or Pandemoni- um, the main character scrolling in one direction while sometimes having the opportunity to take a different route through the level, thus giving the illusion of 3D. Coupled with this are elements like floating leaves, waterfalls, torrents of wind, giant machines and mine carts.
If you want a traditional platformer full of fun, look no further. Klonoa doesn't excel in any particular department but everything knits together very well indeed and in a very cute way without being too sickly. The only drawback is the game's length - 20 levels (or visions as is the case here) would have been nearer the mark.
Graphics: 94% Sound: 90% Gameplay: 94%
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