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If I could float by flapping my ears, I'd be set for life.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: May 26, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Klonoa 2 was one of the very few early ps2 games that interested me when the system first came out. It looked charming, fun, beautiful, and seemed like a good modern platformer, which has been rare this decade. But no matter what, I kept forgetting about the game. When I first got my ps2 4 years ago, I gave in and got some of the bigger titles like Final Fantasy X, Kingdom Hearts, Zone of Enders, and others, not really giving the ones that seemed fun a chance. And I don't normally do that! Maybe it was just that I hated the ps2 for so long. I don't know. But recently, I finally found a copy of Klonoa 2, and played the bejezus out of it. What I've experienced with this game, is something that every platformer fan should enjoy, or anyone who considers them self a gamer. Klonoa 2 is one of the finest traditional games around, even if it's fairly recent. Even without playing the first game in the series (which, you have to admit, a lot of people didn't), you won't be lost in the game's story, or wonder what the heck's going on. It's a simple platformer with some unstable difficulty patterns, and a nice story about believing in yourself...something that's otherwise done poorly in most games.

Klonoa is a bunny-cat thing with a magical ring that he uses as his weapon. It doesn't really do much- it catches enemies, throw them, latches onto floating orbs, and pops bubbles that float around through each level. It has a very short range (like, a foot or two in front of Klonoa), and doesn't do much else. And yet, it's his most trusted weapon/accessory. Klonoa can also snowboard and skateboard using this cool device of his, float in midair for a short amount of time using his ears, double jump when holding an enemy, fly using cannons, and a lot of other cool tricks. To be fair- he's one of the few unique modern platformer characters around. As Klonoa, you're transported to a magical land where you meet a priestess-in-training, Lolo, and her goofy slang-bustin' sidekick, Popka. They're out to save the world by visiting various shrines that grant them elemental power. Sure, it doesn't sound that original, and that's because it isn't. But it's what happens during their visits to each shrine that really matters. There's a rival out to gain the power as well, but to use for her own benefits. She has a wacked out sidekick in the form of Tat, a dual-sided cat (for lack of better term), and constantly one-ups Klonoa and company. At the same time, the gang learns of a mysterious lost element that proves to be crucial to not only their journey, but the life span of the world. It's up to you to help them make sure things don't fall into the wrong hands.

As much as I love the game, you can really just skip all the plot scenes and play the game, and still get a lot of fun out of it. Though, you'd be missing out on a lot of cute cut scenes and funny dialogue bits from Popka. That guy, I tell ya, he's quite a character. Though released in 2001, this game is still beautiful. It's done in cel-shaded style, but doesn't use that as a gimmick like some other games to use the style. In fact, you only really notice it during cut scenes- during gameplay, you're too focused on what's going on to really care. Gameplay is a blast- I never got tired of jumping into cannons and seeing Klonoa fly happily, shortly before doing a few flips in midair and landing on his feet. Though completely in 3D, this is a very 2D side scrolling platformer. It confused me at first actually, especially since you can set the controls to analog movement, something rarely used in 2D and/or side scrolling games. Most of the time, you only move left or right, but can also face the back of a level, as well as the front. When you do this, it's usually to get a power-up or some other cool item. The stages are relatively simple at first, too simple in some cases. A lot of them have you simply use enemies to double jump in order to reach platforms, collecting gems (similar to Mario's coins and Sonic's rings. Every platformer needs SOMETHING to collect, right?), and unlocking doors with keys found within a nearby room. But later on, things take a huge turn, leaving you wondering what the hell just happened with the level design. The first time I reached one of these stages, it irritated me. Not because the level was so hard, but because it almost ruined the flow of the game. It's a stage that comes after very simple ones, and out of nowhere. It's not like the stages gradually got harder and harder before then. Nope, it just pops up out of nowhere, and you're gonna hate it when you get to it. Once this stage is over, they get simple again, then a few more random hard levels show up. Just be prepared for them. These stages really have a specific order of how you're supposed to do things. An example being that there's this certain enemy later on, one that you can throw at others in order to change its color. Like, you throw it at a normal enemy, and the one you threw will come back to you, only red. Throw it at another and it'll turn blue, etc. There are colored crystals in these stages, and you'll have to throw said enemy at the crystals when it's the same color in order for it to disappear. Usually, you'll be surrounded with tons of platforms and need to throw the enemy in a specific order. Like, you throw it at an enemy, and before it gets back to you, hop up to the top of the stage, so you can throw it at an enemy of there, without killing your color-changer because double jumping while holding it would kill it. Yes, it gets confusing at first. Aside from the zany difficulty, there's nothing wrong with this game. There are a lot of little challenges, plenty of bonuses to collect, and more. I beat this game 2 weeks ago, and still go back to it in order to get 100%. It's a fun enough game to make me WANT to get 100%, something I don't do with many games these days.

As I already mentioned, the graphics are still beautiful. While they aren't that detailed (Lolo looks like a character model from the first Evolution game for Dreamcast), they get the job done, and have plenty of expression and range. Backgrounds/stages are gorgeous, and the amount of things happening on-screen without any slowdown is pretty impressive. Everything always runs smoothly, and this is an early ps2 game! I didn't think any could do that, honestly. Sadly, as with most ps2 games, there are a lot of jaggies here and there. But it's a small price to pay for a game as pretty as this. As for the music, voices and sound, they're all great too. Characters speak in their own little gibberish language (Popka always sounds funny), but it's not a complete joke like some other games'. Voice actors do their jobs well, and put a lot of emotion into their work. Thank god this wasn't changed to English. I'd dread having to listen to American DBZ-esque voice actors doing the voices for such lovable characters. The music is nice, but not many tracks are that memorable. Some of them just sound flat-out magical, while others are simple ditties, and others are pretty barren and boring. But there are no real annoying tracks that'll make you mute the tv while you play something on your stereo instead.

Though I'm giving it 5 stars, the best rating would be a 4.5/5. That strange difficulty boost in random places, and the fact that you can beat this game in under 10 hours, are the only things that keep this from being absolutely perfect. Other than that, you couldn't ask for a better platformer in this day and age. This game has it all- fun yet challenging boss fights, fun level design, memorable characters, stunning graphics, and simple pick-up-and-play gameplay. Snatch this one up if you ever see it- it's been out of print for a long time now.

A must-have for your PS2!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: July 26, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I am writing a review for this game because I feel that it needs to get the attention that it deserves which the first game definitely did not get. First of all, the gameplay remains intact making it simple and perhaps a bit too easy for hardcore gamers, however it offers new features which keeps gameplay fun and replay value high. Graphics are astonishing and tight, with lush backgrounds and cel shaded characters, its just easy on the eyes. The game really shows what the PS2 is capable of doing. The only problem is that the game is quite short, regardless this game is a gem to be treasured by all. Please for all the haters out there, I am simply stating my opinion about the positive aspects of this game because no doubt it is one cool game. It is a must have for everyones PS2 library and no doubt you will enjoy this game too like everyone that played the first one and this sequel.

A great game...period.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: July 11, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Well, I am writing this up from a sleepless night of playing Klonoa 2. It was a short little thing, but I loved every moment of it. It was just fun. Now, I've never played the original Klonoa, but this game makes me want to have.
Here's a rundown of the game's 'points.'

Graphics: Very nice, cel-shaded graphics. I personally would've preferred hand-drawn, but whatever. This way the classic gamers and newer ones can be happy simultaneously. The Colors are very bright and pleasant and kept my attention.

Design: This game is brilliantly designed. The characters have this weird...fuzzy look to them, so I guess they're animals. The monsters and bosses are also quite imaginative, and remind me somewhat of a Tim Burton project. Very well-done.

Music: Eh, the music was OK. Nothing that really stood out to me.

Voive-Acting: Despite the weird and utter cuteness, I felt that the characters' voices were well-done. Perhaps that's because they kept the ORIGINAL JAPANESE VOICE-ACTORS! Strangely, the game isn't in Japanese or English, I think it is in a made-up language, like in the Panzer Dragoon games. Very creative, very unique.

Controls/Fun: As bad controls can make or break a game, I have put the controls and fun level into the same category. Anyhow, the conrols were VERY simple (directions, jump and ring-toss), and the game is a side-scroller, so some of you newbie gamers had better watch out. The simple contols, nonetheless, had me worried as to how much the game would vary, but it ended up doing so quite nicely. You got the chance to fly on helicopter baddies, shoot up into the air via a rocket or cannon, ride a snowboard, shoot up in the air using an electric baddie, and more.
Therefore, I have to say that this game was VERY fun, though some stupid newbie gamers may be turned off by it's cuteness, surrealism, non-horrible, non-English voice-acting, classic feel, and lack of violent deaths. Still, I would at least rent this baby, it's really quite the nice distraction.

An insanely fun game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: January 28, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Klonoa 2 is the best PS2 game that I've ever played. It is not a "kiddie game". It is really fun!

Gameplay: 10/10
It plays like a 2-D game, except for some of the hoverboard levels. Some of the puzzles are hard, but other than that, it's an insanely fun game.

Music: 10/10
It doesn't get in the way, like it does in most games. The background sounds stay in the background. There's even a sound test!

Graphics: 10/10
The graphics are probably the best in any PS2 game! It almost looks like a cartoon, but better.

Story: 8/10
Well... it's kinda confusing, and there are too many cutscenes, but you'll get used to it. At least the story is original and not as predictable as the Sonic or Mario games.

Replay Value: 10/10
If you think that the game ends after you beat the final boss, you are wrong! This game has lots of unlockables and fun extras like Time Attack and two terrific bonus levels.

Overall: 9.6/10
If you have a PS2 and you don't have this game, then you're missing out on a lot. It's worth the money. If you like other Namco games, you'll like this.

Why the heck did I buy this game?

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: September 20, 2001
Author: Amazon User

No, I'm quite serious. Why the heck did I buy this thing? The collection of titles (as of this writing) is really slim pickings. Especially for someone who's been playing games since Atari was at their height of power. So I saw the previews and figured "What the heck?" I'll pre-order the thing from Amazon.

So the big day arrives and I get a small package from Amazon. Tear open the package and popped in the DVD. Hhhmm cute graphics and smooth animation. Well, I wasn't two minutes into the game when I hear a squeal from behind me. It's my girlfriend who wants to play the game. So I figured, "Hey, why not?" and handed over the controls. Well, that was a big mistake. I haven't been able to play my PS2 since.

So looking over her shoulders, the game is a sort of 3D'ish side scroller. Navigation is limited to left or right motion (There are spots where this deviates from that, but it's a moot point) reminiscent of some of the later Mario or Sonic games. The game's graphics are incredibly clean and are a clue to the future power of the PS2 and it's ilk.

In short this game is perfect to keep the little brat or girlfriend off of your back for a while. However, I do have some gripes about the game. The game gives the illusion that it supports two player control however, this is not true. The "second" player is nothing more than a helper for the first when the first player is in trouble. Useful for very young players but extremely boring for any one else. What I don't understand is if the developers felt that this was a necessity why is this option only available on the second controller? It should have either been all or nothing. Full control of the second character for the second player or the ability to map the control of the second character to the first controller. Not this half planned junk that Namco attempted. The story is also pretty decent but never really answers the question, "What the heck is Klonoa?" I suppose this question is actually answered in the original. Too bad Namco didn't notice that the original game is going for insane amounts of money. They could've made a quick buck by re-releasing the game.

Oh well, life bites. But hey, that's what I get for buying this game. I suppose I should be able to play my PS2 as soon as my girlfriend quits playing Klonoa 2, that is of course if she doesn't discover my copy of Dark Cloud.

Amazing, But Not Alot of Change

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 11
Date: June 17, 2001
Author: Amazon User

From what I've seen of the game, it looks great. Great graphics, gameplay, puzzles, everything you need for a platform game. Not to much has changed though. It plays alot like the first one. Of course its bigger and the graphics have improved incredebly.I loved the first one so in this case - ITS GOOD IT DIDNT CHANGE MUCH- becuse the first was so good. If you are like me and feel the same way then this game is for you. BUY THIS GAME!

A nice, quick trip through the world of dreams.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: November 20, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Klonoa is an excellent game.

The visuals are no polygon pusher, but the textures, colors, and character models give the game a disticnt happy go-lucky feel that no one can call 'bad'. The game's atmosphere is what truly sets me off on ranting about how much I love the game.

The game isn't very challenging, but it remains to be endless fun. With several secret levels and many things to collect, the game doesn't get old. The control is the most simple control that has ever crossed a console, which is why it is so excellent. Any person from ages 6-50 will have a good time playing this game. It is slightly challenging of the mind, but it isn't challenging for the people that are somewhat lacking in platformer skills.

There simply isn't anything bad about this game besides the fact that its 15 hours tops. But after unlocking everything and gettin the secrets in a new game, its about 25.

I Love This Game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: November 28, 2001
Author: Amazon User

The first Klonoa was, in my opinion, the best platformer for the original playstation. Symphony be damned, the 2d critter set against lush 3d backdrops, featuring multiple paths and a darkly whimsical story line, delivered innovative gameplay from start to finish. While childlike in its presentation, Klonoa 2 mines the same rich vein, but breathes full 3d life into the hero. THe result is stunningly fluid animation, and dead accurate control that inspires confidence with each and every jump. The graphics have also taken a PS2 sized leap. Klonoa now vaults his way through an astonishing series of Tim Burton esque environments so huge, they could not possibly have appeared on the original PlayStation. K2 soars to such intense skyscraper sized heights that it had my hands sweating from the vertigo. Despite the wealth of eye candy, the true brilliance behind the game is the sharp level design. While it features less backtracking and twistiness than the original game, K2 presents a formidable series of reflex and timing based challenges that will keep you coming back to Klonoa 2 is that it's a bit on the easy side, and lacks the dark, melancholy mood that engulfed the first game. Hopefully Klonoa 2 does well at the box office unlike the first game, because, despite his low profile, this kitty is a prince among men.

HOT GAME-NOT JUST HYPE

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: February 15, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I HESITATED TO PURCHASE THIS GAME BECAUSE "EVERYBODY" LOVES IT! NEVER THE LESS, IT IS A GREAT GAME FOR ALL AGES. IT KIND OF REMINDS ME OF THE "TOMBA" GAME ON PSX. LOTS OF FUN AND ANIMATION!

Makes buying a PS2 for a child worth the money.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: February 24, 2002
Author: Amazon User

From my experience, PS games tend to be more mature in theme and are too difficult and violent for young players and kids. However, Klonoa 2 is wonderfully colorful, playful, and light-hearted, and the even the enemies are often cute and silly looking.

Klonoa and his friends are friendly looking little guys, and I like that Klonoa and his friend Lolo, the newly inducted priestess, work together during the game to save the world they are in. Though the platform is 2-D in general, you still have enough 3-D movement that the game has real depth and fluidity, and young players will not get frustrated with trying to figure out which direction they're going in, and the controls are blessedly simple to use. Furthermore, the 2-D platform seems to make the movement-in-time extremely smooth and cartoon-like, so you don't have jerkiness and jagged edges like in so many fully 3-D games.

Some of the levels are just wonderful. One level is a town akin to the city at the center of Kiki's Delivery Service, and when Klonoa is launched through the sky by cannons, the view you are treated to is breathtaking. The water slide level (Klonoa rides a board on the water) is great fun and evokes mental images of theme parks.

The music is not mind blowing or anything, but it's certainly sufficient and sets the appropriate moods, and the brilliant, super-saturated colors more than make up for any lacking in the music department.

Overall, the best thing about the game is that it has various problem-solving situations that require you to figure out the appropriate steps needed to advance in the game, and your kid will not have to read instructions or remember clues to solve them. You just analyze the situation and experiment until you figure it out. My 4 year-old can even solve most of the little tricks, and when she can't, I help her, but she even sometimes suggests to ME how to figure out the gimmick at certain spots!

I like the game because it's not frustrating, dark, violent, or dependent on dialogue, so it's perfect for youngsters even under the age of 7. My 4 year-old loves it, like I said, and it's fun enough that my husband and I don't mind helping her when the going gets a little too tough.

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