Summer of Sequels Entry #9
Fun fact! Klonoa was the first series I went out of my way to play to add to the list for the Summer of Sequels. And when I played it, I absolutely loved it! So rolling Klonoa 2 got me excited, as I knew I would most likely enjoy it just as much as the first one. And god, this game delivered on that, practically improving upon every aspect from the first game.
I already love the 2.5D platforming style of the first game. Being locked to a singular plane of movement, while being able to interact with objects in the fore and background allows for some really fun stuff. All Klonoa 2 had to do to make it better was just to polish it up, and polish it did. It also added a new type of level with the board levels, and while I wasn't that good at controlling them, they were really fun. I think if anything, some of the later levels felt like they went on for much longer than need be, but those were some of the final levels, so at the same time, it makes sense.
I am an absolute sucker for puzzles in any type of videogame. I may not always be smart, but puzzles are some of my favorite things. And I absolutely adore the puzzles found in Klonoa 2. The platforming puzzles are super fun, easily in thanks to the grabbing mechanic. And on top of that, the bomb and the color orb puzzles are some of the most fun in the game. I like to describe things as "Aha!" moments whenever I get excited about figuring out a puzzle's solution, and it happened so many times within Klonoa 2.
The bosses are about the same as in the original. They have noticeable patterns, and obvious openings or weakpoints. Even then, they're still some of the absolute best parts of the game, and I think Klonoa 2's bosses are better due to two factors. For one, I think the presentation of the bosses in Klonoa 2 is just much better. And in the other, bosses are separated into their own respective levels, so if you ever game over, you don't have to do a whole level just to try again at a boss. It's really nice, and I'm glad this change was implemented.
The story of Klonoa 2 is such an interesting case as well. I don't think it's ever mentioned how far in the future Klonoa 2 takes place in relation to the original title. And because of that, it's so cool to see how Klonoa himself has grown over that time, and changed to be a different person. And I like how he interacts with the new cast of characters around him. I won't delve too much into the actual events of the story, but I absolutely love the ending to this game, Klonoa as a series seems to have really good endings.
Klonoa 2 is a game I'm glad I was able to roll for the summer of sequels. I knew I would love it, and I did. It may not be the hardest thing ever, but it's still an absolutely solid and charming platformer all the same. I can't recommend it or the original game enough, they're so worth the try.
Next Game: God of War 2... oh god.
