Return to Phantomile!
Anyone remember Klanoa: Door to Phantomile on the PS1? Of course you do- it's a classic! Well the good news here is that king of the remakes Nintendo Wii are developing an updated version of the game. Combining revolutionary 3D graphics with the classic side scrolling platform dynamic seen in Super Mario, players took control of Klonoa and his magical ring to manipulate objects and blast enemies that barred your path. Add to that the ability to soar the thermals using his handily massive ears, and you have a hero not to be messed with!
The evil lord Ghadius is trying to take control of the world Phantomile, which is made from a conjuration of its inhabitant's dreams. However he didn't reckon upon our plucky hero who sets out to save the day. A dreamworld makes for a large degree of variety in visuals and gameplay, and it is these elements that make the original so well loved and remembered. A sequel was released in 2001 on the PS2, titled Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil, also heralded for it's tight controls and varied and engaging gameplay. Now the Wii remake is set to provide the obvious graphics and gameplay boost, and benefits from the integration of motion control, set to make this cute and popular title even more fun to play.
The original version of this game is now something of a rarity, and is fetching extortionate prices through trading sites. Thus Namco decided that a remake was on the cards, a better way to reintroduce this franchise to a new generation of gamers, whilst also enticing those that remember the original.
With Klonoa set to hit the Wii screens later this year, perhaps its not too much to hope that the title is successful enough to warrant developing a full blown sequel.
