Klonoa Empire of Dreams

🎮 Game Boy Advance ⏳ 6 hours ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Handheld Puzzle Focus #

This Klonoa GBA entry is a puzzle-platformer that smartly adapts the Klonoa series to handheld play while retaining its signature charm. Unlike the console entries, which lean more heavily on cinematic storytelling and action-oriented stages, this installment focuses on compact, puzzle-driven levels that challenge the player to think as much as they jump. Klonoa uses his signature wind ring to grab and throw enemies, not just as weapons but also as tools to reach higher platforms, trigger switches, and solve increasingly complex puzzles.

Personal First Impression #

This was my first ever Klonoa title, and I admit that I couldn’t quite understand why so many people praise this franchise, even though I’m a fan of platformers. Not that I dislike puzzle platformers, but I also like the balance of the traditional platforming challenges, which this title simply does not offer. Fortunately I played another Klonoa title in the future, which finally make this franchise click, and now I’m yet another big fan of this videogame, just not of this particular GBA entry though.

Portable-Friendly Design #

The game is structured around short stages, each with a mix of platforming and logic-based obstacles, making it ideal for quick sessions on a portable device. Its visuals are colorful and expressive, capturing the whimsical atmosphere of the series despite the GBA’s limitations, and the soundtrack is bright and upbeat, complementing the lighthearted tone. Boss battles add variety by testing both reflexes and puzzle-solving skills.

Niche Series Entry #

Though it doesn’t have the narrative depth or emotional impact of the console titles, this title succeeds by carving out its own identity. It offers a satisfying blend of accessibility and challenge, making it a standout puzzle-platformer for the GBA and a worthy entry in the Klonoa series. I recommend this if you are a fan of this frachise, otherwise, just stick to the regular Klonoa entries, they are much more enjoyable in my opinion.