Klonoa has always been the “I have heard great things about it, but haven’t played it yet” series of the platforming game community. I have never quite understood why, since it is by far one of the best series out there. With brilliant level designs and think-on-the-fly “puzzle” elements, combined with breathtaking graphics, I had to wonder how the series would represent on the GBA. The answer is both good and bad.

The graphics are nice and create a good atmosphere, but they are not up to par with Rayman. I feel a little more creativity in the backgrounds would have made for a better game, but they do the job. The controls are classic Klonoa(i.e. jump, throw, grab, jump, throw, repeat) which is welcome since their simplicity lets those new to the series jump right in. The only real gripe I have about Klonoa would have to be the difficulty, or rather, the total lack there of. Even the hardest puzzle or enemy in the game takes only a minute to figure out how to overcome. While this is fine on the PS2 version where the game is pure joy to watch, let alone play, it leaves the GBA version in the category of nothing more than a solid rental. So cruise on down to your local Blockbuster and pick this one up. You will be pleased with its simple challenges and great gameplay, and should finish it just in time to return it before it’s late.