*DISCLAIMER: Ugh, another one? I know, it's annoying. I just want to point out that while this review lists the Wii remake, this is actually based on the PlayStation 5 version played through the "Phantasy Reverie Series." I'm pointing this out because that version is largely built off of the Wii version but with a few changes here and there. Just bear that in mind*
While I'm a huge platformer fan, it may be surprising to some that I was not familiar with the "Klonoa" for several years. I may have seen an advertisement or two for the Wii remake in some Nintendo Power magazines, but I never made much of them other than "...bunny." And yes; much like my adult self, child Matt was known for stunningly astute observations. Even after learning about the franchise (largely because of reviewers, and some people wanting the character in "Super Smash Bros."), I never really engaged with it. And not out of malice, it just never grabbed my attention. The announcement of the "Phantasy Reverie Series" got me excited, though; I knew this franchise meant a lot to others, and the platformer fan in me had his heart warmed to see a mascot of old make a return...still hoping for "Sly Cooper" one day. But it also gave me a chance to revisit the two main games and see what made this character so special in the first place. Sadly...I couldn't quite find that.
If nothing else, "Klonoa: Door to Phantomile" has some elements I can appreciate from afar. The story, while very simple and befitting to its younger audience appeal, does have some interesting emotional twists here and there. And while the character can speak complete gibberish, I think some of them are lovable enough to be memorable. Hell, if I say nothing else positive about the game, I can't get enough of Klonoa himself; he's adorable. Graphically, the game is rather pretty. Bright and colorful, which is further brought out in the remake, and the music has its own little charm to it. From a gameplay standpoint, the 2.5D platforming works well and controls fine enough, and it's a nice introduction point for young gamers looking to get into the genre. It's not gonna challenge you in the way that a "Donkey Kong Country" game may, but if you want something a bit more chill and lighthearted, this is for you.
All that said, I can't say I fell for this game in the same way many others have over the years. I just couldn't get over the fact that it felt like just another standard 2.5D platformer in the grand scheme of things. The gameplay loop got a bit generic, I didn't find the level design all that enticing, and I couldn't really find many ways to enjoy the game much more than that. I feel like a lot of the love for this game may be tied to nostalgia, which is not a bad thing, but as someone who never played the game as a kid, that's kinda lost on me. Thus, I feel like it's a hard game to recommend to someone that's never played it before.
Overall, "Klonoa: Door to Phantomile" is not a bad game by any stretch, but I get the feeling a lot of the love for it may be tied to nostalgia. At its core, it's a perfectly functional 2.5D platformer that does what it means to do decently well. Beneath that...well, there's not much else. It's fairly standard, lacking a lot of unique characteristics that entice me to want to go back after having played through it once. It's great to see a nostalgic platformer mascot back, but I don't think I can recommend the first game to anyone other than the very young at heart, or people who have already played it. If you love it, go play it again. If you haven't played it...ehh, there are better options out there.
Final rating: 6 out of 10 "Decent"