Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (Japanese: Kaze no Klonoa: Door to Phantomile or "Klonoa of the Wind: Door to Phantomile") is a video game developed and published by Namco for the Sony PlayStation in 1997 for Japan and 1998 for North America and Europe. It is the first game in the Klonoa series, and is the first title in which he appears.
| Klonoa: Door to Phantomile | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Namco |
| Publisher(s) | Namco |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation |
| Release |  December 11, 1997 March, 1998 June, 1998 |
| Genre(s) | Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Story
The story begins with the legend of the land of Phantomile, a mysterious place that is fueled by the very dreams people have at night. As a result, no one can clearly remember the dreams they have had, even if they occurred recently. However, a young cat-like boy named Klonoa who lives in the town of Breezegale with his grandfather has been having dreams about a mysterious dark airship crashing into a nearby mountain, and can recall every detail of it.
One day, a mysterious ship does indeed crash into the mountain, and Klonoa and his friend, a "ring spirit" named Huepow, decide to investigate. After fighting several small, round creatures called Moos, they reach the top of the mountain, only to find two mysterious men. They learn that the leader's name is Ghadius, and his accomplice is a short sinister-looking clown called Joka, and together they are searching for a pendant that holds certain magical properties. They kidnap a woman named Lephise, and after returning to their village, Klonoa and Huepow decide to chase after them.
Gameplay
Klonoa: Door to Phantomile combines standard sidescroller elements with unique gameplay enhancements for the time it was initially released. The rendered, three-dimensional backgrounds could not be walked into, and Klonoa is restricted to moving only left or right in the foreground. The player defeats enemies by utilizing Klonoa's special weapon called the "Wind Bullet", a device resembling a ring that can fire a small burst of wind straight forward. When this "bullet" hits an enemy, it will pull them into Klonoa's arms, allowing him to lift them over his head. From this position, he can either throw them straight forward, taking out any other enemy they hit, or use them to perform a double-jump that will allow Klonoa to reach places he normally couldn't. Also, by holding down the jump button, Klonoa can float in mid-air for a short duration by flapping his large ears, somewhat increasing his jump height in the process.
Klonoa will have to run, jump, and solve various puzzles in order to advance through each of the game's levels, called "visions". Several environmental factors like small, localized tornados and springboards can be used to launch Klonoa up or forward, and he will have to use these to make it past certain obstacles. Each vision also has a certain number of Phantomilians (the residents of Phantomile) that are lost and need to be rescued. By finding them all, special bonus levels will be made available after the player has beaten the game.
Characters
- Klonoa
The main character who the player gets to control. A happy creature living in Breezegale, the Wind Village. He's known for his long ears and blue hat. He's always running around the fields with his childhood friend, Huepow. Klonoa journeys with Huepow to stop the evil Ghadius from taking possession of a powerul artifact, the Moon Pendant. By using his special "wind bullet", he is able to use his enemies to his advantage.
- Huepow
Klonoa's best friend who resembles a floating blue sphere with a face. A spirit who lives inside a ring that fell from the sky one day. Huepow normally stays inside the Ring and helps Klonoa use the power of the wind. Huepow also periodically comes out of the Ring to offer Klonoa advice.
- Ghadius
A Dark Spirit who awoke from his long slumber. He imprisonment in sleep was a punishment that was decreed by the Spirits. Ghadius plots to turn Phantomile into a world of nightmares. He controls the World of Darkness and has the ability to warp space. Ghadius is aided by his bumbling but well-meaning assistant, Joka.
- Joka
Joka is a loyal servant of Ghadius who just tries his best to please him. All he really wants is to be recognized by Ghadius. Still, something about him just doesn't seem right. He can harness the powers of darness a little bit. Loud-mouthed and rude, he lives to make Klonoa's life difficult and will stop at nothing to keep him from reaching his master.
- Lephise
The legendary Diva who can sing the Song of Rebirth to give life back to the world again. She is chased by Ghadius, the Dark Spirit, who wants to corrupt her powers.
- Balue
Balue used to be Head Mason at the Guston Mine. He believes in the legend of the Diva laphise. He says it's his ultimate dream to go to the Moon Kingdom, where she lives. He's a hopeless romantic.
Packaging artwork
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Kaze no Klonoa: Door to Phantomile Original Soundtrack
Japan, 1998 -
Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
North America, 1998 -
Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
Europe, 1998
