Klonoa: Empire of Dreams - Game Boy Advance

Featuring 40 levels and spanning five worlds, this title mixes up gameplay nicely. Action stages are traditional 2-D platform levels similar to classic Mario and Sonic games. In these levels Klonoa runs or rides a hoverboard through obstacle-filled lands. Boss stages pit him against a large creature with a hidden weak point. The most engaging levels are the puzzle stages that require Klonoa to gather three keys to unlock the exit. These stages are very well designed and require thought and imagination on the player’s part. In order to reach some keys Klonoa will need to grab certain objects, monsters, or a combination thereof to reach his goal. As each monster produces a different effect when thrown and surfaces react differently when hit, lots of trial and error is required.

Although the graphics are very bright, they aren’t as detailed as in other GBA games. The sound is excellent but the cute music and effects--particularly the gibberish language spoken by the characters--might annoy older gamers. Those with an aversion to cuteness should turn the volume down, sit back and enjoy one of the best platform games for the GBA.--Raymond M. Padilla

Pros: Excellent level design Good use of the GBA’s sound capabilities Classic gameplay that’s perfect for fans of 16-bit platform games

Cons: Sound might be too cute for mature gamers Graphics lack detail Can be finished in fewer than 10 hours