Klonoa Beach Volleyball - PlayStation

Got packs, screens, info?
Klonoa Beach Volleyball (PlayStation)
Viewed: 3D Side-on, Scrolling Genre:
Sport: Volleyball
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Namco Soft. Co.: Namco
Publishers: Sony (GB)
Released: 20 Sept 2002 (GB)
Ratings: 3+
Accessories: Memory Card, Digital JoyPad, Dual Shock JoyPad

Summary

Beach Volleyball hasn't exactly had its share of video game clones in the last 25 years, but recently it appears there's a whole library of them, covering most major platforms since the 32-bit era of PlayStation and Saturn. Namco's Klonoa Beach Volleyball is one such game for PlayStation and features the big-eared cat-like cretin himself.

Klonoa Beach Volleyball sees the entire cast of the previous Klonoa platform games taking part in a game of, erm, volleyball, to which you are invited. You can participate in any of three typical game modes - Championship, Exhibition and Training - and pit your skills against both CPU players and friends.

A simplified gaming experience, KBV isn't held down by simulator style mechanics that can sometimes been seen in games like Power Spike and Beach Spikers. It's designed for kids and comes with a great Nintendo-style interface and a wonderfully simple control method.

And to bring a little fantasy into an already surreal sports game, a series of graphical effects and unique character attacks have been brought into play. Some of the more extravagant moves take on the form of lightning bolts and even the ball itself can change shape, but all characters are carefully balanced to offer a fair game. No cheaters here!

Up to four players can compete via just two control pads, negating the need for a multi-tap, which is a great idea that is rarely employed in games of late. Some will prefer a controller all to themselves, but at least the option is there.

It's another volleyball game then, and there isn't another one quite like it. Klonoa's world is certainly unique, as is this game. Summer may be gone, but beach volleyball can be found on your PlayStation.