Namco Bandai exploring possibility of localizing, ruining Klonoa remake
by JC Fletcher 
{ Oct 30th 2008 at 11:47AM }
GoNintendo's RMC reports that he received a survey from Namco Bandai all about Klonoa. There's only one reason that they would survey American gamers about this particular character at this time: they want to release the Wii remake of Door to Phantomile! Send us the survey -- we'll fill in the YES PLZ box.
Further confirming the tentative localization plans, and depressing the hell out of us, one of the questions asked responders to choose which character design they preferred between these two: Klonoa's character art from the actual game, and a redesign in which Klonoa is apparently a wingless bat. The long ears are kind of important to gameplay, guys. And the Pac-Man hat is pretty important to us. At least if they're considering redesigning the character, Namco Bandai is probably hoping to give Klonoa a big marketing push.
Further confirming the tentative localization plans, and depressing the hell out of us, one of the questions asked responders to choose which character design they preferred between these two: Klonoa's character art from the actual game, and a redesign in which Klonoa is apparently a wingless bat. The long ears are kind of important to gameplay, guys. And the Pac-Man hat is pretty important to us. At least if they're considering redesigning the character, Namco Bandai is probably hoping to give Klonoa a big marketing push.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Roto13 @ Oct 30th 2008 11:52AM
lol @ marketing to westerners
Torokun @ Oct 30th 2008 12:26PM
Yeah~!
Those genius at the marketing dept are working hard
>_<
Seriously... What are they doing? First, they don't promote one of the best games during the PS1 era. And now that they have a chance to revitalize an important IP, they are letting the opinions of people who are not too familiar with the franchise to influence their decision?
This is sort of thing that makes me believe business world is highly over rated in the entertainment business.
RAWRzilla @ Oct 31st 2008 10:08AM
He's dressed like fricking Sora from Kingdom Hearts.
They should keep the Klonoa we all know and love
Feba @ Oct 30th 2008 2:02PM
I am going to e-mail them and tell them something along the lines of 'FUCK NO.'
I will ask friends to do the same.
You should too.
Evan @ Oct 30th 2008 2:36PM
I was so excited about an update to this great PSX game. Please don't ruin it by changing Klonoa's character design!
Kogen @ Oct 30th 2008 4:54PM
No Pac-man hat = no sale.
pinkechidna @ Oct 30th 2008 5:06PM
DO NOT FUCKING WANT.
Surlent @ Oct 30th 2008 5:26PM
Decidedly more cat-like... but definitely less Klonoa-like. Do not want. They should let me at that survey.
Arceus @ Oct 30th 2008 5:41PM
Here is the survey!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2qr8HR0wgsGpd4_2f0Yk6kFQ_3d_3d
Shiningmonk_e @ Oct 30th 2008 6:00PM
I like the new character design but regret the lack of hat.
Cyber-Tyrant @ Oct 30th 2008 7:53PM
Maybe as a bonus character or something for a possible Hard mode, but other than that, Klonoa should stay the way he is...
ChibiKawase @ Oct 30th 2008 9:59PM
That's actually Klonoa's original design.
TX2 @ Oct 30th 2008 10:06PM
The Lop Ears have to stay. It's just like the Mimiga ears in cave story. It's like some sort of international symbol for the cartoonishly supernatural.
Kyte @ Oct 30th 2008 10:58PM
THE SURVEY
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2qr8HR0wgsGpd4_2f0Yk6kFQ_3d_3d
Everyone take it and show hate to the fake Klonoa! And show support for Klonoa coming to NA!
Steph @ Nov 1st 2008 4:01AM
What is Namco thinking? They need to leave Klonoa's design as it is. They did so in the other games released here, so why are they even considering a redesign? It doesn't make any sense. The redesign is a little cute, but it is NOT Klonoa and is not nearly as original as Klonoa's adorable design.
If it's not broken, don't fix it! Leave Klonoa's design ALONE!! >_
El Ché @ Nov 1st 2008 9:11PM
Yes, leave the Klonoa we all "KNOW" and love ALONE!!!!! Who do you think you all are Namco Bandai, SEGA? Only they can get away with a complete change of their cast character design for Sonic.
Anonymus @ Nov 9th 2008 8:38PM
I think the poor little freak you guys love is doomed to be more and more sonic-ified, and a whole lot less feline (and unique for that matter) as time goes by.
Tray @ Nov 19th 2008 12:41AM
Clothes from new design + Classic hat and ears = Pure awesome!
@tomic @ Nov 30th 2008 6:50PM
Taking away Klonoa's floppy ears is like shaving Mario's mustache.
YOU JUST DON'T DO THAT SHIT.
TJF588 @ Dec 23rd 2008 7:54AM
http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/klonoa-to-north-america-in-spring/
Confirmed as classic. However, I agree that the clothes can be updated without incident... but to get rid of that goofy head? That's much too drastic a shift.