From the opening tutorial missions I was enamored with La Cosa Entertainment’s Klaus. From it’s quirky dialogue, to it’s simple yet fun gameplay, there is plenty of enjoyment here for players. However, as creative the levels are, and witty the dialogue is, the lack of challenge in Klaus was often mind-numbing. While there were certainly plenty of levels that caused me to slip up and die, it never went past a second attempt to clear any particular obstacle. But that’s truly when Klaus made me question what this game was trying to present to me: an intriguing story, or a challenging platformer?
Klaus certainly is more of an intriguing story rather than challenging it’s players. Waking up in the basement of a mysterious building, players assume the role of Klaus, a witty and grumbling man. As Klaus traverses higher up the building to discover what has happened to him, revelations appear as to what his purpose is in this world. Along for the ride is an ominous person (the player) who talks to Klaus, and is able to control various objects in the world. Players have the ability (as they are playing themselves) to use the PS4 touch pad to manipulate various devices throughout levels to help Klaus get to the finish line. Also along for the ride is K1, a hulking brute who bares a striking resemblance to our main hero. K1 is able to smash through various blocks, as well as having the ability to throw Klaus to platforms just out of reach.
Playing as all 3 personalities (Klaus, K1 and the ominous voice) really opens up and diversifies the level design. While the game is very linear in nature, I found that since Klaus is telling a story rather than offering robust gameplay, which works to the game’s benefit. I never once felt the need to turn back and go back through the mission (save for the various hidden objects throughout levels). I felt perfectly fine playing through several levels, and then inching my way through the story.
The visuals never truly impressed me, as each world has a different color palette. While not a bad looking game by any means, after a while of playing the environments felt bland and disjointed. This could also be seen in a positive light, as the color palettes seem to play into the psyche of Klaus himself.
