Klonoa Beach Volleyball

Klonoa Beach Volleyball takes the familiar hero to a sandy area, where games are played according to the rules of beach volleyball and in pairs. Outwardly, this is light fun, but behind simple serves there is a noticeable amount of tactics hidden: the choice of position and the distribution of roles in the team matter more than the speed of reaction. In addition to matches, there is a competitive mode where pairs fight for championship. Characters have different characteristics and special moves, so team composition is a strategic decision. Some are strong in attacking at the net, others are better at taking difficult balls, and it’s not easy to find a working combination right away. The controls are accessible, and the rhythm of the matches is fast: short rallies, exchange of blows, instant counterattacks. The game goes especially well in a group, because the game lasts a couple of minutes and you immediately want to play more. It is also worth noting that there are several courts in the game, and the conditions on them differ: in some places the wind interferes with the serve, in others the rebound is lower and you have to play faster. There is also a story mode with short scenes where the heroes communicate between matches. Four of us can play pairs against pairs, and this is the most fun part of volleyball here. The difficulty of the opponents is customizable, so a pair of an experienced player and a beginner can play together without offense: the younger one will simply be given an easier level. The design is silly, the characters are cartoonish, the music is upbeat. There's no serious sports experience to be found here, but the Klonoa Beach Volleyball is a rare case where volleyball is turned into a friendly arcade game for all ages.