Klaus

Klaus is an unusual, post-modern platformer that reflects on what it means to be alive.

With enjoyable puzzles and an enthralling narrative, playing Klaus is a delight from start to finish

Klaus is a good game that takes too long to become so. The commentary baked into its narrative bleeds into the gameplay resulting in mechanics that are not provided enough nourishment to grow and an exposition that will lose many due to its over-commitment to delivering a message. The initial impression leaves a bad taste, and in a world where first impressions matter, this is difficult to overlook.

Despite its shortcomings and unfortunate slip towards the end, Klaus stands as an admirable and respectable first outing for La Cosa Entertainment.

Klaus is an impeccable experience from top to bottom. Platforming is engaging and tight, the puzzles will keep you on your toes, and the story offers up something that matches mind-blowing tales such as Limbo or Inside. The struggle with managing all the moving parts and some unfortunate flashing lights aren't enough to bring this one down too far on the list of stellar platforming experiences on the Nintendo Switch.

While puzzle platformers are represented in abundance in the indie space, there are definitely ones that put in some extra effort to stand out...

Reading back over this I feel I've been a little too harsh on Klaus, it is an entertaining game; it's a good game.

Overall Klaus is a solid linear, story-based platformer. Hardcore players of platformers looking for a challenge should look elsewhere. From a mysterious story to solid yet fun gameplay, Klaus is a game that should be enjoyable for anyone.

Conventionally speaking, Klaus is a game like many others. It has some action, and a plot, and a few boss fights. But the way that it presents its story, and the way that the story is able to form a reflection of itself in the mind of the player, is unlike most games I've experienced. One might even call it bizarre. In the span of six to eight hours, Klaus goes from being a platformer, another title in one of the most universal gaming genres imaginable, to an experience well outside the realm of expectation. Players who want a simple platforming game will find a few twists on the old formulas, but those who are open to discovering a deeper meaning within games, specifically those who often associate themselves with a game's protagonist, will find much and more to enjoy with Klaus.

KLAUS is a successful debut of a small studio with a big heart. The game won't let you go until you reach the end credits. Giving Klaus a chance is worth it because good platformers are rarer and rarer.