The 2D-platformer is possibly the most iconic and prevalent genre in video games today. At times, it seems like there’s another one being released every day. So coming across a unique 2D-platformer feels like a rare treat, and Klaus might very well be that treat. Developed by La Cosa Entertainment, Klaus is a 2D-platformer in the vein of Thomas was alone, however the main aspect that the two have in common is that you control two separate characters with different abilities and attributes at the same time to get through levels.
Klaus does everything you’d expect a platformer to do, except that there are times when Klaus, the eponymous character himself, will actively rebel against the player.
He doesn’t know who he is, he doesn’t know where he is. All he knows is that he woke up with the name “Klaus” written on his arm. And thus, Klaus begins his journey through the nightmare maze he woke up in. Although he’s just a normal dude, Klaus is adept at hacking computers to manipulate the environment around him. However, he is not alone.
As you begin the game, it becomes immediately apparent that the player is a separate character from Klaus. As you control Klaus through the levels, he will make various references to being controlled by something. And that’s only compounded by the fact that the player can manipulate certain objects in the environment without any input from Klaus at all. There are even times when Klaus will get fed up with the player and break free of the player’s control. When this happens, it’s up to the player to do whatever it takes to prevent Klaus from killing himself.
Klaus isn’t the only character you take control of however, K1 is a character that appears to be the caveman version of the titular hero. K1 one is a big beefy guy with an ever present smile on his face and a cape that lets him glide through the air. If Klaus is the brains, K1 is the brawn. As you control K1, you can smash through certain surfaces, enemies, and objects with K1’s various attacks. Whereas Klaus is more or less defenseless and can only really run away from enemies. You need to utilize both Klaus and K1’s abilities to get through levels, Klaus can hack terminals to open up new pathways and K1 can break though obstacles. And since Klaus is so small, K1 can easily through him around to get to previously inaccessible areas.
There’s a lot of secrets hidden in the levels of Klaus, and they’re all tied to who Klaus actually is, and why he’s in this weird maze.
The secrets and mysteries that surround Klaus will all be revealed when the game is launched in January 2016.