Last night, Twitter account Klonoa Archives posted an update showing Bandai Namco filed a new trademark for its long-dormant Klonoa franchise. The trademark details are mostly in Japanese but can be found here.

The filing is for Klonoa of the Wind Encore. That might sound like a brand-new game to Western ears — something many have long hoped for — but Klonoa of the Wind is actually the original Japanese name for what we know as Klonoa: The Door to Phantomile.

Tacking "encore" onto the title is also what Bandai Namco did for the remake of Katamari Damacy, leading most to believe Klonoa of the Wind Encore this is another remaster of a classic — not a new entry in the series.

Some are saying that's not necessarily true, though, that Door to Phantomile was already remade on the Wii in Japan, and Bandai wouldn't work on another remake.

However, it's worth noting the Wii version is 10 years old now, released in a time when cat stars like Klonoa weren't as appreciated as they are now. It also didn't feature all that many upgrades or improvements over the original, save in the visuals department.

Katamari Damacy Reroll enhanced the original Katamari Damacy with some quality of life tweaks, namely in controls and cutscenes, and improved the game's graphics. Given Door to Phantomile's age, a remaster isn't entirely out of the question or unwarranted.

Meanwhile, the publisher has also filed trademarks for several other "Encore" titles, including Splatterhouse and Mr. Driller, among others.

We'll likely know more about these mysterious new filings soon enough, whenever Bandai Namco officially announces the new Klonoa project and other Encore initiatives.

With Crash Bandicoot making his long-awaited return  and Sonic The Hedgehog getting what looks to be a decent game for the first time in six years, it's about time that mainstream platformers mount a comeback and make an impact on mainstream gaming as the genre did in the 1990s.

Maybe it's time some of these characters made a welcome return...

Gex 

Originally developed by Crystal Dynamics, Gex saw his debut in 1995, on the 3DO, PlayStation, Microsoft Windows and Sega Saturn. The series revolves around the titular character getting sucked into his TV and exploring channels while finding a way to defeat his rival, Rez. Many pop culture references are seen throughout the series.

The first game was seen as a standard 2D platformer/collectathon, in which players would run and jump through levels. A feature unique to the series is that Gex would be able to stick to walls so he could bypass enemies and hazards. With the release of Gex: Enter The Gecko, the gameplay style shifted into a 3D perspective, borrowing aspects from Super Mario 64, including a hub world.

The final game in the series, Deep Cover Gecko, kept the 3D gameplay of its older brother and also incorporated aspects seen in the first game.

Gex hasn't seen a release since 1999, but in February 2015, Square Enix announced that developers would be able to develop games using old IPs, so perhaps there's hope for the green gecko yet.

Croc 

Developed by Argonaut Software, Croc began life as a 3D Mario spin-off starring Yoshi, but eventually moulded into its own game, with gameplay revolving around exploring levels, collecting crystals and rescuing Gabbos, who was captured by Baron Dante.

The game was developed for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn and PC, with a Game Boy Colour version being developed by Virtucraft.

A sequel, Croc 2, was released a few years later, along with a couple of mobile games as well.

But alas, Argonaut Software are no longer with us, so while a Croc remaster or sequel is highly unlikely, you never know in the world of Kickstarter and crowdfunding. Maybe some intrepid, nostalgic developer will bring Croc back to life. 

Klonoa

One that I don't hear much about, Klonoa entered our hearts in 1998. Developed by Namco, Klonoa: Door to Phantomile was released on PlayStation and was well received by critics, considered by many to be one of the best games available in the Playstation's library.

Exploring a 2.5D environment, players had to guide Klonoa through levels known as "Visions" and utilise a weapon called "The Wind Bullet," which allowed Klonoa to lift enemies above his head and use them to defeat other enemies or to reach higher locations.

The game was re-released on Wii in 2009, but apart from that, no other games in the series have been made. But with an apparent anime film being made, maybe Namco will give Klonoa a second chance.

Ristar 

Ristar was developed from a concept originally intended for Sonic the Hedgehog, where Ristar was a rabbit with extendable ears. Afterwards, the concept was used to create Ristar, whom would use his extendable arms to defeat enemies and reach platforms, something never seen before. 

The original game was released in 1995 on the Sega Megadrive/Genesis. There was also a GameGear release, which had different level designs and gameplay mechanics.

Since then, Ristar has been seen only in cameos, such as appearing as a 'Gachapon' in Shenmue and as the flagman in Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed. But with a high demand from fans that they want the character to return in a full-fledged game, here's hoping Sega let this star shine bright again.

Zool

Anyone remember this? I sure do!

Zool was developed as a rival to Sonic The Hedgehog, boasting high-speed gameplay across colourful environments while collecting items to progress through the game's seven worlds. The game also included mini-games, which included a space shooter and other arcade games.

The game was released by Gremlin Graphics in October 1992 and was made available on a multitude of consoles including, but not limited to, Amiga, Sega Megadrive/Genesis, Atari ST and SNES.

A sequel was also made, which kept the gameplay style the same but also introduced new characters, Zooz, Zool's female companion, and Zoon, his faithful dog.

The sequel's ending contained a hint of another sequel, but nothing came to fruition. However, with Ian Stewart, the founder of Gremlin Graphics, picking up the company's assets with his new company, Urbanscan Ltd, we'll have to wait and see. And we can only hope. 

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So, there we are. While the indie platforming scene is bustling with new and innovative titles that are expanding the genre, it would be wonderful to see these old platforming vanguards reappear in the mainstream scene and reinvigorate the platforming genre for new and old fans alike. 

Do you remember these games? Are there any platforming greats that I have missed that you feel should have been included? Sound off in the comments below! 

Where there is internet, there are cats.

As such, cats are now a frequent part of the gaming community. Often appearing in the funniest or cutest situations, depending on the respective person views on felines.

Unfortunately, just like real life, cats tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to treatment in video games, often finding themselves as villainous foes in them more often than protagonists. They even have several extraordinarily violent games against cats, which made this writer's faith in humanity waver a few times.

Even so, cats have still been in several games as the protagonist and whether they are shooting enemies or playing a game of rock/paper/scissors, cats have finally gotten their due in video games. The following list is a top ten list of the video games about cats.

In order to make it onto this this, a game must have a cat in a leading role, rather than a party member, so games where a cat joins your party do not count. Also, we are not counting games that haven’t come out yet, like Catlateral Damage.

10. Catz (and all cat care games)

Pet care games are not uncommon in the video game industry and they certainly won’t go away any time soon. For people who love animals, what better way to express that love to not only own a bunch of animals but own a bunch of digital animals as well!

The only things that put the Catz games above the rest in this category is the fact you can breed your pets and get some weirdly wonderful combinations. While the animation might not be top-notch, it is pretty cool to see your strange hybrid babies come to life. That and playing with your pets on your desktop is a magical experience that everyone should enjoy at one point in their life.

9. Alley Cat

Alley Cat was first ever game that had a cat as a protagonist and it certainly shows. Back in the Atari era not many people knew how to make video games, so it should be no surprise that this title is more than slightly chaotic. This is one of those bizarre older platformers where you'll have no idea you’re supposed to do unless you have an instruction manual or a walkthrough right next to you at all times.

It has piercing music that made my cats let out a yowl when they heard it, but it was still oddly fun to play. If for no other reason, other than you have no idea what is going on, it’s just plain hilarious to see just how far you can get.

8. Asameshimae Nyanko 

A Japanese-only Famicom game that is still available to play for us who are unfamiliar with the language (you just need a walkthrough), Asameshimae Nyanko is a board game based around a combinations of the game Reversi and Rock, Paper, Scissors. It’s a bit of an odd game, but it does feature kittens playfully chasing things and play battling each other.

If you can find a copy online or you just want a fun, challenging game with different colored kitties playing around, this will be the game for you. If you don’t like difficult puzzle games that requires a translation guide, however, I wouldn’t play this one.  

7. Red Earth

A fighting game with a man-cat protagonist who is attempting to not only save his kingdom but reverse the curse placed on him that rendered him in his current Lion Man state. In spite its obscure Capcom CPS-3 arcade hardware, which was only somewhat distributed overseas, Red Earth was what helped Capcom perfect their 2d Fighting formula.

Leo being a big part of that, some of his moves reflecting with later characters like Zangief. Not only that but Leo is quite a fearsome fighter and despite his Leonic appearance being a curse, it still makes him one of the cats on this list, if only because of the fact that he appears in later games as a cameo character with the same head.

6. Klonoa

In spite of his long rabbit like ears and unknown species, Klonoa was regarded by most of his designers as a cat, which is why I’m going to place him on this list. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile is a fun old-school PlayStation platformer series that never seemed to take off as much as other series like Crash Bandicoot or Spyro. Despite being extraordinarily solid in its first installment in 1998, the cute little cat-mutant-thing never really saw the massive popularity that the others did.

Perhaps the alternate design that his creator was planning for the west would have been a good idea to get the little guy a better reception in the west, but personally, Klonoa’s design just fits for him and the world he is in. He never had the same “edge” as other main animal characters which made him appeal more to some than others. 

The series has attempted to remake itself and has plenty of sequels, but not many paid attention to the bizarre little guy. The games were a sort of forgotten gem for the most part and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who has actively played every game in the series.

5. Ratchet and Clank

Okay, I know Ratchet isn’t *technically* a cat but he looks like one, so that’s close enough. He has more traits of a Bobcat than Bubsy, so we say he counts! Ratchet goes on intergalactic adventures throughout the Galaxies with his best friend Clank all while shooting, saving, and doing all sorts of adventure-y things. 

Ratchet is the "straight man" of the duo and Clank acts as the "stooge" - with his occasional cat-like tendencies, the cat + robot dynamic is all the more amusing. While this alien cat might not be a typical cat, he has the attitude of a true-blue cat. If there is any species that eliminates enemies quickly, it’s a cat (just without guns, I suppose).

4. Blinx: The Time Sweeper

It is said that Blinx was a purposed mascot for Xbox, but due to the games lack of popularity, Xbox went for the more mature character of Master Chief instead. In spite of this, Blinx: The Time Sweeper is a pretty solid game with a great animal protagonist.

Blinx was controlling time long before the Prince of Persia: Sands Of Time swept the same generation of consoles. Not only that, but this anthropomorphic feline had humor without being obnoxious (I’m looking at you Bubsy) and it’s a little depressing that this game didn’t get a whole franchise. It did get a sequel, but the gaming public wasn’t receptive of this adorable little orange cat and his time-controlling ways.

3. Aqua Kitty: Milk Mine Defender

This arcade shooter takes place in a world where cats have evolved to the point that they can fly space ships, operate heavy machinery, and become the most competent miners we’ve ever seen. With this terrifying thought in mind, the general plot is that around the world milk has run dry and it is your responsibility to drill to the bottom of the ocean to get it. You use a varied array of weaponry to defend the milk mining machines and is a lot like classic shooters that you’d play in the arcades. The only difference: it’s all cats. 

It might seem easy at first, but Aqua Kitty can be surprisingly challenging at points - sending players through endless swarms of enemies. With a co-op system, chip tune music, and various adorable kitty sprites, this is one of those games that is equal parts odd and extraordinary fun.

2. Sushi Cat

What can you say about Sushi Cat that hasn’t already been said in the title? The game is like Pachinko, which is very popular in Japan, and but this has a cat instead of a Pachinko ball: you drop a tubby little cat that feels no pain through various levels so he can eat as much sushi as possible. This game is simple and addictive. Not only that but it is a very calming game, you won’t get frustrated while playing.

All of the Sushi Cat games are free on Armor Games and they are worth playing at least once. Who knows, these games are so terribly addictive you might find yourself falling in love.

1. Claw

Claw is a game where you are a pirate cat, Captain Claw, who wants to find the treasure and avoid recapture by the Cocker Spaniards. No that’s not a typo, that’s the exact name for the enemies in the game. Puns aside, this game is high-flying action with sword fighting, exploring, and fluid in-game animations that rival even some of the best on the platform at the time. It’s one of those games where you feel really accomplished after you complete a level; you'll feel like you've really achieved something.

Captain Claw himself is a great character, especially as a sort of villainous protagonist. Think of the Pirates of the Caribbean films... but with cats. While the voice acting and animation sync for the cutscenes might be laughably bad at times, this game and its fearsome feline captain makes it a game to remember.

With the popularity of cats on the internet, there will no doubt be some more games with cat protagonists coming our way. This is certainly not all of the games with a cat as the main protagonist but, these are certainly the most memorable.