
I think Klonoa is one of the best 2-D platformers ever made! Of course I also really like Kirby games, too, so...
I suggest sticking it out until the end of Klonoa. The final parts of the game get surprisingly dark for such a cutesy title. And if you collect all the little Phantomilians in every level, you'll unlock a super hard secret stage!
I just wrote a blog about PlayStation games, myself. If you get a chance, I'd encourage you to read it.