Bandai Namco has been creating memorable games for years, even before the two companies merged in 2005. On the Namco side of things, one IP that's been somewhat neglected in recent times is the Klonoa series, which hasn't seen a title in 13 years. A recent trademark filing by the series' owner seems to suggest the little lop-eared critter might be coming back to new audiences soon in a potential remaster or two.
Klonoa started out on the PlayStation in Klonoa: Door to Phantomile, and had a few sequels to follow as time passed. The first title was remastered for the Nintendo Wii, but beyond a webcomic on defunct website ShiftyLook, not much has been seen for the 2.5D platformer since. In 2019, a "Klonoa Encore" trademark was registered in Japan, but nothing came out of it.
Now, interestingly in the same month as the "Klonoa Encore" trademark registration two years ago, Bandai Namco has filed for a trademark for something called "Wahoo Encore." It may not seem attached to Klonoa at first, but dedicated fans of the series know that "Wahoo" is the catchphrase of Klonoa himself, being seen and heard on all of the title screens of his outings.
To add to the speculation, "Encore" is the title that Bandai Namco gives its remasters in Japan. Katamari Damacy Reroll, for instance, was known as "Katamari Damacy Encore" to Japan's audience. Alongside the "Wahoo Encore" trademark was another filing for something along the lines of "1&2 Encore," which has some fans even more assured that something with Klonoa is in the works due to the fact that the series has two main flagship titles, with Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil.
It's a curious situation that fans might want to keep an eye on for sure, as despite how little evidence there is, Bandai Namco has tried to bring back Klonoa a fair few times in the past. A trademark under "Wahoo Encore" doesn't leave for much hope that the little black-and-white critter will return to current consoles, but anything about whatever this project is needs to be taken with a grain of salt until information surfaces from the company itself.
Klonoa might have a rather well-timed return if he does get another shot at a title, as numerous different platforming mascots from the '90s have had remasters as of late; such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon. At the end of the day, it's all up to how Bandai Namco keeps Klonoa relevant, even if a remaster is to be announced, before fans can even dream of an entirely new title.
Source: chizai-watch.com