The Royal Return We’ve Been Waiting For
For over a decade, fans of the weird and wonderful have been waiting. Sure, we’ve had some fantastic remasters, but a truly new, full-fat Katamari Damacy game has been the stuff of legend. Well, the wait is over. The King of All Cosmos has graced us with his presence once again in Once Upon a Katamari, and according to the rave reviews rolling in, it’s the triumphant return we’ve all been dreaming of.
The first all-new installment in the series since the PS Vita era has landed, and critics are in near-unanimous agreement: this is the best the series has been since its PS2 glory days. It’s a joyous, hilarious, and absurdly fun adventure that perfectly captures the magic that made Katamari a cult classic in the first place.
More of What You Love, Polished to a Shine
If you’re new to the cosmos, the premise is simple: as the tiny Prince, you roll a magical, sticky ball called a katamari. As you roll, you pick up objects, starting with thumbtacks and moving up to cats, cars, buildings, and eventually entire islands. The goal is to make your katamari as big as possible. It’s a simple concept that delivers an unparalleled sense of scale and pure, chaotic joy.
Once Upon a Katamari doesn’t try to reinvent this perfect formula. Instead, it refines it. IGN, which gave the game a stellar 9/10, perfectly summed it up: “This appropriately ostentatious, energetic return is the best the Katamari series has been since the PlayStation 2 era” [277]. Gamespot awarded it an 8/10, calling it a “joyous return for the long-stagnant series” and the new “must-play title” for fans and newcomers alike [278]. With a solid Metacritic score hovering around 80, the message is clear: Katamari is back, and it’s as good as ever [288].
A Hilarious Roll Through History
The story this time is that the King of All Cosmos, in his infinite and clumsy majesty, has accidentally erased all of human history. It’s up to you, the Prince, to travel back in time and roll up everything from different historical eras to restore the timeline. This theme is where the game truly shines, offering up some of the most creative and memorable levels in the franchise’s history.
One minute you’re in Ancient Greece on a “Philosopher Hunt,” where rolling up famous thinkers plasters their quotes across your screen [278]. The next, you’re in the Wild West, rolling up outlaws in a loving homage to classic cinema [277]. The writing is sharper and funnier than ever, with the King’s pompous and bizarre monologues delivering constant laughs. Critics have hailed it as a “masterclass of comedic writing and localization” [277]. And, of course, the legendary soundtrack is back, with a mix of infectious J-pop and funky instrumental tracks that will be stuck in your head for weeks.
Any Clumps in the Cosmos?
Is it a flawless masterpiece? Not quite, but the criticisms are minor. A few reviewers wished the game had been even more innovative, pushing the formula further instead of just perfecting it [278]. The graphics, while charmingly stylized, haven’t seen a massive leap forward, which some found a little disappointing [291].
Ultimately, Once Upon a Katamari knows exactly what it is: a quirky, weird, and wonderful game that prioritizes pure fun above all else. Its oddball controls and niche humor are part of its DNA, and while that might keep it from getting a perfect score from every outlet, it’s also precisely what fans love about it.
FAQs
What is Once Upon a Katamari?
It is the first brand-new, main-series Katamari game in over a decade. It’s an action-puzzle game where you roll a sticky ball to pick up objects and make it as big as possible.
Is it a sequel or a remake?
It’s a completely new sequel with a new story, new levels, and new music.
Do I need to play the other games first?
Not at all! The story is standalone, and the gameplay is easy to pick up. Critics agree it’s a perfect starting point for newcomers.
What are the reviews like?
They are overwhelmingly positive. Most major outlets have scored it an 8/10 or 9/10, praising it as a fantastic return to form for the series.
What’s new in this game?
The main new feature is the time-travel theme, which leads to creative levels set throughout history. It also features a tighter narrative and a new multiplayer mode called KatamariBall.
Is the soundtrack as good as the originals?
Yes! Critics have universally praised the new soundtrack, calling it a highlight of the experience and a worthy successor to the classic Katamari tunes.
Conclusion
In a world of gritty, serious AAA blockbusters, Once Upon a Katamari is a vibrant, goofy, and utterly essential breath of fresh air. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself seriously and is laser-focused on one thing: making you smile. By celebrating what has always made the series special-the humor, the music, the absurdity of it all-Bandai Namco has delivered a fantastic and much-welcomed return to one of gaming’s most unique universes. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, you owe it to yourself to answer the King’s call. It’s time to roll.