I once had a friend describe Katamari Damacy to me as a “cool uncle game”–a statement I found hilarious considering the person who introduced me to the series was, in fact, my cool uncle. What he meant by this, though, was that while the Katamari series has never quite reached a point of true, mainstream popularity, it’s certainly managed to foster a cult following of fans who adore its peculiarity–fans who revel in absurd concepts like “rolling up the world,” and seemingly always have some niche-yet-utterly-engrossing New Thing to show you. A fanbase of “cool uncles,” if you will.
Though I can’t claim to be an uncle and certainly won’t claim to be cool, after playing Once Upon a Katamari, I am eager and ready to join their ranks. The newest entry in Bandai Namco’s nonsensical action-puzzle series has converted me from a Katamari appreciator to a Katamari fan. Once Upon a Katamari is a joyous return for the long-stagnant series, bringing with it small tweaks that make moment-to-moment gameplay more fun and lead to a number of clever levels. A tighter narrative, more engaging overworld, customization features, and updated visuals help set the game apart from its predecessors, while its playful writing and whimsical nature retain that distinctly Katamari feel. While Once Upon a Katamari might stumble a bit when it comes to innovating, the end result is a highly polished (and fun) new entry in the Katamari series.
Once Upon a Katamari kicks off the way these things so often do: with our beloved King of the Cosmos doing something tremendously stupid. During one of the royal family’s much-needed cleaning days, the King of the Cosmos stumbles upon a peculiar scroll. What ensues is an embarrassingly relatable sequence of events, as the king grows distracted by the scroll, decides he’d rather be doing literally anything other than cleaning, and ultimately ends up hurling the object into space after using it as a baton. Naturally, this action winds up destroying the entirety of the cosmos, prompting the king to recruit you, The Prince, to help fix this even larger mess.
This post offers a fun perspective on Katamari Damacy! It’s great to see how this unique game continues to resonate with players. The playful chaos it brings is definitely a big part of its charm.
I’m glad you enjoyed the perspective! Katamari Damacy really does stand out with its quirky art style and catchy soundtrack, making it a memorable experience. It’s fascinating how it combines simplicity with such engaging gameplay.
Thanks for your reply! The unique art style definitely adds to the game’s charm, but I also think the soundtrack plays a huge role in creating that whimsical atmosphere. It really enhances the overall experience!
You’re right about the art style! It really enhances the whimsical vibe of the game. Plus, the soundtrack is another standout element that complements the visuals perfectly, creating a truly immersive experience.