Few games blend chaos and nostalgia in the way Katamari does, captivating both veteran fans and those new to the franchise. Once Upon a Katamari, Bandai Namco Entertainment’s latest entry after a 14-year gap, invites players to re-immerse themselves in the quirky universe led by the Prince and his often critical father, the King of the Cosmos. With updated mechanics and creative level designs, the game challenges users not only to collect everyday items but also to navigate imaginative historic settings across time—a feature that introduces new gameplay depth and unpredictability. For many, the rapid pace and wild scenarios prompt a surge of competitiveness, even when playing only against one’s own record.
Early information from announcements and previews hinted at Once Upon a Katamari’s continued focus on rolling mechanics, but much of the speculation centered on the extent of its new additions as compared to earlier releases like Katamari Damacy: Reroll. Discussions also emphasized the lengthy break between mainline titles and questioned if Katamari’s trademark whimsy could adapt to modern player expectations. Recent reviews indicate that the fresh elements, such as new gadgets and time-travel stages, have indeed been implemented, offering enthusiasts more variety and replayability than anticipated from past hints.
What Makes Once Upon a Katamari Stand Out?
Once Upon a Katamari maintains the iconic gameplay loop where players control a small Prince, rolling up objects to return lost stars to the sky. This time, players travel through various historical periods aboard the S.S. Prince spaceship, introducing unexpected eras like the American Frontier, Jurassic Era, Ice Age, and Edo Japan. Level objectives range from picking up specific items—such as gathering 360 beverages—to tackling larger creatures and structures as the Katamari ball increases in size. The unpredictability of each stage and the satisfaction of growth add a fresh angle to the familiar formula.
How Have New Features Changed Gameplay?
A number of new tools have been added to assist and amuse players. Items like the magnet, which draws in nearby objects, and the rocket, which boosts movement speed, offer new strategies for achieving level goals or maximizing item pickups. The introduction of these gadgets aims to reduce frustration for newcomers while allowing veteran players to experiment with creative solutions. According to Bandai Namco Entertainment,
“We’ve introduced these tools to make the experience smoother for everyone, whether you’re a longtime fan or just starting out.”
These features ensure that even challenging levels can be tackled in a more dynamic and less repetitive manner.
Is the Core Experience Still Intact?
Despite added features, Once Upon a Katamari preserves the chaotic, colorful, and humorous essence that defines the franchise. Each level starts with a cinematic hint at the setting, but players soon find themselves improvising routes as their Katamari grows. The sense of scale—starting tiny, then gathering up entire families or even dinosaurs—remains central to the series’ appeal. Bandai Namco Entertainment explained,
“We wanted to keep the heart of Katamari intact while expanding its possibilities with new worlds and items to collect.”
The balance between nostalgia and innovation encourages repeated play to achieve personal bests.
Once Upon a Katamari’s blend of familiar and inventive mechanics positions it as both a continuation of and departure from its predecessors. By leveraging a mix of nostalgia and modern design, the game draws a wide spectrum of players. Comparing previous insights and press coverage to the current release, it is evident the development team focused on maintaining the series’ distinctive humor and unpredictability while addressing the desire for fresh content and accessibility. Players seeking both challenge and whimsical escapism will likely find plenty to occupy their time. Those new to the Katamari franchise can benefit from the added player aids and diverse settings, while series veterans will recognize the subtle refinements alongside traditional ball-rolling gameplay. As games like Katamari prioritize creativity and replay value over direct competition, players looking for an unconventional pacing and structure may appreciate the variety this title brings to the genre.
