Once Upon a Katamari brings the beloved series back with fresh elements that make it both nostalgic and exciting. In this installment, players once again take on the role of The Prince, who is enlisted to restore the cosmos after the King of the Cosmos carelessly destroys it with a peculiar scroll. Following this chaotic beginning, The Prince is tasked with traveling back in time to wrap up humanity’s essence in Katamari form across 50 captivating levels set in nine distinct historical eras.
This time, players navigate from the familiar hub of the S.S. Prince, a time-hopping spaceship that not only serves as your transport but also offers customization options for characters and living spaces. The fast-paced unlocking of levels encourages exploration, as each completed task fuels your interstellar journeys, giving players more agency over their gaming experience.
The gameplay retains the signature clumsy yet engaging mechanics that the series is known for. Players can choose between standard or simplified controls, which both allow for the thrill of rolling up increasingly larger objects amidst chaotic environments. New features, like Freebies—fun power-ups that include magnets and stopwatches—add layers of strategy but don’t completely redefine the core experience.
What shines through in Once Upon a Katamari are the creatively designed levels that evoke laughter and nostalgia. Each course offers a delightful mix of humor and clever setups rooted in history and cultural references, from “Philosopher Hunt” in Ancient Greece to “Lots of Yokai,” which focuses on spirits from Japanese folklore. These imaginative levels elevate the overall experience, making the often straightforward tasks feel fresh and engaging.
However, some levels fall short in complexity, especially when compared to the more inventive ones. Once Upon a Katamari’s challenge lies in balancing simplified gameplay with innovative ideas. While it excels in capturing the whimsical essence and quirky charm of Katamari—the humor, music, and artistic style—it leaves players craving more depth and variety in gameplay.
The introduction of a new multiplayer mode, KatamariBall, promises exciting interactions as players compete to collect items, although its full potential has yet to be explored with open servers.
In summary, Once Upon a Katamari is a welcome return for fans of the franchise, showcasing the beloved elements while introducing enough new features to attract newcomers. It embodies the playful spirit of its predecessors, yet leaves room for growth that could elevate future titles in the series. Despite its minor shortcomings, it is still a joyous experience that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy.
