The feeling is mutual

Despite only discovering it ten years ago when my husband gave it to me as a birthday present, Katamari Damacy is one of my all-time favourite video game series.

For those who’ve never come across the Katamari series, it’s a pseudo open-world game where your character is tasked with “rolling up” objects, from the smallest paper clip, to cars, people, and even the biggest thing of all: The Sun! Depending on the level or world you choose, games in this franchise can be both relaxing and/or tense. You can opt to go for a time or size limited level, play “avoid the cow/bear”, or once you’re further into the game, take on unlockable “eternal” levels, where you can roll to your heart’s content.

The original story goes that the King of the Cosmos accidentally destroyed all the stars in the universe, and then sent his son, the Prince, to Earth to create a large Katamari. (A collection of rolled up objects) In this version, the stars have been restored, but the King’s fans kept growing in number, and eventually he decided to respond to their wishes for more madcap levels.

There’s a great whimsical level where you roll up a gingerbread house, as well as a fast-paced Racing Track-themed level where you need to roll up all the things with wheels on!

Ultimate “Cow” and “Bear” levels return from previous games for those that enjoy collecting the biggest cow or bear (which can sometimes mean avoiding anything related to them as long as possible, before comically tripping over a tiny cow cone or a tiny sign warning of bears!). The game also introduces a “cowbear” level, where you have to avoid both at the same time until the time is “right.”

In-between levels we are treated to a series of cutscenes telling a lovely story about the life of King of the Cosmos. From his youth where he was under strict rules from his father, the Great King, to the time of his own ascension, with his loyal wife by his side, and finally, the birth of The Prince.

The music harkens back to the original version, with a mix of relaxing tunes, jazzy numbers, and those akin to a marching band.

If you’re wondering whether to play it docked or undocked, both are great options. I would say the docked experience is perhaps more immersive, but the portable version is a great way of playing when you’re perhaps shorter on time and want to pop on for a level or two.

The main addition to this version of the game is Royal Reverie, which consists of five tougher challenges where you play as the young King. Being a piano player/teacher, I love the music challenge, but I haven’t gotten beyond three of the five items you have to find while dodging the many ghosts that litter the stage. Of course, it’s easy to fail a level if your Katamari isn’t big enough. Humorously, even as a youngster, the King is naturally full of insults.

Verdict

If you love the concept of Katamari, and the open-ended idea of rolling up different themed junk to funky music, then look no further, this game is for you! It’s a bit of a nostalgia hit for myself, and I enjoyed getting to grips with the different requirements the new challenges throw at you.

If it has a fault, it’s that it’s literally impossible to quit! The game auto-saves, and you can also manually save, but if you try to quit in-game, they wave at you for what seems like forever! It’s quicker to make sure your game is saved and close it down from the Nintendo Switch home menu.

Overall, I highly recommend We Love Katamari Damacy Reroll + Royal Reverie to fans of the series and newcomers who have an interest in vibrant, entertaining and quirky games.

Where to Buy

• Hit.com
  • Price: £18.85
  • Link: https://tidd.ly/45bAqNK
• Amazon
  • Price: £32.44
  • Link: https://amzn.to/3YGs5zz

#AffiliateLinks – Prices correct at the time of publishing.

Credits

Written by Jen Griffiths

Edited by Mark McAllister and Paul L. Russell

Graphic by Paul L. Russell