The Katamari Damacy franchise has finally returned with a new mainline entry after 14 years of waiting. Once Upon A KATAMARI brings back the series’ signature absurdity and charm while introducing quality-of-life improvements that make it more accessible than ever. This review of Once Upon A KATAMARI explores how the game balances nostalgia with modern conveniences, whether its gameplay still holds up, and what players can expect from this long-awaited release.

A Familiar Story with a Historical Twist

Once Upon A KATAMARI follows the franchise’s established formula closely. The King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys stars and celestial bodies across the universe, and it falls to his son, the Prince, to fix the mess using the magical Katamari—a ball that grows larger by rolling up objects. This setup will feel instantly familiar to anyone who played the original game, positioning the title as both a reboot and a tribute to the series’ roots.

What sets this entry apart is its historical theme. Players roll through different eras of Earth’s history, from the age of dinosaurs to feudal Japan’s Edo period and into modern times. Along the way, the Prince’s siblings appear as recruitable characters who can be used throughout the game. While the concept doesn’t break new ground, it provides enough variation to keep things interesting.

The game plays it safe in terms of innovation. The visuals look dated, resembling a remastered PS2 game rather than a modern release. For a franchise returning after such a long gap, this lack of visual evolution is noticeable.

Rolling Mechanics That Still Work

The core gameplay remains unchanged and entertaining. Players navigate levels filled with objects and obstacles, rolling up items to make the Katamari grow. Each stage sets a target size that must be reached within a time limit. Starting small, players can only collect tiny objects at first, but as the Katamari expands, larger items and even living creatures become fair game.

The control scheme continues to be unconventional. The traditional setup uses both analog sticks, which can feel awkward for newcomers. The developers addressed this by adding a “Simple” control mode that requires only one analog stick, making the game more approachable for new players while preserving the classic dual-stick option for veterans.

Power-ups add extra layers to the gameplay, including a boost maneuver that rewards precise timing. Each level hides the Prince’s siblings to recruit and collectible crowns to find. The pacing keeps things engaging without becoming overwhelming.

The soundtrack deserves special mention. The game features tracks like “Katamari on the Doun” performed by Saki Hanami from Gakuen Idolmaster, and “Katamariism” featuring virtual singer KAF. The music enhances every session and adds to the game’s overall appeal.

Plenty to Do Beyond the Main Story

Once Upon A KATAMARI includes substantial side content, much of it accessed through the S.S. Prince. This spaceship serves as the Prince’s hub, allowing travel between eras and offering features like character customization and collectible management. The “Secret Scroll” area lets players freely explore, interact with recruited siblings, and take a break from structured levels.

Completed levels unlock new content and collectibles. Players can revisit earlier stages to find missed crowns or hidden items without excessive grinding. The gameplay loop makes replaying levels enjoyable whether aiming for higher scores or completing collections.

Verdict

Once Upon A KATAMARI delivers exactly what fans expect from the series without taking major risks. The gameplay remains fun and distinctive, the music is excellent, and the quality-of-life improvements make it accessible to newcomers. The game includes a competitive multiplayer mode for added replay value, though it lacks local co-op.

For franchise veterans, this is a solid return that respects the series’ legacy. For newcomers, it serves as an ideal entry point alongside Katamari Damacy REROLL. While the dated visuals and safe approach might disappoint those hoping for bold innovation, the core experience is strong enough to recommend to a wide audience. Once Upon A KATAMARI proves that sometimes rolling with the familiar can be just as satisfying as trying something new.

Played on PS5