Bandai Namco has unveiled an exciting addition to the beloved Katamari Damacy franchise, with the upcoming release of Once Upon a Katamari. Scheduled to launch on October 24, this new title will be available as a digital-only offering across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. This marks a significant moment for fans, as it will be the first entirely new console entry in the series since Touch My Katamari debuted on PlayStation Vita in 2011.
Gameplay and Features
In Once Upon a Katamari, players will embark on a whimsical journey through time, rolling their oversized katamari ball to collect a variety of objects from diverse eras and locations. From the rugged landscapes of the Far West to the grandeur of ancient Egypt and the prehistoric wonders of the Jurassic era, the game promises a rich tapestry of environments to explore.
The narrative unfolds with the mighty King of All Cosmos inadvertently causing chaos by destroying the Earth and stars. It falls to the little Prince to restore order by gathering items—both small and large—to recreate the starry sky across different timelines. The game’s description captures this enchanting premise: “It is up again to the little Prince to roll his katamari, gathering all things small, big, wild and wonderful to recreate the starry sky, but this time across all eras.”
To enhance gameplay, Once Upon a Katamari introduces a variety of power-ups. Players can collect rockets for a speed boost, magnets to attract nearby objects, or timers to temporarily halt the passage of time. Additionally, the Prince will be accompanied by 68 cousin characters, allowing for customization options that add a personal touch to the gaming experience.
For those seeking a competitive edge, the game features a four-player battle mode titled KatamariBall. In this mode, players will compete to roll their katamari and exchange it for points, with the ultimate goal of amassing the highest score to claim victory.
The Katamari series has remained vibrant over the years, with several mobile spin-offs keeping the spirit alive. Titles such as Katamari Damacy Mobile (2011), Katamari Damacy Mobile 2 (2012), Tap My Katamari (2016), and Amazing Katamari Damacy (2017) have delighted fans on handheld devices. Furthermore, a remake of the original 2004 PS2 classic, Katamari Damacy Reroll, was released in 2018, followed by the 2023 remake of its sequel, We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie.
Earlier this year, a new title, Katamari Damacy Rolling Live, was launched exclusively on Apple Arcade. However, Once Upon a Katamari stands out as the first brand-new non-mobile game in 14 years, promising to rekindle the magic that has captivated players for generations.
