Katamari Damacy cover

Katamari Damacy

Critic score3 critics
First release
Mar 18, 2004
Publisher
Namco
Genres
Adventure, Puzzle · Fantasy, Comedy

The King of All Cosmos accidentally destroyed the stars and—having recovered—wants the prince to rebuild them. Unfortunately the prince stands a little less than half a foot tall, so recreating the stars will require some effort. Enter the Katamari, a sphere the prince can push around our world to “roll up” items increasing the Katamari’s size until it’s suitable for the King. Taking place in stylized versions of Japanese houses, cities, and environs, the prince pushes the Katamari around collecting items which adhere to it. At first, the prince can only pick up smaller items, but as the Katamari grows, the more it can collect. Push pins and paper clips cling to the Katamari increasing its size so it can roll over obstacles and pick up bigger items. Over many levels, the Katamari can eventually pick up people, cars, and other bigger items. Players steer the Katamari from a third-person perspective using the analog sticks on the PS2. A tutorial stage takes the player through the controls and sets up the story as well as introducing a side story about a Japanese girl who can feel the cosmos. Wanting to challenge the prince, the King sets requirements on the Katamari’s size and sets time limits on the level. Bonus missions restore constellations and have their own restrictions. The world of Katamari Damacy is brought to life with off-beat animation and a catchy soundtrack. Players can find presents hidden in the levels that contain accessories for the prince. Two players can also battle head-to-head in a Katamari competition.

Also known as Clump of Souls, Katamari Damashii, 괴혼 굴려라! 왕자님!

Attributes

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Details

Storyline, release dates, time to beat, age ratings, modes, links, keywords

Storyline
The game begins with a scene of the King destroying all of the stars and the Moon. The next day, the King is speaking to the Prince about what had happened the night before, about how he felt as one with the Cosmos, and that it was a beautiful symphony of destruction when he destroyed the stars. In the Japanese version of the game, the King openly admits he was drunk at the time, while the English release only implies this. He then tasks the Prince with returning the stars by rolling up objects in the Katamari, hopefully before anyone notices.Read more

The game begins with a scene of the King destroying all of the stars and the Moon. The next day, the King is speaking to the Prince about what had happened the night before, about how he felt as one with the Cosmos, and that it was a beautiful symphony of destruction when he destroyed the stars. In the Japanese version of the game, the King openly admits he was drunk at the time, while the English release only implies this. He then tasks the Prince with returning the stars by rolling up objects in the Katamari, hopefully before anyone notices.

Release dates
PlayStation 2
Mar 18, 2004
PlayStation 2
Sep 21, 2004
PlayStation 2
Dec 08, 2004
All 4 release dates
PlayStation 3
Apr 30, 2013
Age ratings
GRAC ALLESRB E
Game modes
Split screen, Multiplayer, Single player
Perspective
Third person
Keywords
collecting, time limit, dog, silent protagonist, low-poly
… All 24, cow, licensed soundtrack, collectibles, character growth, royalty, level select map, vending machine interaction, giant environment, meme origin, prince, collection marathon, ps2 classics, western published japanese games, planet destruction, budget title, game developers choice awards 2005, interactive achievement awards 2005, rolling ball, tiny protagonist

At a Glance

Critic Score
85