Bandai Namco just blew the gaming community’s mind by announcing a brand new entry in the beloved Katamari Damacy series. Titled Once Upon a Katamari, this digital-only gem is set to hit the scene on October 24 for Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC!
For those keeping score, this marks the first entirely new console release in the series since Touch My Katamari came out for PlayStation Vita back in 2011. Fans have long awaited a fresh installment, and it looks like the wait is almost over.
What’s the scoop? In the latest chapter, players will embark on a time-traveling adventure, rolling their massive katamari ball through diverse locations and eras, like the Far West, ancient Egypt, and even the Jurassic era. As the game description puts it, “The mighty King of All Cosmos struck again and destroyed the Earth and stars by accident,” leaving it up to the little Prince to gather all things big and small to recreate the starry sky across all ages.
New Features and Gameplay Mechanics
Once Upon a Katamari is all about innovation, adding exciting power-ups to spice up gameplay. Players can snag rockets for a speed boost, magnets to draw in surrounding objects, or even a time-stopping timer. This new gameplay dynamic promises to keep each rolling session fresh and engaging.
The Prince isn’t rolling solo! He’ll be joined by 68 cousin characters that players can customize, enhancing the fun and personalization aspects. But that’s not all—get ready for the KatamariBall, a four-player battle mode where you can engage in epic competitions to roll your katamari for points. Consider this a new way to up the ante with friends or rivals!
The Legacy of Katamari Damacy
The Katamari series has stayed alive in the hearts of gamers, thanks to various mobile spin-offs like Katamari Damacy Mobile (2011), Tap My Katamari (2016), and Amazing Katamari Damacy (2017). In addition, a remake of the classic 2004 PS2 original, Katamari Damacy Reroll, was released on consoles in 2018. Just this year, the sequel We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie made its debut in 2023, keeping the legacy vibrant.
This year also saw the exclusive release of Katamari Damacy Rolling Live on Apple Arcade. Still, Once Upon a Katamari stands out as the first fully-fledged new console game in 14 years, making it a milestone for fans eagerly anticipating this return.