We Love Katamari

"Rolling rolling rolling, keep that katamari rolling...."

Have you ever wanted to roll a snowball down a hill, and see how big it can get? Well, that's the real crux of this game, except you don't roll snowballs; you roll something called a “katamari”, which roughly translates to clump, in Japanese. Basically, you roll things up in a ball to create stars, planets, and the like. Inject a wacky sense of humor, pop culture from Japan, and the most intuitive controls this side of the hemisphere, and you got We Love Katamari.

Graphics: (9/10)

In a world where the best graphics win, this game takes you back to simpler times, where it's not the pixel-shaders that make the game, but how many items you can stuff onscreen at once. Literally, this game has upwards of thousands of items onscreen for you to roll up. The overall effect seems flat-shaded, and even low polygonal counts abound, but the sheer style and colorization is what makes this look so good. Also, as you get bigger, the scale of the objects adjusts accordingly, whether you are 1 meter tall, or over three thousand meters tall, the size of the world changes around you to match. The main menu of the game, if you want to call it that, is a hand drawn meadow, where all the fans unite to talk to the King of all Cosmos. The overall effect of the combination of style and unique 2-D art is incredibly eye-popping. The animations of the objects are also unique, portraying a dreamlike sense throughout the entire experience.

Sound: (8/10)

To be truthful about it all, there really isn't a whole lot going on in the sound department. When the King of All Cosmos talks to you, he talks in a turntable scratch effect, sort of like the trumpet effect on the Charlie Brown cartoon series. When you walk around the menu, or the Select Meadow, you produce a little jiggy beat. Also, every single object that you pick up while playing makes a certain noise (such as the Prince making with a Crazy Frog knock-off sound) that signifies what it is. Beyond that, there really isn't much noise at all.

Music: (10/10)

Easily the most memorable part of the whole experience, the music comes from famous pop star artists in Japan, with a little mix of Japanese rock and swing. Most of the lyrics that are sung are Japanese; however there are a couple exceptions to that rule. The songs are so catchy, though, that I have a tendency to hum the tunes while at work, or while playing the game. So, if you don't mind a little quirkiness in your life, swing to the music in this game, because it's positively one of the best soundtracks around.

Controls: (11/10… seriously, it's flawless.)

All you need are the thumbsticks to play this game. Acting like extensions to your hands, you roll the katamari around by pushing them, pulling, or jiggling them. That's pretty much it. As the ball of stuff gets bigger, it gets harder to roll around (obviously), simply because of the bulk that you're pushing (you also have to consider, your character is 3 inches tall.). The other controls are just fluffy icing on the cake, and are the key to becoming a master roller.

Game play: (9/10)

Now to the main event: the game itself. Most of the game occurs in various environments, rolling around to complete certain objectives that the fans of Katamari Damancy give you. For example, in one area you have to roll up the most valuables around the environment to save the red pandas (don't ask, seriously.), and generally the fans will give you the katamari, so you can shoot it up to the cosmos, and create a star, or planet. The biggest objects don't necessarily have the highest value, so strategy is required, along with real world common sense. A little sidequest is available to you, in the form of rolling up your cousins in the levels as you complete the objectives, or rolling up presents from the fans that you can don in order to customize the appearance of your character. Beyond that, there really isn't much else to do, except to continue rolling with your bad self. Oh, and another thing, if you fail an objective the King will punish you in a strange little sequence of eye lasers and whatnot, and take the undersized katamari and turn it into something call Stardust, which is basically far off stars.

Longevity: (6/10)

Stupidly enough, you can beat the main part of the game in under 5 hours. That's it. However, once you roll the credits, you can continue the game, and find new objectives to beat, check your collection, and get the ultimate rolling fest (you'll find out what that is, if your patient enough to do so.) So, if you're the kind of person that likes beating old records just to brag to friends, then the longevity of the game is extended. Other than that, it's a short game that's long on thrills.

Overall: (8/10)

If you're not offended about anything Japanese, or if you are a Japanophile, then this game is really for you. The game play is nothing short of excellent, lacking true violence, in fact, eschewing it for just having fun. Also is one of the most innovative titles that I've mastered in a long time. Take it from me, it's grand.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/05/06