Once Upon a Katamari is the latest entry in the long-running puzzle series, and it lands on Series X|S, Switch 2 and PS5. The game asks players to roll a ball across a kingdom, gathering stars, moons and planets along the way. It is a simple idea dressed in bright colors, and it mostly works.
Trailer, via Bandai Namco Entertainment Southeast Asia.
The Core Loop
The core loop is familiar to anyone who has played a Katamari game before. Players control a small ball and move it through a landscape, picking up items that stick to its surface. As the ball grows, it changes shape, which creates a satisfying tension between size and speed. The game adds new mechanics, like temporary power-ups and timed challenges, but the base formula remains unchanged.
The difficulty curve is gentle. Levels are designed to reward patience over quick thinking, and the game rarely punishes mistakes harshly. This makes it easy to pick up and play for short sessions, though some players may find the lack of challenge frustrating.
Kingdoms and Worlds
The game’s setting is a fantasy kingdom divided into distinct regions, each with its own theme and hazards. Some levels are built around specific types of terrain, while others introduce enemies that force players to avoid obstacles. The variety keeps the game from feeling repetitive, even after dozens of hours.
The visuals are bright and cheerful, with detailed environments that respond to the ball’s movement. Stars twinkle, moons drift and planets rotate as the ball gathers them. The presentation is not revolutionary, but it is consistently pleasing to look at.
Controls and Feel
Controls are responsive across all platforms. The ball moves smoothly, and the game rarely stumbles during busy moments. On Series X|S and PS5, the frame rate holds steady as the ball grows. On Switch 2, the performance is slightly less stable, but the drop is minor.
The game supports touch controls on mobile devices, which allows players to use their fingers to guide the ball. This mode is not as precise as the standard controls, but it offers a low-friction way to play. The game also includes a local multiplayer mode, where players can compete to see who can gather the most items.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is cheerful and light, with music that matches the game’s whimsical tone. The sound effects are well done, and the game responds clearly to player input. Voice acting is limited, but the few lines that appear are delivered with charm.
Length and Replay Value
A single playthrough of Once Upon a Katamari takes about ten hours, depending on skill and pace. The game includes a New Game Plus mode that changes the difficulty and rewards players who want to see more. There is also a set of bonus challenges that test skills learned across the campaign.
The replay value is modest. Players who finish the main story will likely return only for the extra content or to chase high scores. The game does not offer a large amount of additional content beyond what is included in the main campaign.
Multiplayer
The local multiplayer mode is a highlight. Players can compete against each other in real time, racing to gather the most items. The mode is simple but engaging, and it is a good way to share the experience with friends. Online multiplayer is not included, which limits the game’s appeal for players who want to play with others online.
Where It Falls Short
The game’s biggest weakness is its lack of depth. The core loop is fun, but it does not change significantly from start to finish. Some players may find the repetition wears thin after extended play. The game also lacks a strong narrative thread, which means there is little story to keep players invested between levels.
Ranking the Platforms
Here is how the game performs across its three confirmed platforms, ranked by overall experience:
- Series X|S and PS5 — the best performance, with the smoothest controls and most stable frame rate.
- Switch 2 — slightly less stable performance, but still playable.
- Local multiplayer — a standout feature, though limited to split-screen play.
Final Score
Once Upon a Katamari is a solid, if unambitious, addition to the Katamari series. Its core loop is well executed, and its presentation is pleasant. It does not push the genre forward, but it does not need to. For fans of the series, it is a comfortable return to form.
The game scores 8.4 out of 10.
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