Once Upon A KATAMARI

Once Upon A KATAMARI marks a long-awaited return of the beloved Katamari series after more than a decade. The game retains the core gameplay of rolling a sticky ball to collect objects and grow larger, now set across multiple historical eras with fresh, diverse levels. Players praise the game's varied environments, charming story cutscenes, and the addition of power-ups and multiplayer modes, enhancing replayability and depth. Customization options, such as creating your own Prince, add a personal touch. The soundtrack, while somewhat modernized, still resonates with fans, and the game runs smoothly on various platforms including Steam Deck.

However, some longtime fans note issues with the physics engine—borrowed from a mobile game—causing occasional sluggish or sticky movement and frustrating moments of getting stuck. Level sizes tend to be smaller than classic entries, and some feel the game lacks the expansive scale and eccentric charm of earlier titles. The absence of local co-op and a few UI quirks also drew criticism. Overall, the game is a solid, enjoyable Katamari experience that balances nostalgia with new features, though it may not fully satisfy series purists.

Highlights

Players especially praise the varied and creative level design spanning different eras, which brings fresh visual and gameplay experiences. The classic Katamari gameplay mechanics remain intact with added quality-of-life improvements like a dedicated dash button and power-ups that add strategic depth. The soundtrack is generally well-received for its modern yet fitting style, and the story cutscenes and quirky humor maintain the series' charm. Multiplayer modes and extensive customization, including making your own Prince, are also highlighted as strong additions that increase replay value.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the compared to previous entries, with the Katamari sometimes moving slower or getting stuck in geometry more frequently. Level sizes are smaller and more restrictive, lacking the expansive city-rolling stages iconic to the series. Some players find the power-ups forced and sometimes overpowered, and the timer constraints make gameplay feel rushed rather than relaxing. The soundtrack is viewed by some as less quirky and more generic than classic titles. Additionally, the lack of local co-op multiplayer and some UI/menu design choices frustrate players. The game’s price point is also questioned by a few fans given these issues.