Katamari Damacy REROLL

Developer: MONKEYCRAFT Co. Ltd.
Release: Dec 6th 2018
Platforms:
Action
Casual
Addictive
Creative
Whimsical
Short
Controls
Katamari Damacy REROLL Poster

" Addictive casual action with quirky katamari rolling and vibrant HD graphics but short playtime "

Katamari Damacy REROLL Review

Katamari Damacy REROLL is celebrated as a charming and unique remaster of the classic PS2 game, offering a quirky and addictive gameplay experience where players roll a sticky ball, or katamari, to collect objects and grow larger. The game is praised for its whimsical and surreal storyline involving cosmic elements and the quirky relationship with the "cosmic space dad." The soundtrack and artistic style maintain the original's eccentric and vibrant appeal, making it a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both new players and longtime fans.

However, some players express frustration with the game's short length, noting that it feels more like a brief, delightful diversion than a lengthy adventure. Control schemes, especially on PC, receive mixed reactions, with some finding them unintuitive or problematic, particularly with keyboard and controller setups. Additionally, technical issues such as locked frame rates, limited resolution options, and occasional bugs have been reported, slightly marring the experience but not detracting from the core fun.

Highlights

Players widely praise the game's addictive rolling mechanics and the satisfying growth of the katamari as it collects an increasing variety of objects. The remastered graphics, while vibrant and colorful, retain the original's quirky aesthetic, appealing to fans of the series. The soundtrack is frequently highlighted for its catchy, eclectic tunes that perfectly complement the game's whimsical atmosphere. The storyline, though simple, is engaging with its cosmic and humorous themes, adding charm and personality to the gameplay. Many enjoy the replay value offered by trying to collect all presents and perfecting their katamari sizes.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's short duration, with some players wishing for more content or completion of all zodiac constellations. Control issues are a notable downside, particularly the complex or unintuitive schemes on PC, and lack of proper controller support frustrates some users. Technical limitations such as a locked 30fps frame rate, default low resolution settings, and inaccessible graphics options until late in the game detract from the visual experience. A few bugs and a problematic map section that can break progress have also been reported, alongside some choppy performance on certain systems.

Pros

  • Addictive and satisfying katamari rolling gameplay mechanic keeps players engaged.
  • Vibrant, colorful graphics preserve the original's quirky and charming aesthetic.
  • Eclectic and catchy soundtrack enhances the whimsical game atmosphere.
  • Humorous and surreal storyline adds unique personality to the gameplay.
  • Good replay value with collectibles and attempts to roll bigger katamaris.
  • Fun and nostalgic experience for both new players and longtime fans.
  • Short playtime makes it a perfect chill game for quick sessions.

Cons

  • Game is relatively short and may leave players wanting more content.
  • Control scheme is unintuitive and difficult, especially on PC keyboards.
  • Lack of proper controller support frustrates some players.
  • Graphics options locked until tutorial completion, limiting customization.
  • Frame rate locked at 30fps reduces smoothness on modern hardware.
  • Default resolution is low (720p), even on high-end displays.
  • Buggy section in one map can break progress and frustrate players.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

The beloved roll-em-up game returns with fully updated graphics, completely recreated cutscenes and in full HD!

Release Date Dec 6th 2018
Publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Developer MONKEYCRAFT Co. Ltd.
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (3,585)
94% Positive 6% Negative

Online Reviews

Metacritic logo
Metacritic
81