Katamari Damacy

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Sep 21, 2004
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
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  1. PSX Nation
    70
    The visuals are dated but everything else about Katamari Damacy is too wonderfully weird in its simplicity for anyone to explain.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PS2 Game of 2004
21
#21 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
55
#55 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 148 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 135 out of 148
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 148
  3. Negative: 10 out of 148
  1. KingMob4313
    Aug 23, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This game appeals to a person on such a basal level that the game can be both challenging and accessible at the same time. The graphics are basic, seemingly from a generation BACK, but it quickly becomes obvious why when in later levels, you start at a size of 4cm and grow large enough to pull up crustal plates!

    Not since 'Jumping Flash' have I played something so bizarre and so incredible.

    ...and the music. My god.

    Stellar, absolutely stellar. Highest Possible Recommendation.    … Full Review »
  2. KrakenOfPepsi
    Dec 14, 2019
    9
    Despite the simplicity of Katamari Damacy, I struggle to define it with any sort of genre label because of how unique the entire experienceDespite the simplicity of Katamari Damacy, I struggle to define it with any sort of genre label because of how unique the entire experience ends up being. Whether it be the vibrant art design, the hilarious writing, the addicting gameplay, the eclectic soundtrack or the unique control scheme, Katamari Damacy finds ways to impress in almost every single regard.

    You play as the son of The King of All Cosmos, A.K.A God. He accidentally destroys most of the universes stars, and also the moon. And now it’s up to you to take responsibility for the impacts of your irresponsible father’s action and make some replacement stars on Earth. How do you make the replacement stars? Well by rolling up random junk of course.

    The game has you push around a large ball (Katamari) and roll up objects and creatures that are smaller than the Katamari in an attempt to make it as big as possible before the time runs out – there are other level objectives in the game too which make for some nice variety. Despite having a timer, Katamari Damacy rarely feels tense, but always feels exciting. Levels are absolutely jammed tight with various items and creatures for you to roll up, and it is such a joy to see all of these different creations in play. Creatures have different behaviors, each model is just as detailed as the last, they all have their own sound effects and all of them are placed in clever spots and situations throughout the whole game. Objects and creatures must be smaller than the Katamari for you to roll up, this means that certain routes and areas in levels will either open or close to you as you play. For example; you might make your Katamari too big and will be unable to find hidden items under a car, or your Katamari might be too small and will mean you’re unable to get up some stairs. This means levels and the way you navigate them are constantly changing as you play, and it never gets old.
    This core mechanic of tracking down the next right sized thing to roll up, plus trying to get as big as possible in the time limit paired with the fact you also need to be observant of your surroundings makes for a really clever and fun little game. As well as obviously trying to make your Katamari big, you also amass a collection of different items throughout the game which can be viewed from your home planet in between levels. This is a fun little addition which makes for some good replay value, as well as making your time rolling up random junk a little bit more meaningful. There are plenty of hidden items and other hidden bonuses that make for some great optional content and expand the games length significantly.

    The most contentious aspect of Katamari Damacy would have to be its controls. Both analogue sticks are used to control the direction you push the Katamari in while the camera follows whatever direction you’re facing in. In a way, it actually simulates the action pushing a large object. Holding up and holding down on different sticks at the same time will make you turn around in place, pulling in the opposite direction you’re moving in will cause you to suddenly come to a halt, quickly pushing each stick up and down in succession will cause you to boost and so on. The controls take some getting used to, but once you master them you’ll be glad that you don’t have to control your movement with one stick and the camera with another like most games. And in all honesty I don’t know if I would even enjoy the game as much without the controls, because of the control scheme you’re so much more invested in the movement of your character, and it makes something as simple as moving forwards feel more enjoyable than it would be otherwise.

    The only nitpicks I have with the game are sometimes the camera can get a little congested in tight spaces, and sometimes your character will get stuck in between things which can be extremely frustrating. But all in all, the good far outweighs the bad, and Katamari Damacy ends up being one of the most enjoyable games out there. It’s simple and joyful gameplay is addicting and doesn’t get old in the short time you have with it. The writing and the music is always surprising you in new ways and making for some fantastic and unforgettable moments. The narrative is virtually non-existent, but it doesn’t need to do anything. The game is silly, and it knows it. It’s an absolute blast to play, and I couldn’t recommend it more.    … Full Review »
  3. Young_Fawn
    Jun 21, 2023
    8
    Mindless Fun

    Katamari Damacy ReRoll is a game that was recommended to me years ago and was described as, "A game to switch your brain off    Mindless Fun

    Katamari Damacy ReRoll is a game that was recommended to me years ago and was described as, "A game to switch your brain off and relax." And that description has never been more apt.

    The premise of the game is simple, you start off as a little ball and you roll over things to make your ball bigger which allows you to pick up bigger things, until you reach your goal and spiral out of control.

    If I recall correctly, this version of the game is a remaster of the 2004 PS2 version, however I hadn't really heard of this franchise growing up and I'm glad I didn't because I don't think I'd have been able to appreciate it until now, even if it is technically a "Kids game."

    The art style is so cute and colourful, generally pleasant to look at. Although you can't expect this kind of game to be graphically intensive, especially when you're rolling and collecting what is essentially cities, so don't go looking for "Realism" in this type of game.

    The soundtrack is definitely one of the best selling points of this game, it definitely makes you feel good and I'd be surprised if it didn't trigger some kind of dopamine hit in your system, dancing away collecting and rolling about.

    This is definitely something I'll revisit when looking to decompress and chill out and overall just make my day a bit better down the line. Oddly enough as well, when I went on steam's store page, I noticed that there's a new one coming out on Steam on the 1st of June, so that'll definitely be a buy for me.

    Katamari Damacy ReRoll is a very Japanese game but it's super enjoyable and I don't really see anybody not enjoying it. Sure the controls can be a bit jank at times but I never had an issue completing a mission.

    8/10 for what it is - Looking forward to future installments.    … Full Review »
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