User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 113
  2. Negative: 13 out of 113
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  1. Dec 7, 2018
    10
    It's bright. It's happy. It's fun. It's Katamari. This is an all time favorite, and the port onto the Switch is in HD and has never looked better. The colors are bright; rolling is as smooth as ever, and the quirkiness of the game will have you rolling your worries away far into the night. Very few games are a must have, but this one ranks above just about all of them. It's perfect forIt's bright. It's happy. It's fun. It's Katamari. This is an all time favorite, and the port onto the Switch is in HD and has never looked better. The colors are bright; rolling is as smooth as ever, and the quirkiness of the game will have you rolling your worries away far into the night. Very few games are a must have, but this one ranks above just about all of them. It's perfect for kids and adults alike. Nothing beats the King of All Cosmos waking up the day after a huge bender making his son fix yesterday's machinations to one of the best soundtracks in gaming history. Na... na na na na na na na na na na na na na... Enjoy. Expand
  2. Dec 12, 2018
    10
    Guess the game that got me to stop playing Super Smash Bros for Switch? You guessed it! I'm addicted to this highly original game, that has one of the greatest soundtracks ever! Use the regular controls NOT the simple controls. The controls for this game do have a learning curve though once you get how it works, you truly do feel like you are controlling this giant ball!
  3. Dec 7, 2018
    10
    Excellent game. I played all of the previous in the franchise including the terrible PSP version. This is perfect for the Switch. The artistic graphic style holds up really well in HD. Got while at the Gamestop Smash launch. I think I was the only dude in line picking this up too lol. Im not going to reduce my score because the asymmetrical analog sticks take a little away vs a Dualshock.Excellent game. I played all of the previous in the franchise including the terrible PSP version. This is perfect for the Switch. The artistic graphic style holds up really well in HD. Got while at the Gamestop Smash launch. I think I was the only dude in line picking this up too lol. Im not going to reduce my score because the asymmetrical analog sticks take a little away vs a Dualshock. This is a must have game for anyone on the switch if you like quirky Japanese games and want something different. Have not tried to 2 player mode yet, really looking forward to it. Expand
  4. Dec 8, 2018
    9
    It’s the same katamari as before. There doesnt appear to be a change to frame rate but the images are a little more clear. I love this game. It was a 10/10 before but the lack of any real framerate remastering makes me feel it’s 9/10.

    The music is so good though. Maybe they updated the bitrate on the tracks because they are the best chillwave tracks on any game
  5. May 26, 2019
    8
    Such a unique experience. It's just crazy, silly, colourful, japanese fun at its best. The controls did take a lot of getting used to for me, but once you get it down, you don't really have to think about it anymore. It is quite short, but it does have a lot of replay value because the mechanic of picking up stuff with your Katamari is just so much fun. For me, this is the perfect game toSuch a unique experience. It's just crazy, silly, colourful, japanese fun at its best. The controls did take a lot of getting used to for me, but once you get it down, you don't really have to think about it anymore. It is quite short, but it does have a lot of replay value because the mechanic of picking up stuff with your Katamari is just so much fun. For me, this is the perfect game to throw on if I just want to calm my brain down, maybe listen to a podcast on the side. Expand
  6. Dec 13, 2018
    10
    A delightful reprieve from the monotony of switch games hopping on the metroidvania-train. Katamari Damacy is 14 years old, and is still a unique and entertaining experience. This is the perfect opportunity for new players and veterans to enjoy Keita Takahashi's wacky world on the go or at home on their TV.
  7. Mar 13, 2019
    9
    I always wanted to play Katamari Damacy, but never had the chance until this Switch release. It's wonderful, of course. It's like a purified little droplet of video gaming.

    The core gameplay mechanic of rolling up stuff into an ever-growing ball is unique, ingenious, and pure satisfaction. What surprised me is that the controls are also weird, and initially difficult; I admit I was a
    I always wanted to play Katamari Damacy, but never had the chance until this Switch release. It's wonderful, of course. It's like a purified little droplet of video gaming.

    The core gameplay mechanic of rolling up stuff into an ever-growing ball is unique, ingenious, and pure satisfaction. What surprised me is that the controls are also weird, and initially difficult; I admit I was a bit annoyed at what seemed like intentional over-complication. Don't be put off, however. After persevering for a short while, the controls feel natural, and moreover, you realise that they are in fact perfectly designed, forming a large part of the fun and depth of the game. They give the katamari a palpable weight, and allow you to manoeuvre it around, which is useful for preventing the katamari becoming an unwieldy shape. The katamari can sometimes get stuck somewhere bad and start breaking apart, which is frustrating, but this is rare and never broke the game.

    The game basically has a single-minded focus on this core mechanic, meaning its short play time of around 5 hours is the correct length. I do wish there could have been some more variation in the gameplay, or more complex levels, for a longer and more fleshed-out game.

    Then of course there are the weird and wonderful aesthetics. The main character designs are brilliant, the dialogue is bizarre and genuinely funny (although a little repetitive), the art style is lovely, the sound design is great and the music is absolutely incredible.

    Overall, for both its aesthetic sensibilities and its ingenious, polished and joyous gameplay, I can definitely see why Katamari Damacy is so often held up as an example of video games as art. Strongly recommended.
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  8. Sep 30, 2021
    9
    This game is pure genius. I played the original one on PS2, and this game still stands out both from its era and from current trend of generic open-world games. And my 8bitdo controller with symmetrical analog sticks fit the gameplay better than joy-cons.

    Pros: + Animated story is crazy and blocky humans fit the overall aesthetic of the game. + The assortment of objects is both funny
    This game is pure genius. I played the original one on PS2, and this game still stands out both from its era and from current trend of generic open-world games. And my 8bitdo controller with symmetrical analog sticks fit the gameplay better than joy-cons.

    Pros:
    + Animated story is crazy and blocky humans fit the overall aesthetic of the game.
    + The assortment of objects is both funny and recognizable (from the real world).
    + Rolling your katamari is pure pleasure no matter the size.
    + The tension grows as levels progress. Often you finish mere seconds within the time limit.
    + Both the Moon level and End credits are the perfect high note to end the game.

    Cons:
    - The removed Father's voice over.
    - Some zodiac sign levels could be annoying.
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  9. Dec 17, 2018
    10
    Incredibly creative game, excellent soundtrack, if you like new mechanics and fresh ideas (ironically, the game is a remake, remaster) then check it out, is a blast to play and the port is really good.
  10. 0w0
    Dec 25, 2018
    8
    This is great! Katamari is a fantastic franchise with a simple but insanely fun concept. I've played several Katamari games in the past and this game works great on the switch. Full of charm, humor, and creativity with lots of fun little surprises. All the levels are fun to play over and over again, and it's fun to try to find the hidden gifts!
    There were a few disappointments for me,
    This is great! Katamari is a fantastic franchise with a simple but insanely fun concept. I've played several Katamari games in the past and this game works great on the switch. Full of charm, humor, and creativity with lots of fun little surprises. All the levels are fun to play over and over again, and it's fun to try to find the hidden gifts!
    There were a few disappointments for me, however. There were some features included in Katamari Forever for PS3 that I wish were implemented here. I miss being able to choose a different cousin to play as as well as finding them within the levels. I also wish that the pause menu in single player gave you the option to restart the level rather than just the two options of going back to the home planet or continuing. Not being able to jump took a bit of getting used to, but being a damacy remake I understood why that is. If you've played previous katamari games, the asymmetrical control sticks can be tricky to get a hang of at first but if you keep at it it becomes second nature. Definitely one of my favorite games for the switch!
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  11. Aug 22, 2020
    8
    a game With amazing style and music , Can you play is one of the most unique experience I have had on the switch, Just nice to play a game when you don't have to fight a kill Or Destroy anything just rolling over everything, And it is really fun and addictive the way that you spin the ball around and just keep growing and growing a proving prime enjoyment in seeing it getting bigger
  12. Jan 11, 2019
    9
    Mmmmmmmmmmm vary goob vary fun. Only leik 6 hours but still very fun. Wish there were different characters. Mmmmmmm still nonetheless vary entartaning
  13. Jan 13, 2019
    10
    The person who left the bad review literally does not know what theyre talking about. if you are familiar with this series you know what to expect, and this game DELIVERS.

    This is a remake of Katamari Damacy, and while i cant really tell if they changed anything, it still feels fresh, the levels dont feel exactly the same as the first, while i do remember some of them. This game is easy
    The person who left the bad review literally does not know what theyre talking about. if you are familiar with this series you know what to expect, and this game DELIVERS.

    This is a remake of Katamari Damacy, and while i cant really tell if they changed anything, it still feels fresh, the levels dont feel exactly the same as the first, while i do remember some of them. This game is easy to pick up and exciting, but also hard to master.

    Visually, its beautiful as always, i think the graphics are actually a little too good (coming from the ps2 games lol) , but im glad they kept it more or less the same. The music, as in the last games, still 10/10 one of the best and most high production music soundtracks featuring tunes played by renowned musicians and jazz bands from japan.

    If you're a Katamari fan this is a must have. If you've never played the game this is a great introduction. The Katamari series is one of a kind. its artistic, funky, japanese vibe, colorful, psychedelic, funny and cute. Even if you're not a fan of this series i think you will feel like a kid the first time you pick up this game, it's a silly experience and oddly gratifying.
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  14. Jan 29, 2019
    10
    I'm going to keep this one brief, this is probably one of my favorite games of all time and if you haven't played it yet, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Every single thing in this game is oozing with soul, even as a remake for crying out loud, this is one of those games where I just feel like you can't mess it up, it's fun, it's enticing, it's unique, it's charming, it's got anI'm going to keep this one brief, this is probably one of my favorite games of all time and if you haven't played it yet, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Every single thing in this game is oozing with soul, even as a remake for crying out loud, this is one of those games where I just feel like you can't mess it up, it's fun, it's enticing, it's unique, it's charming, it's got an amazing soundtrack. Play this game if you haven't, you haven't lived until you played it. Expand
  15. 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 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
    Despite 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.
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  16. Feb 17, 2023
    9
    Von was irgendwas, wir sind beide voneinander überrascht, ich bin gierig. Katamari rollt wieder.
  17. May 2, 2020
    9
    Is this a perfect game? No. But I sure as hell can pretend it is. Katamari is one of the most style-heavy games out there, yet the style to substance ratio is still probably around 6-4, which is really impressive. The whole colorful, unorthodox look of this game is so pleasing to the eyes, and the remade graphics make everything look more smooth and nice. While the game is incrediblyIs this a perfect game? No. But I sure as hell can pretend it is. Katamari is one of the most style-heavy games out there, yet the style to substance ratio is still probably around 6-4, which is really impressive. The whole colorful, unorthodox look of this game is so pleasing to the eyes, and the remade graphics make everything look more smooth and nice. While the game is incredibly janky, I can't imagine the game without it, since it adds to the surreal charm of everything. Anyone who does not idolize the King of All Cosmos will not be invited to my birthday party. Expand
  18. Nov 7, 2020
    9
    Karamari Damacy is a fun, totally unique and incredibly charming game, who's design and character stood the test of time, and Reroll brings it back without changing much, but realizing the original team's vision. No loading in levels, smooth as hell assets in combination with Katamari Damacy's brilliance create an almost perfect game. But, unfrotunetaly, Reroll doesn't adress the lenght ofKaramari Damacy is a fun, totally unique and incredibly charming game, who's design and character stood the test of time, and Reroll brings it back without changing much, but realizing the original team's vision. No loading in levels, smooth as hell assets in combination with Katamari Damacy's brilliance create an almost perfect game. But, unfrotunetaly, Reroll doesn't adress the lenght of the game, which it's lacking in greatly, leaving you wanting so much more after the credits roll and you've beaten every level dozens of times. Can't wait for We Love Katamari to get the same treatment Expand
  19. Oct 10, 2021
    9
    Concept simpliste, minimaliste qui consiste à rouler sur TOUT. Rouler sur tout reste fun du début un peu crispant et difficile à prendre en main, jusqu'à la fin où j'ai pu rouler sur Godzilla tellement ma boule avait pris du poil de la bête.
    On commence sur planète Terre, avec notre père le roi du cosmos, autrement nommé Gigachad, ce madlad décide de détruire toutes les étoiles et notre
    Concept simpliste, minimaliste qui consiste à rouler sur TOUT. Rouler sur tout reste fun du début un peu crispant et difficile à prendre en main, jusqu'à la fin où j'ai pu rouler sur Godzilla tellement ma boule avait pris du poil de la bête.
    On commence sur planète Terre, avec notre père le roi du cosmos, autrement nommé Gigachad, ce madlad décide de détruire toutes les étoiles et notre rôle ca va être d'en créer de nouvelles ! Juste en roulant sur des objets random.
    Les premiers niveaux ont le sens du gigantisme, tout est quasiment plus grand que nous, même un cafard. On commence en dessous de la chaîne alimentaire, on baisse les yeux devant les souris et autres rongeurs. Puis à force de rouler la boule tel un coléoptère, c'est à notre tour de faire fuir la racaille.
    Les niveaux de fin du jeu sont tout aussi impressionnants, ils apportent une nouvelle perspective par rapport aux vraiment tout tout début, on passe de minimum à maximum.
    Petit addiction du fait de vouloir rouler sur toujours plus, à chaque retentissement du chrono j'ai la frustration qui monte en moi, j'aurais voulu rouler encore plus.
    Rien n'est pris au sérieux, tout est déjanté, cet humour se marie excellement bien aux graphismes polygonés du jeu. A chaque map on se sent en osmose avec les objets sur lesquelles on roule, on ne prend pas, on ne vole pas. Il y a très peu de violence, et ca se ressent par l'accompagnement musical vraiment vraiment bon, en tant qu'enfant on kiffe, en tant qu'adulte on re-devient enfant en écoutant les jolies mélodies et on kiffe tout autant.
    Le portage tourne très bien sur switch, heureusement pour un jeu ps2. J'ai eu du mal avec les contrôles, ca s'est réduit au fil du temps, c'est pas si intuitif que ça.
    Katamari prouve que les jeux nippons totalement bizarres peuvent aussi être appréciés à l'international, conclusion, donnez-nous plus de portage de ce genre de jeux dont nous n'avons pas pu profité en tant qu'occidentaux !
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  20. Jun 20, 2020
    9
    Fun game. When I seen it was for switch, I immediately purchased it. I used to play it on PS2.
  21. Jul 26, 2020
    9
    Super trippy all around fun game. Controls are whacky but it makes it a challenge. Wish it was longer.
  22. Aug 18, 2021
    8
    I love this series. I wish they would have done something to update it but, aside from that, it's a perfect port.
  23. Jan 2, 2022
    9
    I love having this game on a handheld system.
    Never played it before? I can sum it up in one word: bizarre!
  24. Jan 2, 2022
    8
    This game is uhhh....cool but sort of weird. I really like the concept of it though.
  25. Jan 3, 2022
    10
    it is awesome, the music is sublime, i really think it is a must play game, it brings a lot of nostalgic feeling UwU
  26. Mar 16, 2022
    8
    bum bum bum bum bum bum bum catamari damacyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
  27. Dec 21, 2022
    10
    Even 18 years since its initial release, Katamari Damacy has few rivals which match its zany originality. Building up your katamari is infinitely addictive, and exploring levels for new objects to grab or for better pathways to exploit incentivize repeated playthroughs. It still looks and sounds fantastic. The control scheme takes some getting used to, but otherwise, Katamari is aEven 18 years since its initial release, Katamari Damacy has few rivals which match its zany originality. Building up your katamari is infinitely addictive, and exploring levels for new objects to grab or for better pathways to exploit incentivize repeated playthroughs. It still looks and sounds fantastic. The control scheme takes some getting used to, but otherwise, Katamari is a classic everyone should try. Expand
  28. Dec 11, 2022
    8
    Just a very fun gameplay loop. Very easy but the real challenge comes from pushing yourself to create the perfect route and make a perfect Katamari. One of the most satisfying endings I've played through and has a great soundtrack. My biggest issue was with the "collect one of" missions just because I'd roll this massive Katamari and then get blasted by something off-screen and roll into aJust a very fun gameplay loop. Very easy but the real challenge comes from pushing yourself to create the perfect route and make a perfect Katamari. One of the most satisfying endings I've played through and has a great soundtrack. My biggest issue was with the "collect one of" missions just because I'd roll this massive Katamari and then get blasted by something off-screen and roll into a tiny object with no option to retry immediately. Just gave up on those levels entirely tbh. Expand
  29. Apr 6, 2023
    9
    It is a happy, funny, enjoyable game with unique idea and controlling method.
    It chills you up when you want to refresh your mind. It also gives you unbelievable experience that anything can be stacked into the Katamari!
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Aug 22, 2019
    95
    An experience so sublime doesn't need much in the way of fancy trappings to reach a new audience, only new opportunities. [Issue #38 – March/April 2019, p. 75]
  2. Jan 28, 2019
    90
    Katamari Damacy Reroll is as simple, silly, and superbly entertaining as it was more than a decade ago. The main experience stays intact, but the remaster does enough to make anyone interested in this game smile. Here’s hoping that Bandai Namco takes this reimagining and invests in the original sequel next.
  3. Jan 10, 2019
    80
    The game was funnier — and harder — than I expected. Its sunny nihilism brightened my winter nights.