I first encountered
Katamari Damacy back in 2007, when my then-partner's brother looked at me and said, "Let me show you a game that's like giving your PS2 an acid trip." Fast-forward to today, and
Katamari Damacy REROLL brings that same bizarre, joyful weirdness into the HD era. The core concept is unchanged; you’re the tiny Prince of the Cosmos, rolling a sticky ball (katamari) around to collect everything from thumbtacks to skyscrapers, all because your dad, the King of All Cosmos, went on a destructive bender and needs you to fix the stars. Who hasn't had an experience like this with their dad?
The twin-stick movement remains a unique and oddly satisfying challenge, but it’s still not perfectly intuitive. You’ll eventually find your groove, yet there’s a steep adjustment curve, especially for new players. That awkwardness is part of the charm, though, and it rarely gets in the way of the fun once you’ve adapted. The worst part is attempting the "dash" move, which was a problem even back in the PS2 days. (8/10)
If you’re looking for a deep narrative, you won’t find it here. The story is basically a surreal excuse to keep rolling up increasingly absurd objects. While the King’s over-the-top monologues and the quirky cutscenes are entertaining in their own right, they’re more flavor text than actual storytelling. (4/10)
This is where
REROLL absolutely shines. The remaster takes the game’s blocky, colorful art style and polishes it to a crisp, vibrant sheen without losing any of its original personality. It’s a gorgeous reminder that style can outshine photorealism —
Katamari’s world is a candy-colored fever dream that’s just as delightful now as it was in 2004. (10/10)
The gameplay loop is absurdly simple but dangerously addictive. Rolling up progressively larger objects never gets old, and the creative level design keeps things fresh-ish. Still, there are moments where the camera and physics can get in your way, adding frustration to an otherwise joyful experience. Then there's the fact that the game is simply short: I completed everything in under six hours. Even a person who has no experience with the game can probably finish in less than ten. (7/10)
Katamari Damacy REROLL is a faithful remaster that nails the visuals, keeps the unique gameplay intact, and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience you simply can’t get anywhere else. The story is paper-thin and the controls still have their quirks, but if you’re in the mood for something colorful, weird, and endlessly charming, this is a roll worth taking. (7/10)
3.5