Once Upon a Katamari Reviews
Once Upon a KATAMARI is a Katamari game at its best, rolling, rolling, and rolling through time collecting items and constructing new planets. The 10+ year wait has been worth it, as it introduces just enough novelty all the while preserving the best bits of the series. Its uniqueness aside, it's the most approachable Katamari yet.
Once Upon A Katamari takes the tried and tested formula of the series past and presents it as more of a straightforward game
Long time fans of the off-the-wall action puzzler and newcomers alike are bound to have a ball.
Once Upon a Katamari is the return fans have been waiting for: colorful, eccentric, and brimming with the carefree absurdity that made Bandai Namco's franchise so unique. While it doesn't reinvent the formula, it tastefully modernizes it with a more cohesive structure. It's a game that chooses refinement over revolution, but does so with genuine love for its quirky universe and characters. In short, Once Upon a Katamari doesn't redefine the series; it celebrates it in the most joyful way possible.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It sticks hard to the formula established two decades ago, but Once Upon a Katamari's tumble through history has enough new ideas and relentless charm to make it a worthy entry for fans old and new.
Once Upon a Katamari keeps the series' trademark charm and eccentric humor intact. Some old flaws remain ' the clunky camera, minor grind, and brief loading pauses ' but they're easy to forgive. It's quirky, joyful, and still one of the few games that can make you smile just by playing.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Once Upon a KATAMARI makes its long-awaited return, delivering the series' trademark blend of simple yet addictive gameplay and quirky humor. Unfortunately, a few frustrating bugs also roll back in, but the game's charm is hard to resist.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Once Upon a Katamari is another excellent title in the series. The game design is still timeless, and the act of picking up everything in your path never gets old. The additions of power-ups don't change the game dramatically, but the solid level design and varied objectives do a good job at keeping the game fresh. The time travel concept also helps in that regard. Still bathed in that joyful but lo-fi presentation, Once Upon a Katamari is a game that's benefitted from long stretches between releases and remains a great title for both veterans and newcomers alike.
Once Upon A KATAMARI is a visually and audio-visually excellent experience, but unfortunately the gameplay lacks traction and suffers from a number of issues. On the other hand, the $40 price tag for such a game is insane, which makes it hard to recommend it.
Review in Persian | Read full review
The new Katamari has returned in the best possible way. The new features and the variety of missions add great layers to the gameplay, and the inclusion of different time periods brings an interesting twist compared to the past. There are a few minor shortcomings that slightly affect the experience, but they’re not enough to disrupt the overall flow of the game. Once Upon a Katamari offers an enjoyable experience for both newcomers and longtime fans, marking another success for the series.
Review in Persian | Read full review
It's even better that the one on Nintendo Switch feels like the third game in a trilogy with the two original PS2 games (that are also available in HD remaster form on Switch). Once Upon a Katamari is a full-fledged fresh entry in a series that hasn't had this kind of shot in the arm since HDTVs were a thing. Here's hoping we get a more consistent drip of Katamari following this charming entry that largely understands why the first one was such a cult hit.
The first brand new Katamari game in years, Once Upon a Katamari doesn't disappoint. While it suffers from the same issues the series always has, like wonky controls and camera, there's no denying that it's as fun as ever to play. There's nothing else like it, and we'll never grow tired of the utter weirdness of rolling up items with a special ball.
Once Upon A KATAMARI takes one of the most unique and enjoyable formulas in gaming history and makes it even more fun thanks to its many elements that add up to one cleverly quirky era-spanning adventure. 👑
It might not revolutionise the series, but it does bring a fresh new approach and a full suite of new levels, in an approachable blend of old and new.
This is the best the franchise has been in a long time, with more stage variety than ever because of the time-travelling gimmick of Once Upon A KATAMARI. While it can be hard to follow the talking while playing and the loading during the middle of the stage can be a tad annoying, overall it is an absolute delight to be rolling up everything in sight! If you’ve ever been curious about the franchise, this is the best way to start your journey of pure chaotic fun that’ll have you smiling the whole time.
Rengame does not reinvent Katamari, but expands it with historical destinations, delightful objects, and impossible music, creating a pure, charming arcade recommendation for fans of organized chaos.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Once Upon a Katamari isn’t a game for everyone, and certainly not for the masses. It is and remains a unique concept, and as is often the case with highly original games, it has its fans and its detractors. You can finish the game in a solid 7 hours, but it feels like you’ve spent 7 wonderful hours at an excellent spa, because this is pure relaxation at its finest. So grab that ball and start rolling to your heart’s content!
Review in Dutch | Read full review
“Ball games across time and space.”
Review in Finnish | Read full review
The music and melodies fast become earworms hard to cleanse
Once Upon a Katamari delivers a chaotic, joyful experience, proving that simple ideas in a vibrant, creative world can be incredibly fun. The game doesn’t aim for realism but celebrates the madness and chaos that have defined the series from the start, offering a unique experience that reminds us games can be simply fun, wild, and charming all at once.
Review in Arabic | Read full review