Once Upon a Katamari Reviews
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. 👑
I’m very glad Once Upon A Katamari exists, and while I have enjoyed playing it on basically every platform over the last week as a break from other games, I really wish a little more care had been put into the progression
Once Upon A KATAMARI's general strengths make up for small problems like sometimes wonky camera angles or short sections that repeat themselves. The music is lovely, the graphics are bright and fun, and the gameplay is easy enough for newcomers to understand but complex enough to test longtime fans. Even after many years, One Thousand and One Nights illustrates that the series can still be fun, interesting, and inspire innovation.
“Once Upon A Katamari” has a familiar gameplay loop that will be either a positive or a negative, depending on how you feel towards the franchise. New additions to the formula, including boosts, customisation, music, and multiplayer, add something refreshing to the package. With difficulty feeling a bit harder, it does impact the cozy, relaxing feeling I had come to expect from the franchise. Although it’s not so hard that it becomes a deal breaker, it is something that needs to be considered when you sit down to play. Overall, “Once Upon A Katamari” rolls above its weight and is a fun game. Whether you are new or old to the franchise, you will have a ball of a time.
Once Upon a Katamari is a gem. A bright star in the sky. A pickle atop a hamburger, begging for your teeth to unleash its crisp crunch and spread its flavour as your tongue screams in delight. It’s a poem written and performed by a madman, which might be beautiful to some and terrifying to others. And for all the weirdos out there, it’s a journey you won’t soon forget. It’s time to start rolling once again. The King demands it!
"Once Upon a Katamari" is a journey through time, both literally and figuratively. The first new mainline game since 2011 plays almost identically to the series debut in 2004. Sure, the graphics are a little fancier and the gameplay has been fine-tuned a bit, but beyond that, there are no big surprises. For fans of the series, this is a blessing. For newcomers, it could be a problem. Those rolling through the world of Katamari for the first time may be put off by the steep learning curve and tight time limits. The game doesn't make it easy for rookies to discover the charm that lies beneath the often frustrating surface. But those who take the time and give “Once Upon a Katamari” a chance will be rewarded with one of the most fun and unusual gaming experiences ever. “Katamari” has never been perfect. And that's kind of the point.
Review in German | Read full review
Once Upon a Katamari offers a lighthearted and enjoyable experience that faithfully revives the cheerful and simple spirit of the classic series. The core idea of collecting objects and growing your ball remains as charming as ever, delivering a pleasant sense of satisfaction, while the smooth performance makes the gameplay comfortable and easy. However, the lack of innovation and the overly childlike tone may make it less appealing to everyone.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Once Upon a Katamari remains a joy to play, even after all these years. Don't expect anything too complicated or technical, but veterans can enjoy the classic absurdity the series is known for, while new players can enjoy an accessible, low-pressure puzzle adventure title.
Simply put, Once Upon a Katamari is exactly what fans of the franchise have been waiting for - pure, joyful fun wrapped in adorable design, catchy music, and an adventure that’ll keep a smile on your face the entire time.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Once Upon A Katamari goes back to the good old days of PS2 weird-ass puzzle gaming where ideas were kept simple. With a fresh take on levels -now dished out in different eras- and a slew of new mechanics like power-ups and different ball types, this Katamari-type game is still a joy to play through from start to finish. Plus, there are multiplayer competitive modes that help lengthen the title's replay value if you're done with the many, many single player challenges.
Once Upon a Katamari is a fantastic new entry in the series and provides an incredibly entertaining experience in all the right ways, despite its tedious parts
Once Upon a Katamari is definitely a welcome addition to the franchise. Mechanically, it is an amalgamation of the best of the series, but contextualized in an interesting way.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Once Upon A KATAMARI is, ultimately, a successful and intelligent celebration of the original concept, capable of combining nostalgia and novelty with a lightness that does not detract from the depth hidden beneath the playful surface. It's a game that smiles and asks for little, but can convince even the novice to stay glued to the screen to see how big they can make their Katamari; those who loved the series in the past will find many reasons to smile, while those approaching it for the first time will discover a formula that is accessible but surprisingly rich in nuances. If you are looking for an experience that alternates between relaxed moments and frenetic races, with a catchy soundtrack and a multiplayer mode that turns chaos into competition, Once Upon A KATAMARI proves it has enough ideas and character to justify its return to the scene after so long.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you like offbeat humor and skill games, "Once Upon a Katamari" might be just your thing. We've rolled through time and space to tell you about our sticky adventure. Let's just say this: Even as a beginner, you can have a lot of fun here – it never gets really difficult with the big ball.
Review in German | Read full review
Once Upon a Katamari is a classic series experience, only bigger, more diverse, and more chaotic than ever! Fans can finally rest assured with a sequel that honors its legacy and sets a good foundation for future sequels.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Once Upon a Katamari is a rollicking good time with its newest entry in fourteen years. Players will delight in its random goofiness as they roll up dinosaurs, civilians, and buildings to rebuild the Earth. After such a long wait, it’s great to see this series rolling back into players’ hearts!