Reviews

Posted by: jkdmedia

First rolling our way five years ago, Katamari Damaci for the PlayStation 2 was considered a brilliant and genuinely unique game that made something as simple as rolling a ball of junk so darn addictive. After having tried to jump onto the Xbox 360, Katamari Forever finds itself on the PlayStation 3 as a not only the first true HD Katamari game but also a tribute to past games in the series. Consider this a Best of Katamari complete with all the series’ returning thrills and problems.

The story behind Katamari Forever is as zany as the first game and that’s what we love about it. You see, the King of All Cosmos is guarding the peace and harmony of the cosmos just as he always does when his son, the Prince, catches his attention with his jumping training. In an attempt to show his son how it’s done, the King jumps in time to hit his head on a black star that was barreling down the cosmos. The result is a King with no memory and the Prince and his cousins scrambling to find his replacement. Their response is to create RoboKing, a robotic version of the big man but even that plan backfires.

With RoboKing malfunctioning, it’s up to the Prince and his cousins to keep the cosmos in order until the King gets his memories back. In order to do this, the Prince is asked to roll his Katamari again. The Prince finds himself traveling from RoboKing’s side of the cosmos to the King’s side and taking on their levels in order to win their approval by completing required tasks.

The game still follows the simple format of the Prince rolling the Katamari collecting objects and watching the ball grow to the required size needed for each level. Like in past games, the more objects you collect the bigger the objects you can collect. Meanwhile, there are also certain objectives to meet aside from how big the Katamari should be before you start. You also have objects to avoid while you work like in past games.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, Katamari Forever is more of a compilation of past games in the series so almost all of the levels will be familiar to continuing fans. You will be collecting candies in a level inspired by the fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” and then collecting treats in a local marketplace in another level. There’s a level where you’re collecting vegetation in a garden and then collecting objects in a traditional Japanese home. All of these levels come directly from each Katamari game with the exception of three new ones found in the later levels.

While not much has changed as far as the level design or the basic elements of the gameplay, there are a few new features. One of them happens to be the Prince Hop that allows the Prince to jump over obstacles. Now, you can use the SIXAXIS controller by tilting it upwards but it doesn’t often do it. Thankfully, you can jump with the R2 button instead … which is the better way to jump. You can also zoom in and out with a different view but, sadly, there are still the old camera issues that have been plaguing past games in the series.

Speaking of flaws, the returning problems from past games are also back. That means heavy clipping problems and the occasionally framerate stutter. Mind you, it’s not bad but you would think they would have addressed this problem for the PS3. There isn’t even online multiplayer but, thankfully, they kept the VS Battle and Co-op Mode intact so you can share the fun with a friend via split-screen action.

The default graphics is actually very pretty seeing as it takes a colorful cel-shaded look that is definitely should be used for the next game. For those who loved the original’s retro look you can always change the filters. There are four in total, although it doesn’t change the blocky view of objects and your surroundings. Speaking of the environments, they’re quite unique and still a very much the highlight of the visuals.

The soundtrack is still as good as ever if you like J-pop, funky Japanese-styled jazz and dance beats. There are loads of different tunes, which is a major plus although my vote would have been for more J-pop. There are good sound effects as well, although it’s nothing out of the ordinary. The dialogue is handled by text but the King of All Cosmos and RoboKing do speak a sort of funny gibberish.

Consider this one more of a tribute to the past Katamari games released so far, Katamari Forever for the PS3 is nothing new for returning gamers but if this is your first time playing with the Prince then this is the game you need to buy. While there are a few new features in this one and only three new levels, this isn’t a major leap forward for this series. The King of All Cosmos definitely needs to roll into a new kind of Katamari game. 

Gameplay: 7.0
There are 34 levels, many of them returning favorites from past games like Katamari Damaci and three new ones. There are different modes that will keep you playing the game and Prince Hop is very useful but only if you use the R2 button. There’s co-op and VS Battle so a friend can join in the action. Other than that there’s nothing really new about this game.

Graphics: 8.0
The stylish new default visuals actually does look great but if you miss the classic look you can always change the graphics filters. The Wood filter is a nice touch but if you like that sketch feel then the default is the way to go.

Sound: 8.5
The sound effects and the funny gibberish that comes from the King of All Cosmos and RoboKing is still a delight to hear. What really makes the sound unique is the cool soundtrack that is composed of good dance tunes and excellent J-pop songs.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
Both the King and RoboKing are real slave drivers and will make you roll like you never rolled before in the later levels. Some objectives are easier to complete than others in this game but be prepared for some good challenges.

Concept: 7.0
Like the first Katamari game, this game feels right at home although the SIXAXIS jump isn’t as smooth as it should have been … unfortunately. There are three new levels at least and you have cousins to offer some variety to the levels. There’s co-op fun to be had but, sadly, no online multiplayer.

Multiplayer: 7.5
You can play alongside a friend in the game’s Co-op Mode or try to beat your friend via split-screen in VS Battle. The action is fun and furious with a friend but the lack of online multiplayer matches just takes away from the multiplayer fun.

Overall: 7.0
Katamari Forever for the PS3 isn’t a new game with all new levels but if you missed out on the first few games then this is the perfect introduction to the series. There are a few new features but it doesn’t make for a new experience for returning fans. At least the budget price is right but those who have played this before will not find anything they haven’t played already.