Once Upon a KATAMARI

The story of Once Upon a KATAMARI is widely praised for its whimsical, absurdist charm and its ability to blend humor with a playful narrative structure. Critics like IGN and GameSpew highlight the game’s zany premise, where the King of All Cosmos causes chaos through time travel, sending the Prince on a mission to restore stars and planets by rolling up objects. The time-travel mechanic is frequently lauded for its creativity, with Metro GameCentral noting the "gentle satire of Japanese culture" and GamesRadar+ emphasizing how it refreshes gameplay by allowing players to explore historical periods. Many reviewers, including Nintendo Life and SpazioGames, commend the narrative’s consistency with the series’ signature surrealism, describing it as a "childlike sense of fantasy" that aligns perfectly with the game’s quirky tone. The story’s simplicity as a backdrop for gameplay is seen as a strength by COGconnected, who calls it a "fine starting point for newcomers," while Nintendo WorldReport and GameOver.gr appreciate its "cute writing" and "whimsical" themes that enhance the experience without overcomplicating things. However, several critics note that the story lacks depth and innovation, often serving more as a framework for gameplay than a compelling narrative. COGconnected and Try Hard Guides point out that the plot is minimal, with the King’s antics and the Prince’s quest feeling repetitive or underdeveloped. Nintendo Insider and Multiplayer.it criticize the lack of exploration into the time-travel premise, noting that themed levels and historical settings are "not deeply explored" or "light-hearted" at best. GamingBolt and Gameliner mention that the story feels derivative of earlier Katamari games, with little new to offer despite its creative concepts. Additionally, Gaming Nexus and Loot Level Chill observe that while the narrative is charming, it relies heavily on humor and absurdity rather than meaningful character development or emotional stakes. The repetitive nature of the Prince’s mission—rolling up objects across eras—also draws criticism for feeling formulaic, with But Why Tho? noting the "lack of a detailed overarching narrative." Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Once Upon a KATAMARI succeeds as a lighthearted, humorous experience that prioritizes charm over complexity. The story’s surrealism and time-travel elements are seen as fitting for the franchise’s identity, with IGN Benelux and SpazioGames praising its "whimsical storytelling" and "absurd humor." While some reviewers, like COGconnected and Try Hard Guides, acknowledge its minimal narrative depth, others, such as Nintendo Life and GameBlast, argue that the simplicity enhances the game’s accessibility and appeal. The balance between absurdity and creativity is a recurring theme, with IGN France and Hobby Consolas noting how the story maintains the series’ "surreal humor" while offering fresh settings. Ultimately, critics agree that the narrative, though not groundbreaking, effectively supports the game’s playful spirit and reinforces its status as a quirky, nostalgic entry in the Katamari series.

The gameplay of Once Upon a KATAMARI is widely praised for its faithful adherence to the series’ core mechanics while introducing fresh elements that enhance accessibility and variety. Critics like SpazioGames highlight the game’s “flexible progression system” and over 50 levels, which offer diverse challenges and power-ups that keep the experience engaging. IGN and Nintendo Life commend the refined controls, new power-ups, and quality-of-life improvements, noting that the game maintains the chaotic charm of previous entries while appealing to both newcomers and veterans. The inclusion of multiple control schemes—such as twin-stick and one-stick options—makes the gameplay more approachable, as noted by NintendoWorldReport and COGconnected, while TierraGamer praises the polished controls and historical stage variety. Many reviewers, including GameSpot and GamesRadar+, emphasize that the core loop of rolling a katamari to collect objects remains satisfying, with added set-piece missions and time-travel themes providing a sense of novelty without straying from the franchise’s identity. However, several critics point out shortcomings that slightly detract from the experience. Vandal and GameSpot criticize the lack of innovation, arguing that new mechanics feel superficial and fail to elevate the gameplay beyond nostalgia-driven repetition. NintendoWorldReport and Games.cz mention frustrations with unclear level guidelines or control schemes, such as the “challenging” simplified controls on PC, while Restart.run and GameBlast note that gimmick-heavy levels can overshadow the pure collection experience. Additionally, some reviewers, like Final Weapon and Impulsegamer, point to inconsistent logic in item collection or tedious missions under the King’s “discerning standards.” While these issues are not universal, they highlight a recurring theme of minor frustrations that, while not breaking the game, prevent it from feeling entirely groundbreaking. Despite these critiques, the majority of critics agree that Once Upon a KATAMARI delivers a strong, enjoyable gameplay experience. IGN, SpazioGames, and Gameliner all praise the balance between familiar mechanics and new features like power-ups, varied objectives, and historical settings, which keep the game fresh. Even reviewers who noted flaws, such as But Why Tho? and Digital Chumps, acknowledge the game’s fun and addictive nature, with Hobby Consolas calling it “engaging and fun.” While some critics argue that the game relies too heavily on nostalgia or lacks deeper innovation, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its accessibility, replayability, and commitment to the series’ unique charm. As Pocket Tactics and Checkpoint Gaming note, the game successfully modernizes the Katamari formula without losing what makes it special, ensuring it appeals to both longtime fans and new players.

The majority of reviewers praise Once Upon a KATAMARI for its vibrant, whimsical, and consistent visual design, which aligns with the series' established aesthetic. Critics like Final Weapon, Games.cz, and IGN highlight the game’s colorful, psychedelic style and dynamic, bizarre environments that encourage exploration. The low-polygon models, described as "immaculate" by GamesRadar+ and "whimsical" by Digital Chumps, contribute to a charming, retro-futuristic look that feels both nostalgic and modern. Siliconera and BaziCenter commend the historically themed levels, noting how distinct eras are visually represented with period-appropriate details, while Nintendo Life praises the "saturated color palette" and "blocky style" that shines on the Switch OLED. The game’s art direction is consistently lauded for its creativity, humor, and ability to evoke a sense of wonder, as noted by Loot Level Chill and Starbit, who emphasize its heartwarming and visually harmonious chaos. However, some critics point to specific shortcomings in the graphics. Gaming Age mentions that certain character designs may feel "unsettling," while COGconnected describes the overall appearance as "ugly" despite its nostalgic PS2-inspired style. Technical issues also arise across platforms: Nintendo Insider notes visual cutbacks and cramped levels on the Switch, and Gameliner and GamersRD cite camera problems in tight spaces. GameSpot mentions occasional frame drops, while GameSpew argues the visuals lack significant modernization compared to earlier entries. Additionally, Vandal criticizes the "lack of interactivity" despite the vibrant low-poly aesthetic, and NintendoWorldReport highlights loading times that disrupt gameplay. These critiques suggest that while the art style is beloved, its execution on certain platforms or in specific aspects falls short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Once Upon a KATAMARI’s visual design, with most agreeing it successfully captures the series’ signature charm and creativity. The low-poly, colorful aesthetic is seen as both a nostalgic nod and a unique artistic choice that enhances the game’s whimsical nature, as emphasized by Impulsegamer and Multiplayer.it. While technical limitations and minor design choices (like character models or level scaling) are occasionally criticized, these issues do not overshadow the broader acclaim for its visual identity. Reviewers like PlayStation Universe and WellPlayed note that the game balances modern upgrades—such as 4K resolution on PS5—with the original’s lo-fi appeal, ensuring it remains a visually engaging experience. The mixed feedback reflects a general acknowledgment of the art style’s strengths, even if some aspects feel dated or imperfect.

The sound design and music of Once Upon a KATAMARI received widespread acclaim, with critics highlighting its diversity, originality, and ability to elevate the gameplay experience. Multiple reviewers praised the soundtrack’s eclectic mix of genres, from upbeat J-pop and cosmic funk to whimsical melodies, which perfectly complemented the game’s chaotic and playful nature. Final Weapon noted the “diversity and quality” of the tracks, while Games.cz emphasized how the music allowed players to create personalized playlists, enhancing immersion. IGN highlighted nostalgic elements from previous Katamari entries, and Shacknews celebrated the “legendary chill” of tracks like Lonely Rolling Star. Siliconera lauded the originality, calling it a “great selection of songs that fit the game’s theme,” while Nintendo Life described a blend of “sugar-high J-pop and cosmic funk” that matched the game’s whimsical tone. The inclusion of contributions from artists like Chelmico (as noted by IGN France) and Yuu Miyake (Impulsegamer) further enriched the auditory experience, with many critics agreeing that the music was a standout feature. While the majority praised the soundtrack, some critiques pointed to minor flaws. COGconnected criticized the music for being “not very listenable outside of gameplay,” arguing that the emphasis on customization felt misplaced. GamersRD noted that while the tracks were catchy, they could become monotonous over time, and Metro GameCentral lamented that the remixes lacked the charm of earlier entries, with a “diluted focus on jazz and samba” leading to “mostly forgettable” music. Additionally, Noisy Pixel mentioned the “chaotic” horn sound at the end of stages as an annoyance. These criticisms were relatively isolated, however, and did not detract from the overall enthusiasm for the soundtrack’s creativity and energy. The consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all acknowledging the soundtrack as a major strength of Once Upon a KATAMARI. Reviewers like IGN, Siliconera, and Pocket Tactics emphasized its ability to meet or exceed the high standards set by previous Katamari games, while others, such as But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming, highlighted the inclusion of classic tracks and innovative new compositions. Even critics with minor reservations, like COGconnected and Metro GameCentral, conceded that the music was a key element of the game’s charm. The combination of nostalgic nods, genre experimentation, and infectious melodies solidified the soundtrack as a defining feature, ensuring it resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers. As IGN noted, despite “minor playlist issues,” the soundtrack remained a “diverse and engaging” pillar of the experience, reflecting the series’ enduring appeal.

The voice acting in Once Upon a KATAMARI is largely praised for its comedic and charming delivery, particularly through the character of The King of All Cosmos. Critics like IGN highlight that the King’s performance is “comedic and well-executed,” contributing significantly to the game’s humor and charm. Siliconera notes the voice acting enhances character development, while Worth Playing appreciates the narrator’s lighthearted and over-the-top tone, which aligns with the game’s quirky style. IGN France and XboxEra commend the absurdity of the King’s dialogue, emphasizing how it captures the game’s nonsensical humor. Additionally, Gameliner and Impulsegamer praise the King’s sarcastic and humorous delivery, which adds to the game’s unique atmosphere. These reviews collectively underscore that the voice acting, especially for The King, is a standout element that reinforces the series’ signature whimsy. However, several critics point to drawbacks, particularly regarding the frequency and pacing of dialogue. Games.cz notes the absence of voice acting entirely, with text-only dialogues that can be “annoying during gameplay.” Gaming Nexus and Nintendo Life criticize The King’s lengthy or intrusive monologues, which they argue disrupt immersion and test players’ patience. COGconnected and GameBlast go further, calling the voice acting “poor” or “overly talkative,” with the latter stating it “distracts from gameplay.” While some reviewers acknowledge the King’s comedic value, others feel his constant chatter overshadows the experience, creating a divide between those who find it endearing and those who see it as a flaw. Overall, the consensus leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s role in capturing the game’s eccentric charm, though opinions on its execution vary. Most critics agree that The King’s performance is central to the game’s humor, with IGN, Siliconera, and SpazioGames highlighting its effectiveness. However, concerns about overuse or quality persist, as seen in Gaming Nexus’s critique of lengthy dialogues and COGconnected’s dissatisfaction with the voice acting’s alignment with the game’s tone. While some players find the King’s antics endearing, others view them as a hindrance, reflecting a split in how the voice acting is perceived. Despite these differences, the majority recognize it as a defining feature of the game’s identity.

The technical performance of Once Upon a KATAMARI varies across platforms, with several critics highlighting strengths. On PC, IGN praised the game’s overall stability, noting minor issues like music playlist hiccups but emphasizing that these do not detract from the experience. Worth Playing also commended its smooth performance on the Steam Deck, citing high frame rates and resolution without issues. For PS5, multiple reviewers, including CGMagazine and Push Square, lauded its stable 60 fps performance and polished gameplay, though some noted minor camera control quirks. On Nintendo Switch, IGN Benelux and Nintendo Life acknowledged smooth performance on the Switch 2 and base model respectively, with minimal lag during online play, while Gaming Nexus observed that the PS5 version runs at a smoother 60 fps compared to the Switch’s 30 fps. Xbox Series X received mixed feedback, though IGN France and XboxEra highlighted technical hiccups like confusing interfaces and frequent loading screens, which were not universally mentioned by other critics. Negatives emerged across platforms, often tied to specific hardware or design choices. On PC, Try Hard Guides criticized awkward controls without a controller, while Shacknews and This Is Game noted UI elements that could obstruct gameplay. For Xbox Series X, IGN France pointed to physics issues and a confusing interface, and XboxEra cited interruptions from frequent cutscenes and loading screens. The Nintendo Switch faced challenges with frame rate drops (e.g., Nintendo Life) and pop-up issues (Gaming Nexus), though some critics like Nintendo Insider acknowledged smoother performance on PS5 and PC. On PS5, several reviewers, including BaziCenter and Impulsegamer, highlighted camera control problems in cluttered stages, while GamingBolt noted framerate stutters during multiplayer sessions. These technical shortcomings, though varied, often impacted immersion or gameplay flow. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Once Upon a KATAMARI delivers generally stable performance across platforms, with platform-specific optimizations and limitations. While PC and PS5 versions received praise for their polish and frame rates (e.g., CGMagazine, Push Square), the Nintendo Switch faced hardware-related challenges like lower frame rates and loading issues, though some reviewers (IGN Benelux) noted improvements on newer models. Xbox Series X users encountered interface and physics quirks, but these were not universally reported. Despite minor technical flaws—such as control awkwardness on PC or camera issues on PS5—the game’s core experience remained largely intact, with most critics agreeing that the positives outweighed the negatives. The varied feedback underscores the importance of platform-specific considerations for players seeking a seamless experience.

The majority of critics highlight strong positives regarding the replay value of Once Upon a KATAMARI, emphasizing its abundance of collectibles, challenges, and varied objectives. IGN and Games.cz praise the game’s "over fifty levels" and "multiple challenges," which encourage players to revisit stages for 100% completion or improved scores. Shacknews and Worth Playing note that the inclusion of unlockable content, optional items, and character customization (as mentioned by Siliconera) adds layers to the experience, while Gaming Age and Loot Level Chill highlight how additional objectives and strategies keep gameplay engaging. Multiplayer modes, such as Katamariball (mentioned by IGN France and Noisy Pixel), also contribute to replayability, offering competitive or cooperative twists. Critics like GamesRadar+ and XboxEra acknowledge hidden crowns and missions as incentives for repeated play, though some note these can feel restrictive. The game’s accessibility across platforms (PC, Switch, PS5) further broadens its appeal, with IGN France noting that "level design and variations" allow for short, satisfying sessions without monotony. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks that may limit long-term replayability. This Is Game and Gaming Nexus criticize repetitive level designs, suggesting that some stages feel redundant despite the game’s content volume. XboxEra and IGN Benelux mention frustrations with crown-hunting mechanics or underdeveloped multiplayer modes, while Metro GameCentral argues that the "novelty of the original concept has diminished." Additionally, some reviewers, like Gaming Nexus and Hobby Consolas, note that collectible requirements can feel overwhelming or tedious, and others (e.g., BaziCenter and Vandal) suggest that the lack of significant new ideas or an endless mode reduces long-term engagement. The balance between variety and repetition remains a contentious point, with critics like GamesBlast and SpazioGames acknowledging the game’s depth but warning that its "repetitive" elements could deter players over time. Overall, the consensus leans toward positive but nuanced assessments of Once Upon a KATAMARI’s replay value. Most critics agree that its collectibles, challenges, and multiplayer modes provide substantial longevity, particularly for completionists or fans of the series (as highlighted by Nintendo Life and GameSpot). However, the game’s reliance on familiar mechanics and occasional repetition—cited by This Is Game, Gaming Nexus, and SpazioGames—creates a divide in opinions. While IGN, Games.cz, and Pocket Tactics celebrate its "high replayability" and "variety of stages," others like XboxEra and Vandal caution that the experience may not sustain interest for all players. Ultimately, the game’s replay value is seen as strong but conditional on player tolerance for repetition and enthusiasm for its core mechanics.