Hey folks! I recently rolled back into the wonderfully wacky world of Katamari Damacy REROLL, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts. If you’re looking for a cozy, stress-free game that’s equal parts quirky and charming, this HD remake might be your next favorite pick.
Overall Impressions
From the moment the King of All Cosmos orders you to rebuild the stars, Katamari Damacy REROLL bursts with charm. The remaster captures the original PS2 magic perfectly. You play as the tiny Prince, rolling up everyday objects to towering landmarks to recreate constellations. Unlike most puzzle games, this one’s less about brain-teasers and more about playful momentum. Curiosity is rewarded more than perfection. Some levels feel a bit similar, but the variety of items—from thumbtacks to taxis—keeps the game fresh. The main campaign is short, about five hours, yet it never wears out its welcome.
Gameplay Mechanics
The heart of Katamari is its rolling mechanic. You begin with dust and pins, then move on to entire buildings. It’s simple but has surprising depth. Controls can feel awkward at first—many players need time to adjust to dual-stick movement. I fumbled a lot in early turns, but soon found clever ways to flick, spin, and drift around obstacles. The moment I slipped through an alley and rolled up a playground felt incredible. Time limits add gentle pressure, balancing freedom to explore with urgency to finish.
Story and Characters
The story isn’t deep, but it’s part of the fun. The King of All Cosmos and his son, the Prince, carry the show. The King’s dramatic rants—“This is borderline embarrassing!”—always made me laugh. Cutscenes have been redrawn in HD, adding new life to surreal moments. The narrative is light, yet the quirky humor and odd personalities make you root for the Prince as he rolls bigger and bigger.
Visuals and Graphics
This REROLL edition shines in full HD. Textures are clean, colors pop, and the world just feels warm and inviting. The original game’s blocky PS2 graphics had their own charm, but these updated visuals give everything extra polish. I especially loved the way everyday objects look so crisp—those tiny socks and rubber ducks are somehow even cuter now. The art style remains joyful and surreal, reminding me why Katamari has such a devoted fanbase. Whether you’re rolling through an office supply store or a bustling cityscape, the bright, bold palette always lifts your mood.
Sound and Music
Okay, the soundtrack might be one of my favorite parts. Katamari Damacy is famous for its eclectic mix of J-pop, lounge jazz, and bouncy electronica, and REROLL nails every beat. Tracks like “Katamari on the Rococo Beat” and “Lonely Rolling Star” are iconic, and hearing them in crisp, remastered audio feels like a treat. Sound effects—those satisfying tumbles and crunchy noises when you pick up bigger objects—add layers of joy to every roll. There’s no voice acting beyond the King’s booming barks, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. The minimal dialogue leaves space for the music to shine.
Difficulty and Replayability
Katamari Damacy REROLL hits a sweet spot in difficulty. Early levels are a cakewalk, helping you get comfortable with controls. Later stages throw in tighter time limits and trickier environments, so you’ll need some strategy—like circling around a tall object or plotting the fastest path through crowds. It’s never punishing, but it will keep you on your toes. Replay value comes from chasing higher scores, grabbing all the bonus items, and going for gold star ratings. I smashed through the main levels in two sittings (including earning all achievements), but I’ve gone back a few times just to improve my best times and find every hidden gem.
Developer Trivia and Behind the Scenes
The original Katamari Damacy was developed by a small team at Namco (now BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment) led by Keita Takahashi, who wanted to make something so different and joyful that players couldn’t help but smile. REROLL was handled by MONKEYCRAFT Co. Ltd., who reworked all the old cutscenes, polished up the graphics, and tweaked a few controls while staying true to the spirit of the original. The result feels like a true loving tribute rather than just a lazy port.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a cozy, laid-back game that’s full of laughs and unexpected surprises, Katamari Damacy REROLL is a fantastic pick. It’s quirky, it’s colorful, and it’s got one of the best video game soundtracks ever made. While it’s not the deepest game around, its short length and endless replay options make it perfect for casual play sessions. Give yourself time to get comfortable with the controls, then prepare to roll up the world.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
It might lose a little shine if you’re not into the abstract humor or if you crave heavy story beats, but for anyone looking for a fun, easygoing experience, Katamari Damacy REROLL is well worth the trip. Happy rolling!
