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.
Review Scoring Details for Katamari Forever
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.
