5/5 ★ – Chunderclap's review of Katamari Damacy.

Good: Controls are seamless and intuitive, though do allow for a development of skill and a high skill floor. For the first generation of consoles with dual joysticks, this may be the most innovative use of the dual sticks. Gameplay loop is wildly fun and charming, and leaves little to be desired. Level design in this game might be the pinnacle of level design, as it allows for the katamari to grow seamlessly, without any sharp cuts to new zones, all while the growth causes the existing zones to almost “refresh” in the players capabilities. As you progress, you soon find yourself revisiting familir sites that are now completely fresh as your perspective has changed. Not only that the way the game reintroduces areas as you grow, but the way it introduces new zones is genius as well. Often times, new zones suited to a larger katamari will come into view as your katamari grows and your view point zooms out. Seamlessly, you are able to explore more and more as you grow, all while the traversal and exploration feels effortless and intuitive. The king of all cosmos is an awesome character, and his constant irony, coupled with his consistent backhanded remarks make him not only hate-able, but somehow they drive the player to want to improve as well. While the game design is very simple, another aspect where it excelled was the implementation of the rolling, and the physics of your ball as it gathers long, or lopsided objects. While the game mentions you do not roll as well when youre lopsided, it doesnt actively do anything to discourage you from simply rolling in a straight line, and gathering everything on a center line around the ball. Despite this, the physics of the gathering compels the player to form as “spherical” a katamari as possible, without any clear punishment or reward system. The music is next level, fitting the game perfectly with its pop, electronic and upbeat music. The family lore was entertaining to follow and was at first a jarring break from the zany personality of the king, but quickly made me think on the implications of my actions, as they clearly affected the population. Bad: It is truly one of the best designed games I have ever played, but it certainly will not appeal to everyone. I felt it was the perfect length, but some could argue it was a bit too short (~6 hours) Summary: Katamari Damacy is one of the most unique, and well designed games I have ever played. With a low impact story that does offers grounding and thought in an eccentric, wildly funny and very sarcastic game, some of the best implemented use of dual joysticks and an intuitive control scheme, and genius level design, Katamari Damacy is a masterclass in game design. While it may not be for everyone, for those whom the gameplay and vibe clicks, it will be a truly once in a lifetime experience. (10/10)