Katamari Damacy

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Sep 21, 2004
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 131 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 144
  3. Negative: 10 out of 144
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  1. KrakenOfPepsi
    Dec 14, 2019
    9
    Despite the simplicity of Katamari Damacy, I struggle to define it with any sort of genre label because of how unique the entire experience ends up being. Whether it be the vibrant art design, the hilarious writing, the addicting gameplay, the eclectic soundtrack or the unique control scheme, Katamari Damacy finds ways to impress in almost every single regard.

    You play as the son of The    Despite the simplicity of Katamari Damacy, I struggle to define it with any sort of genre label because of how unique the entire experience ends up being. Whether it be the vibrant art design, the hilarious writing, the addicting gameplay, the eclectic soundtrack or the unique control scheme, Katamari Damacy finds ways to impress in almost every single regard.

    You play as the son of The King of All Cosmos, A.K.A God. He accidentally destroys most of the universes stars, and also the moon. And now it’s up to you to take responsibility for the impacts of your irresponsible father’s action and make some replacement stars on Earth. How do you make the replacement stars? Well by rolling up random junk of course.

    The game has you push around a large ball (Katamari) and roll up objects and creatures that are smaller than the Katamari in an attempt to make it as big as possible before the time runs out – there are other level objectives in the game too which make for some nice variety. Despite having a timer, Katamari Damacy rarely feels tense, but always feels exciting. Levels are absolutely jammed tight with various items and creatures for you to roll up, and it is such a joy to see all of these different creations in play. Creatures have different behaviors, each model is just as detailed as the last, they all have their own sound effects and all of them are placed in clever spots and situations throughout the whole game. Objects and creatures must be smaller than the Katamari for you to roll up, this means that certain routes and areas in levels will either open or close to you as you play. For example; you might make your Katamari too big and will be unable to find hidden items under a car, or your Katamari might be too small and will mean you’re unable to get up some stairs. This means levels and the way you navigate them are constantly changing as you play, and it never gets old.
    This core mechanic of tracking down the next right sized thing to roll up, plus trying to get as big as possible in the time limit paired with the fact you also need to be observant of your surroundings makes for a really clever and fun little game. As well as obviously trying to make your Katamari big, you also amass a collection of different items throughout the game which can be viewed from your home planet in between levels. This is a fun little addition which makes for some good replay value, as well as making your time rolling up random junk a little bit more meaningful. There are plenty of hidden items and other hidden bonuses that make for some great optional content and expand the games length significantly.

    The most contentious aspect of Katamari Damacy would have to be its controls. Both analogue sticks are used to control the direction you push the Katamari in while the camera follows whatever direction you’re facing in. In a way, it actually simulates the action pushing a large object. Holding up and holding down on different sticks at the same time will make you turn around in place, pulling in the opposite direction you’re moving in will cause you to suddenly come to a halt, quickly pushing each stick up and down in succession will cause you to boost and so on. The controls take some getting used to, but once you master them you’ll be glad that you don’t have to control your movement with one stick and the camera with another like most games. And in all honesty I don’t know if I would even enjoy the game as much without the controls, because of the control scheme you’re so much more invested in the movement of your character, and it makes something as simple as moving forwards feel more enjoyable than it would be otherwise.

    The only nitpicks I have with the game are sometimes the camera can get a little congested in tight spaces, and sometimes your character will get stuck in between things which can be extremely frustrating. But all in all, the good far outweighs the bad, and Katamari Damacy ends up being one of the most enjoyable games out there. It’s simple and joyful gameplay is addicting and doesn’t get old in the short time you have with it. The writing and the music is always surprising you in new ways and making for some fantastic and unforgettable moments. The narrative is virtually non-existent, but it doesn’t need to do anything. The game is silly, and it knows it. It’s an absolute blast to play, and I couldn’t recommend it more.    … Expand
  2. KingMob4313
    Aug 23, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game appeals to a person on such a basal level that the game can be both challenging and accessible at the same time. The graphics are basic, seemingly from a generation BACK, but it quickly becomes obvious why when in later levels, you start at a size of 4cm and grow large enough to pull up crustal plates!

    Not since 'Jumping Flash' have I played something so bizarre and so incredible.

    ...and the music. My god.

    Stellar, absolutely stellar. Highest Possible Recommendation.    … Expand
  3. VladimírS.
    Jul 6, 2005
    9
    Za úchylnou prezentací se skrývá skv?lá logická hra!
  4. RussellJ.
    Sep 24, 2004
    10
    Best game since Tetris!
  5. GeorgeC.
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    Weirdest game I've ever played... And enjoying every minute of it.
  6. AdamJ.
    Oct 20, 2004
    10
    I bought this game after reading good reviews on this site. It's the most fun game I've played in a long time. [Ed: nice....] It's a short game, but I can't stop replaying levels trying to do better. Amazing that it's under $20.
  7. BillA.
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    This game is the Bomb as puzzle games for the PS2 goes, it's not exceptionally innovative but the gameplay is such that you cannot put it down and that funky music will have you humming the stuff all day long. For 20 bucks, you cannot go wrong with this game, Leave it to the Japanese to think of something is quirky and downright fun. Mister Mosquito was fun too but this tops even This game is the Bomb as puzzle games for the PS2 goes, it's not exceptionally innovative but the gameplay is such that you cannot put it down and that funky music will have you humming the stuff all day long. For 20 bucks, you cannot go wrong with this game, Leave it to the Japanese to think of something is quirky and downright fun. Mister Mosquito was fun too but this tops even that. I have not seen ONE BAD REVIEW on this game, pick it up and try it and you'll see why.… Expand
  8. JamalB.
    Jan 8, 2005
    10
    I recently picked this up. Simply amazing. Tons of replay value. Must complete my collection.
  9. Wongit
    Feb 5, 2005
    10
    Incredible, the best kind of game for $20. its tottaly worth it and its extremely fun.
  10. SM
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    I wonder if the moron who gave the game a 2 ever played it? Not enough blood, not enough violence? Give me a break. This is just an honestly good game. It doesn't need flashy graphics and realistic violence to compensate for the fact that you're doing the same thing over and over again since what you're doing is fun and amusing inof itself.

    The gameplay is    I wonder if the moron who gave the game a 2 ever played it? Not enough blood, not enough violence? Give me a break. This is just an honestly good game. It doesn't need flashy graphics and realistic violence to compensate for the fact that you're doing the same thing over and over again since what you're doing is fun and amusing inof itself.

    The gameplay is unsurpassed, the soundtrack great (and amusing). The king of all cosmos will keep you laughing with his constant slew of insults.
    You're meant to have FUN playing this game. It may not be appropriate for Mountain Dew drinking ExTrEmE GamErZ, who are just looking for another game to 0wn.

    Excuse my sarcasm, I hope you all take it good humor! :)    … Expand
  11. TylerJ.
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    I think Its the BEST game I've ever played!
  12. VictoriaB.
    Jan 17, 2007
    10
    A great game graphics are a bit weird but thats what makes it fun. Different style making it a riot for anyone to play.
  13. NeshimiAce
    Aug 11, 2008
    10
    Awesome game. i'll admit it has retched graphics, but the playability and fun this game provides is amazing! many many hours can be spent perfecting each and every level without losing any entertainment value. The most fun I've had on the PS2 in years! and the weirdness and quirkiness add to the fun. after your first hour, your sides will hurt!!
  14. AB
    Nov 1, 2004
    10
    This game is awesome, but ugly (sort of like Marilyn Manson). But what could be more than rolling a wierd ball around and catching things on it? Nothing.
  15. KarenD.
    Dec 16, 2004
    10
    It's the cutest little thing that you ever did see.
  16. Sakuya
    Dec 31, 2004
    10
    LoL I can't believe how good this game is. ~.~ it's almost too good. Only problem I have with it is that its so short. I finished the whole game in under 6 hours. Oh well it has a high replay value so that makes up for its shortness. Only other annoying part is getting caught on a stair or between something and wasting presious moments to break free. Great game and awsome music. LoL I can't believe how good this game is. ~.~ it's almost too good. Only problem I have with it is that its so short. I finished the whole game in under 6 hours. Oh well it has a high replay value so that makes up for its shortness. Only other annoying part is getting caught on a stair or between something and wasting presious moments to break free. Great game and awsome music. I can't wait for part 2 to come out in the spring.… Expand
  17. SeanP.
    Dec 8, 2004
    10
    The best game to come out this year but I did beat it with great marks one day into it but its been two weeks and I still go back to it. Just wish there was more to do.
  18. PanchoE.
    May 22, 2004
    10
    Bizarre, crazy sh.t, but I had the best time with this game. Import it. Trust me.
  19. RafaelF.
    Jul 23, 2004
    10
    The game is a bundle of joy! It makes me laugh, the music is great and best of all it's freakin' great to play! Import, import, import and import this game. You won't regret it!
  20. RichardW.
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    Worth every penny! Anyone who dismisses the hardcore fun this game brings is simply too prejudiced against any game that isn't an M rated first person shooter to be a real gamer. Never gets old!
  21. Ryan
    Apr 10, 2005
    10
    The music and gameplay rock!
  22. BobP.
    Jun 2, 2005
    10
    Katamari Damacy is the most relaxing and fun game I've played in a long time. It's also the best $20 I ever spent on a videogame! I can't wait for the sequel "We Love Katamari"!
  23. AnnaM.
    Jun 20, 2005
    9
    A great game with tremendous replay value. Its so weird and wonky, you cant find another game like it. For those who like mindless fun. You can play it for only 10 minutes, or go hours long. Something which you will be returning to every week, just because its so fun.
  24. MattW.
    Jul 23, 2005
    10
    Brilliant! It's good to see video game companies putting on their imagination caps again. You're a fool if you don't pick this up for the cheap $20 it costs.
  25. David
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    Great. Buy it, so cheap you can't lose. I don't know what Ed B. is smoking.
  26. RistoA.
    Jan 18, 2007
    10
    Excellent game and suitable for just about anyone. Something else than shooting and violence for a change.
  27. Fighter17
    Dec 25, 2004
    10
    One ball, pick up anything you what, you are happy. Get this game right now.
  28. JamesB.
    Dec 27, 2004
    10
    My wife quit talking to me after I purchased this game for the kids at Christmas. Quit talking to me because she hasn't stopped playing it for a minute. Now the whole family hums the tunes to the game. Great fun!
  29. BrendanC.
    Dec 6, 2004
    10
    This game is hilarious, i have been singing the songs ever since i got the game. Bill A, how can you say that this game is not innovative! show me a game where a 5cm alien rolls katamaris around earth in attempt to recreate the stars.
  30. SmurfBored
    Feb 15, 2005
    10
    The Smurfs told me to vote a 10 of 10.
  31. [Anonymous]
    Jun 21, 2005
    10
    For a game that looks like it's made by and for people on crack, this is a really fun as hell game to play, plus it has plenty of challenge in it including the moon level where you need to roll up every damn thing you see in only 30 minutes. Awsome game, awesome story, awsome chance of being addicted, the only thing that made me put it down was that I was sleepy.
  32. KevinC.
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    It's fun, addicting, interesting.. Must try it out.. love the soundtrack.
  33. DevinC.
    Nov 24, 2006
    10
    I think its a very intertaining game, it may not have the best storyline, but when it comes to just the point of the game (rolling things up) Its really fun. No matter who you are. The graphics aren't that great, but good enough to notice what things are.
  34. WhyNot?
    Feb 19, 2009
    9
    Chalk this one up for "Most Innovative Game Made While High". (Note: The makers probably weren't high, but still.) You are the two-inch-tall Prince of All Cosmos. Your father, the King, goes on a bender one night and ends up destroying all of the stars -- and it's your responsibility to get them back in the sky. (What a father, eh?) You do this by rolling a "katamari", a giantChalk this one up for "Most Innovative Game Made While High". (Note: The makers probably weren't high, but still.) You are the two-inch-tall Prince of All Cosmos. Your father, the King, goes on a bender one night and ends up destroying all of the stars -- and it's your responsibility to get them back in the sky. (What a father, eh?) You do this by rolling a "katamari", a giant spiked ball with extreme adhesive qualities. While rolling the katamari, it grows bigger by picking up "vaulting boxes, pencils, erasers, postcards, ramen, robots, cows, sheep, this girl, that boy, moms and dads, bicycles, motorbikes, homes, buildings, rainbows, clouds, islands, hopes and dreams", as the sequel puts it. As you roll them up, the katamari gets bigger and bigger -- and once you reach a certain size, level cleared! But watch out, as there is a time limit. Once time runs out, if you've cleared the level, the katamari is sent up and turned into a star. The environments vary from one objective to the next -- inside a house, within town limits, or around the world. There is also a two-player mode, where two of the royal cousins face off to see who's better at rolling stuff up. The gameplay is innovative, the soundtrack has a huge variety, and there is no shortage of hidden humor. The graphics may seem limited, but they only add to the effect of the game, and at $20 (perhaps even less now), it is a great value title. My only wish is that the game would be just a bit longer -- and that I had whatever the makers were using when they made this game. (Just kidding.) I give Katamari Damacy a 91/100.… Expand
  35. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 21, 2011
    8
    Even though it's not the most innovative, Katamari Damacy is certainly one of the most unique games of 2004. Pros: Stylish gameplay; lavish colors; varied level design; wonderfully weird characters. Cons: Quirky controls and camera angles; short; limited multi-player mode.
  36. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    9
    Otro de mis juegos favoritos, tanto el concepto, como la imagen pero sobre todo por la música. Su simplicidad de manejo así como las posibilidades que presenta lo convierten en un clásico que todo el mundo debería probar.
  37. mashedtatter
    Mar 3, 2017
    9
    The music, the insanely charming art style, and the pure FUN of this game makes it one of the most surprisingly good games of the PS2 era. Just you try getting that catchy theme song out of your head! Na naaaa, na na na, na na na na, na na na na na na naaaaaaaaaaaaa~!
  38. thealexmott
    Apr 16, 2017
    10
    One of the happiest, simplest gaming experiences I've ever come across. Roll a ball until it's big enough to suck up buildings. Watch people panic and scream while catchy, happy-go-lucky music gets stuck in your head. If you're open to unconventional experiences in gaming, this is absolutely worth your time.
  39. kikidarko
    Jul 15, 2017
    10
    Best game I have ever played, I would say. It's simple, new (or it was new when I got it 13 years ago!) and cute. If you don't understand this game, hey, I don't blame you. But definitely worth checking out anyway.
  40. andrewcook4991
    Jun 22, 2020
    9
    One of the funniest, ridiculous games I’ve ever played. The soundtrack is superb and the gameplay is extremely unique.
  41. edxtan
    Apr 4, 2022
    8
    Katamari Damacy is all about mashing together disparate elements and enjoying the chaos that ensues. The crazy characters, weird music, and unique gameplay are all rolled up into a charming, surreal experience.
  42. killui
    Dec 11, 2019
    10
    The best 2000's game, the most original of the decade for consoles, a real piece of Art, Katamari Damacy's soundtrack is a masterpiece of its own.
  43. grimreapersims
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  44. CunningRunt
    Dec 2, 2021
    10
    as simple as it is fun. great audio and visuals. really stands out from other videogames and genres even in 2021. deserved all the awards it's won.
  45. SebasthianCD24
    Dec 9, 2022
    9
    Muy divertido y con una banda sonora HERMOSA, puede terminar siendo un poco adictivo pero es genial, otro gran juego de namco para mi colección!

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PS2 Game of 2004
21
#21 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
56
#56 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. TotalPlayStation
    90
    Go buy this friggin' game. Now. Reward Namco for having the balls to put out something this... well, Japanese. For $20, you're getting one hell of a party game.
    Read full review
  2. GMR Magazine
    80
    The game has an amazing energy and great joy. Its unfettered creativity is astounding, and this is where Katamari truly excels. [Nov 2004, p.110]
  3. BonusStage
    91
    As a total package, Katamari Damacy is one of the most original, imaginative, and purely entertaining games to come along in years.
    Read full review
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