Katamari Forever: A Cosmic Roll 'Em Up on PlayStation 3

Released on September 18, 2009, Katamari Forever stands as a vibrant entry in the arcade genre, bringing the series' signature whimsy to the PlayStation 3. Developed by Namco, this title delivers a unique "roll 'em up" experience where players control the Prince to restore the cosmos by rolling a magical orb, known as a katamari, through surreal environments.

Gameplay Mechanics and Controls

At its core, Katamari Forever challenges players to use the DualShock 3's two analog sticks in a tank-like control scheme to maneuver the katamari around stages. The objective is to collect everyday objects smaller than the ball, causing them to stick to the orb and increase its size. As the katamari grows, players can tackle larger items, ranging from thumb tacks and sushi to skyscrapers and ocean liners.

Levels typically feature specific targets or time limits, requiring players to reach a designated size before the clock runs out. The game introduces creative variations on this formula, such as levels where the katamari becomes a burning orb needing fuel to stay alight, or a sponge-like katamari used to soak up water and restore life to deserts. Katamari Forever boasts the largest collection of stages in a single game in the series, offering a vast variety of environments to explore.

Story and Celestial Setting

The narrative kicks off with a catastrophic event: the King of All Cosmos falls into a coma. To manage his duties, the Cousins create the RoboKing, which goes haywire and destroys all the stars in the night sky. The Prince must use his rolling skills to recreate these celestial bodies and save his father.

  • After the King regains consciousness but suffers from amnesia, the Prince enters his mind to restore his memories.
  • This subplot involves rolling through monochrome worlds to restore color, effectively bringing the King's past back.
  • The story is supported by quirky dialogue and non-sequitur cutscenes that maintain the series' off-the-wall charm.

Notable Features and Visual Styles

As the ultimate Katamari experience, Katamari Forever introduces several enhancements and new content. The game features 1080p graphics, which the series' high-resolution visuals help convey the distinct art style. New graphical filters add variety to the experience:

New Graphical Styles

  • Wood Style: Uses warm sepia tones to give stages a wooden aesthetic.
  • Comic Style: Applies thick black outlines to objects filled with deep, rich colors.

Audio-wise, the game offers remixed classic tunes from the franchise alongside new tracks. It also includes local cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, allowing players to choose their favorite cousins to play together or compete for the title of Katamari champion.

Platform Availability and Audience Appeal

Katamari Forever is available exclusively on the PlayStation 3. The game holds a Metacritic score of 74.00, reflecting its status as a smile-inducing, feel-good hit that captures the light and goofy spirit of the franchise.

The game appeals to a broad audience. It is particularly suited for players unfamiliar with the franchise due to its accessible charm and vibrant visuals. Longtime fans who loved the original game but drifted away may find renewed interest, though die-hard buffs might recognize reused levels from past entries. With its massive stage count and multiplayer options, Katamari Forever remains a definitive arcade experience for PS3 owners seeking a unique and colorful adventure.