Touch My Katamari: Rolling Fun on PS Vita

Touch My Katamari is an exhilarating Action and Puzzle title released for the PS Vita on December 17, 2011. Developed by Namco Bandai Games, this installment brings the franchise's signature "Shape-changing and Ball rolling" gameplay to Sony's handheld system. Players control the Prince, tasked with rolling a giant ball called a Katamari across vast spaces, collecting everything from tiny ants to skyscrapers. The game supports both touchscreen and traditional dual-stick controls, making it a versatile addition to the Vita library. With a Metacritic score of 69.00, the game offers accessible, fun play sessions that appeal to a broad audience.

Core Gameplay and Mechanics

At the core of Touch My Katamari is the challenge of expanding the Katamari as large as possible within a time limit. Mission objectives vary, ranging from simple size goals to specific constraints, such as cleaning up a bedroom without rolling up a cow. A defining mechanic is the ability to alter the ball's geometry. Players can use the Vita's screens to stretch the Katamari wide for rapid collection in open areas or compress it into a tall, skinny shape to squeeze through tight gaps. While touchscreen controls are available, the dual-stick configuration is recommended; the left stick rolls the ball while the right stick exclusively manages the camera, providing precise movement that feels far superior to touch-only options.

Story and Setting

The narrative provides a meta-twist on the series' history. The King of All Cosmos has gone off the rails and turned into a slob, losing his metaphysical mojo. As the Prince, you must revitalise the King by rolling up massive balls of debris to create new stars. The game takes place in stages that range from the contents of a room and a house to entire towns. Many of these stages are recognisable, acting as carbon copies of levels from the original PS2 titles, Katamari Damacy and Me & My Katamari. The game acknowledges this recycling, offering a familiar experience for those who have played the console predecessors.

Notable Features

Touch My Katamari integrates several features to enhance the Vita experience:

  • Downloadable Content: Players can extend their gameplay by downloading additional missions to challenge their skills.
  • Near Application: Utilise the Vita's Near feature to challenge friends and compare records with players around the world.
  • Collection and Shopping: The game includes addictive systems for collecting items and shopping, rewarding players for their progress.
  • Portable Optimization: Time limits are generally kept short to suit portable play. Even the longest final level features an eight-minute countdown, making sessions ideal for travel-friendly gaming on trains and buses.

Who Is Touch My Katamari For?

This title is particularly well-suited for first-time players looking to experience the Katamari series. The comical, odd, and creative nature of rolling up household items and towns creates an inviting entry point for both casual and hardcore gamers. Longtime veterans may find the experience somewhat stale due to the heavy reliance on recycled levels and repetitive mission objectives from past games. While the core mechanics remain enjoyable, the lack of entirely new material might leave series die-hards feeling that the game is too familiar. For newcomers, however, Touch My Katamari delivers a delightful and odd introduction to the world of the Prince and the King of All Cosmos.