Summary
- Release Year: 2009
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: PlayStation 3
- Developers: Genki
- Publishers: Namco Bandai Games
Katamari Forever: A Cosmic Odyssey of Rolling and Restoring
Released in 2009, Katamari Forever is the fourth installment in the Katamari Damacy series of puzzle games. Developed by Namco Bandai Games and published by Namco Bandai Games, the game was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Gameplay
Katamari Forever retains the core gameplay of its predecessors. Players control a small prince or princess who rolls a sticky ball called a katamari. The objective of the game is to roll the katamari around and collect objects, making it grow larger and larger. As the katamari grows, it becomes able to collect larger objects, eventually reaching a size where it can collect entire buildings and even stars.
The game features 34 stages, with all but three of the stages being taken from previous titles in the series. Half of the stages take place within the mind of the King of All Cosmos, who gets knocked in the head and suffers from amnesia. The levels are black-and-white in appearance, and the objective is to roll up junk to bring color back to the stages. The other half of the stages take place in the present, where RoboKing, a robotic version of the King of All Cosmos created by the cousins, goes on a rampage and destroys all the stars in the sky.
New Features
Katamari Forever introduces several new features to the series, including:
- Online multiplayer: For the first time in the series, Katamari Forever features online multiplayer for up to four players. Players can compete to see who can roll the largest katamari or collect the most objects.
- New katamari types: In addition to the standard katamari, Katamari Forever introduces several new types of katamari with different abilities. For example, the Rainbow Katamari can collect objects of any size, and the Magnet Katamari can collect metal objects.
- New challenges: Katamari Forever features a variety of new challenges, such as time trials and score challenges. These challenges add an extra layer of replayability to the game.
Reception
Katamari Forever received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its charming visuals, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to its predecessors and lacking in innovation.
Legacy
Katamari Forever is considered to be one of the best games in the Katamari Damacy series. The game’s unique gameplay and charming visuals have made it a favorite among fans of puzzle games. Katamari Forever has also been praised for its innovative use of online multiplayer.
Cultural Impact
Katamari Forever has had a significant cultural impact. The game’s unique art style and gameplay have been parodied and referenced in other works of popular culture, such as the television show “The Simpsons” and the video game “Super Smash Bros. Brawl.”
Conclusion
Katamari Forever is a delightful and addictive puzzle game that’s perfect for fans of the series and newcomers alike. With its charming visuals, catchy music, and challenging gameplay, it’s a must-play for any puzzle fan.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
