Review: Katamari Damacy

Katamari Damacy is the weirdest game available in America - yet it is so amazingly unique and fun that you can't help but love it. Being a localized port of a (clearly) Japanese game, it's sort of the same experience you get when stumbling across one of those wacky Japanese game shows. You're really not sure what you're looking at, but damn it all if you can't look away.

This game is the definition of a cult classic. It is vehemently loved by thousands of fans, but why? Let's find out.

The King of All Cosmos has the King of All Wieners.

..story..

So here's the basic setup: The King of All Cosmos accidentally destroyed all the stars in the sky. He tasks you, the Prince, with recreating all of them. How? By rolling a giant sticky ball all over Earth and accumulating thousands and thousands of...things. The ball, called a Katamari, grows larger and larger until you meet or exceed the size that the King has set for you. Do it again and again until you finish the entire galaxy - which is apprently only, like 15-20 stars. 

As strange as the story is, it is incredibly well delivered. There are several wacky characters, but the only one with any real voice is the King. And there's never been another video game character like him. He's overtly pompous, he's demanding and despite his many gifts to the prince, he's kind of abusive. He also refers to himself as "We". The way they set up the relationship between the player and the King is so strenuous that it gets to the point where you feel like you're working an actual job. The King just keeps sending you on quests for larger and larger stars and wants it done within a specific time frame because he - or they - "can't be expected to wait longer than that." But that's what's endearing about him - he's such an overbearing A-hole that you can't help but love him. He also has an enormous penis.

There's also a side plot line going on simultaneously that's even stranger. It features a Japanese family taking a flight and peripherally hearing about the stars disappearing on the TV. If the jerky King and his gigantic ding dong didn't meet your weirdness quota, this certainly will. The little girl talking about how she "feels the cosmos" is not only weird, it honestly creeps me the eff out.

Drugs aren't my thing, but I imagine if they were, that this game would be my constant companion. After seeing that clip, I'm sure you'd agree.

..gameplay..

It's really hard to describe how this game plays without actually playing it - and it's even harder to describe why its so enjoyable. You're not killing anything, you're not really "winning" anything - you're essentially cleaning up your dad's mess. But it is enjoyable - very much so in fact. But WHY?

The thing that makes this game so great is the sense of growth. Literal growth. The moments when you effortlessly pick up objects that once blocked your path are so satisfying. Let me explain a little further - the game starts you on a tabletop picking up thumbtacks and odd Japanese candy, then by the end of the game you're rolling up houses and stadiums and islands. It's incredibly satisfying. 

The developers of Katamari Damacy wanted the controls to be so simple that they would be accessible to everyone, and technically they are. You control the giant sticky ball by manipulating the left and right analog sticks. Push them both up to roll forward, one up and one down to turn sharply and so on. No button combos, no complicated things to memorize. If you've ever driven a remote control car, you can play Katamari. So it is simple - on paper. 

It works in big open environments, but in tight corners it becomes an exercise in frustration. The camera often gets hung up behind walls and larger objects, and when the katamari gets larger, you'll frequently find yourself stuck in a corner. This can be infuriating when you're up against a time limit.

Overall, though, the controls work and the absolute absurdity of the whole thing is more than enough to keep you on the horse until the end. Just disregard the logic flaw that you're creating the moon and stars by destroying the Earth and you'll be fine.

 

..presentation..

The presentation is what sells this experience - hands down. The art style is bright, colorful and wholly original. People and animals have an intentional polygonal aesthetic, objects are easy to recognize and it's obvious what you can pick up and what you can't. 

The music deserves it's own special section of accolades. It fits so perfectly within the confines of this ridiculous universe. It's kinda jazz-lounge singer with J-Pop and ska all mixed together. With 21 unique compositions, the game really defines itself with the music. I have a friend who not only bought this game, but bought an entire PS2 based on the soundtrack alone. Ask anyone who's played this game to hum the theme song, and I'll bet you they can't wait to get this out of their mouth:

This game is in a category all it's own - and aside from it's numerous sequels, there is no other game like it in existence. It's fun, it's crazy and it's awesome. Plus have you seen the king's gigantic dick?

Behold. My penis.