Bandai Namco has officially announced “Once Upon a Katamari,” marking the triumphant return of the whimsical Katamari Damacy series. This new installment is the first mainline entry in the iconic franchise in 14 years, bringing back the signature quirky gameplay that has endeared Katamari Damacy to players worldwide, while introducing a host of fresh features and updated mechanics.
A Journey Through Time
Set for worldwide release on October 24, 2025, “Once Upon a Katamari” will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam). The game follows the familiar yet charming premise: the King of All Cosmos has—once again—unintentionally destroyed the Earth and stars. Players assume the role of the Prince or one of his eclectic cousins, rolling their Katamari ball through a variety of imaginative environments to restore the skies above. Stages will span major historical eras, including the Jurassic period, the Ice Age, historic Japan, and Ancient Rome, promising a vibrant, diverse adventure from the tiniest trinkets to colossal relics.
New Features and Gameplay Enhancements
“Once Upon a Katamari” expands the franchise’s creative gameplay with several exciting additions:
Historical Stages: New levels set across distinct periods in history provide fresh backdrops and inventive challenges.
Innovative Power-Ups: Fresh power-ups, such as a magnet to draw in nearby items, a rocket for speed boosts, and a timer to freeze moving objects, offer new ways to strategize and explore.
Extensive Customization: The game introduces deeper personalization, allowing players to customize the Prince and all 68 of his cousins with various color schemes and facial features.
A Competitive Twist
For the first time, the series introduces “KatamariBall,” a competitive four-player mode that supports both local and online play, including CPU opponents. In this mode, players race against the clock and each other to roll the largest Katamari and rack up high scores, adding a new layer of excitement and replayability.
A Vibrant Soundtrack
Music remains at the heart of the Katamari experience. The new title features an original score with tracks from returning favorites and new artists, such as Japanese rap duo chelmico and singer Daoko. Two downloadable content packs are planned: one featuring classic Katamari music, and another with throwback customization parts from earlier games.
Legacy Rewards for Fans
As a nod to longtime fans, players with save data from “Katamari Damacy Reroll” or “We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie” will unlock a special playable character, Young King, at launch.
ed during the reveal highlight enhanced controls, expanded customization options for players’ Katamari, and new levels inspired by a broad array of historical and fairy-tale themes. The game aims to recapture the quirky, addictive rolling gameplay that made the series a staple for gamers seeking creative, nontraditional experiences.
