As a dad, it’s rare that I get a lot of time to sit down and immerse myself in a game, but when I do, I want something that brings me joy, nostalgia, and a bit of light-hearted fun. Enter We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie. For those who loved the original game back in the day, this remastered version feels like a long-overdue reunion with an old friend, one that still retains its quirky charm while offering a much-needed modern facelift.
(Played on the Xbox X Series)
Table of Contents
A Love Letter to the King of All Cosmos
The fanservice in We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie is simply top-tier, especially when it comes to the King of All Cosmos. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newbie, you can’t help but be charmed (and slightly baffled) by the King’s larger-than-life personality. The game leans into that fanservice hard, giving us more of what we’ve come to expect from this wacky monarch. His exaggerated dialogue, flashy antics, and completely unpredictable nature are all present and accounted for, and I found myself laughing out loud more than once at his ridiculousness.
For longtime fans of the series, it feels like the developers really went all out in paying homage to the King’s eccentricities. Whether he’s berating you for rolling too slowly or praising you in his weirdly backhanded way, the King is, as always, one of the highlights of the game. And the nods to the original are plentiful – longtime fans will definitely appreciate the love and attention to detail that went into this remaster.
Improved Controls and Visuals
Description
A fantastic throwback and perfect fanservice for longtime fans of the Katamari series ❤️Positives
- Pure nostalgia – If you loved the original, this remaster hits all the right notes with its quirky charm and updated graphics.
- It looks better – The visuals have had a nice polish, so it runs smoother and looks cleaner without losing that weird, fun vibe.
- New levels! – The Royal Reverie content adds fresh challenges, which is great for both fans of the original and newbies alike.
- Still super fun – Rolling up random objects into a massive ball is just as oddly satisfying as ever.
- Family-friendly – It’s a game anyone can pick up and enjoy, no matter their age.
Negatives
- Can get repetitive – The core gameplay doesn’t change much, so after a while, it might feel like you’re just doing the same thing over and over.
- Not a ton of new content – The new Royal Reverie stuff is cool but it’s not a huge addition. If you’ve played the original, you’re not getting a completely new experience.
Now, if you’re familiar with the original Katamari series, you might remember that the controls were… let’s say, an acquired taste and incredibly clunky. Navigating the katamari (your giant sticky ball) could be a bit frustrating, especially when you were trying to pull off more precise movements. Smacking into a wall or getting caught on random hit-boxes was an absolute nightmare.
Thankfully, REROLL+ Royal Reverie has smoothed things out considerably. The controls feel tighter and more responsive, making it easier to roll your way through each chaotic level without wanting to throw your controller across the room (ADHD anger anyone?). That’s a huge win, especially for a game that relies so heavily on the satisfaction of smooth rolling action.
Visually, the game has had a substantial upgrade. The bright, whimsical world of Katamari has never looked better. The sharper graphics breathe new life into the colourful environments, making the absurdity of rolling up cows, cars, and entire cities feel even more vibrant and playful. Every object you encounter is detailed and distinct, and the smooth performance makes the whole experience feel a lot more polished than the original.
For a game with such a simple premise – roll up everything in sight – it’s surprising how much time you can lose to its addictive gameplay. The enhanced graphics really make the experience pop, and I found myself getting drawn in as the katamari grew larger and more ridiculous with each passing minute.
A Comforting, Familiar Soundtrack
If there’s one thing that hit me squarely in the nostalgia feels, it’s the soundtrack. The music in We Love Katamari has always been a big part of its charm, and REROLL+ Royal Reverie doesn’t disappoint. The comforting, familiar tunes were like a warm hug from an old friend, immediately pulling me back into the Katamari mindset.
Whether it’s the upbeat, funky tracks or the more laid-back tunes, the music sets the perfect tone for the chaotic gameplay. My wife and I are both big Japan-o-philes and this game and its’ soundtrack tick so many boxes. (We recently got 2 new puppies and they sound EXACTLY like Sunbaked Savanna).
There’s something so satisfying about rolling up random objects while these quirky tracks play in the background. It’s hard not to get completely sucked in.
Playing Together: A Family Affair
One of the unexpected joys of this game is that it’s something my wife and I have been tackling together in the fleeting moments of free time we have in the evenings. With our busy schedules, we don’t always get a lot of time to sit down and game, but We Love Katamari has become a bit of a nightly ritual. It’s the perfect kind of game for quick sessions – easy to pick up, no long storylines to follow, just pure, unadulterated fun.
There’s something so charming and simple about rolling up a katamari together, laughing at the absurdity of it all. And honestly, in the middle of life’s chaos, it’s the perfect way to unwind. We might only have a few moments to play each night, but every time we do, it’s a reminder of why I love this series so much. The cooperative element also makes it a great game to share with family, adding a new layer of enjoyment as you cheer each other on.
Still More to Uncover
I haven’t finished the game yet (life as a parent, right?), but so far, I’m loving every minute of it. The Royal Reverie content adds some fresh challenges that keep things interesting, and I can already tell it’s going to take me a while to work through all the new levels. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? Slowly chipping away at the game, savouring each quirky level, and relishing those “aha!” moments when you roll up something truly ridiculous.
Even though I haven’t reached the end, I can confidently say that We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie is everything I wanted from a remaster. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh content, with improved controls and graphics that make it feel like a modern game without losing any of the charm that made the original so special.
In Parting
If you’re a fan of the original, We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie is an absolute must-play. It’s packed with fanservice, especially for those of us who can’t get enough of the King’s antics, and the improvements to the controls and graphics make it an all-around better experience. Whether you’re rolling solo or teaming up with a partner, this game is a joyful, absurd escape from reality – and honestly, who couldn’t use a bit of that these days?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to the kids, in the hopes that this evening i’ll have a katamari to roll, and who knows what ridiculous thing I’ll pick up next.
