Once Upon a Katamari: Rolling Through Time and Onto PC This October

Bandai Namco has surprised fans with the announcement of Once Upon a Katamari, the first brand-new, non-remake entry in the mainline Katamari Damacy series since 2011’s Katamari Forever. The reveal came during a Nintendo presentation, and it brings the iconic ball-rolling gameplay to PC alongside other platforms, scheduled for release on October 24th, 2025. Get ready to roll up history itself!

A Whimsical Journey Through the Ages

Once Upon a Katamari promises a fresh twist on the classic Katamari formula. While the core mechanics of rolling a sticky ball, the Katamari, and collecting increasingly larger objects to create stars remains intact, this installment introduces a compelling new narrative element: time travel. This innovative feature will allow players to traverse various historical periods, each offering a unique aesthetic and a distinct set of objects to incorporate into their ever-growing Katamari.

Imagine the possibilities: rolling through feudal Japan, collecting samurai armor, koi ponds, and ancient temples; or venturing into ancient Greece, gathering marble statues, olive groves, and legendary heroes. The prospect of combining these disparate elements into a single, colossal ball is both hilarious and deeply satisfying, promising a gameplay experience that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative. Bandai Namco seems to be leaning into the inherent absurdity of the Katamari universe to create a game that is as captivating visually as it is fun to play.

What We Know About Gameplay and Features

While specific details are still emerging, several key features and gameplay elements have been revealed:

Time-Traveling Katamari Action

The time travel mechanic is undoubtedly the most significant addition to the Katamari formula. Players will be able to visit different historical periods, each meticulously crafted with unique environments, objects, and cultural elements. This opens up a vast range of possibilities for level design and collectible items, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience throughout the game.

Classic Katamari Mechanics, Enhanced

Expect the core gameplay loop that fans know and love: start small, roll up tiny objects, gradually increase the size of your Katamari, and eventually collect buildings, landscapes, and even celestial bodies. Once Upon a Katamari will likely introduce new techniques and power-ups to enhance this established gameplay, giving players more control and versatility in their ball-rolling endeavors. This will lead to endless possibilities, some of which are:

• Enhanced rolling mechanics: Precision movements for tighter spaces.
• Power-ups: Use temporary enhancements to enlarge your Katamari quicker
• Variety of Collectibles: Collect items from Feudal Japan, ancient Greece, and other environments.

A New Story with the Same Quirky Charm

The Katamari series is known for its whimsical narratives and eccentric characters. Once Upon a Katamari will undoubtedly continue this tradition, presenting a new story with the King of All Cosmos and his diminutive son, the Prince, at the center of it all. Expect humorous dialogue, bizarre scenarios, and a healthy dose of fourth-wall-breaking antics. Details regarding the specific narrative are still under wraps, but the time travel theme hints at a grand adventure with potentially universe-altering stakes.

PC Optimizations and Features

The PC version of Once Upon a Katamari is expected to offer a range of enhancements and features tailored to the platform. This includes:

• High-resolution graphics: Experience the vibrant world of Katamari in stunning detail.
• Customizable controls: Tailor the control scheme to your preferred input method (keyboard, mouse, gamepad).
• Ultrawide monitor support: Immerse yourself fully in the game with expansive widescreen visuals.
• Mod support: The potential for community-created content and modifications to extend the game’s lifespan.

The Katamari Legacy: Why We’re Excited

The Katamari Damacy series holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Its unique blend of simple yet addictive gameplay, surreal visuals, and quirky humor has earned it a dedicated following over the years. Once Upon a Katamari represents a long-awaited return to form, promising to recapture the magic of the original games while introducing exciting new elements that will appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The series’ appeal lies in its simplicity and its ability to evoke a sense of childlike wonder. Rolling up everyday objects and watching them transform into a giant, chaotic ball is inherently satisfying. The game’s vibrant color palette, upbeat music, and nonsensical story create an atmosphere of pure joy and escapism.

With Once Upon a Katamari, Bandai Namco has the opportunity to not only revive a beloved franchise but also to introduce a new generation of players to the unique charm of the Katamari universe.

Release Date and Platform Availability

Once Upon a Katamari is scheduled for release on October 24th, 2025, and it will be available on PC alongside other platforms. While specific details regarding pricing and pre-order bonuses have yet to be announced, fans can expect more information to be revealed in the coming months. Be sure to follow Gaming News for all the latest updates and announcements.

Why This Game Will Roll Over the Competition

Several factors contribute to the high anticipation surrounding Once Upon a Katamari.

Nostalgia Factor

The Katamari Damacy series has a strong nostalgic appeal for gamers who grew up playing the original titles. The announcement of a new mainline entry has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation within the gaming community.

Unique Gameplay

The Katamari formula is unlike anything else in the gaming landscape. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its surreal visuals and quirky humor, sets it apart from other games.

Time Travel Theme

The introduction of time travel adds a fresh and exciting dimension to the Katamari experience. The prospect of rolling up objects from different historical periods is both intriguing and hilarious.

PC Optimizations

The PC version of the game is expected to offer a range of enhancements and features that will appeal to PC gamers, including high-resolution graphics, customizable controls, and ultrawide monitor support.

How to Stay Updated on the Latest News

To stay informed about Once Upon a Katamari, follow these steps:

• Bookmark the official Bandai Namco website for the game.
• Follow Bandai Namco on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Subscribe to gaming news websites and YouTube channels, including Gaming News, for in-depth coverage and analysis.
• Set up Google Alerts for “Once Upon a Katamari” to receive notifications about new articles and announcements.

The Future of Katamari: What to Expect

The release of Once Upon a Katamari could mark the beginning of a new era for the franchise. If the game is successful, we may see more Katamari titles in the future, exploring new themes, mechanics, and platforms.

Potential for Sequels and Spin-offs

The time travel theme opens up a vast range of possibilities for future Katamari games. Sequels could explore different historical periods or even venture into alternate realities. Spin-offs could focus on specific aspects of the Katamari universe, such as the King of All Cosmos and his eccentric family.

Multiplayer Potential

The Katamari formula could be adapted for multiplayer gameplay. Imagine competing against other players to see who can create the biggest and most chaotic Katamari.

Virtual Reality Integration

The immersive nature of virtual reality could be a perfect fit for the Katamari experience. Rolling up objects in VR would be a truly unique and engaging experience.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Roll!

Once Upon a Katamari is poised to be one of the most anticipated games of 2025. Its unique blend of classic gameplay, surreal visuals, and quirky humor is sure to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The introduction of time travel adds a fresh and exciting dimension to the Katamari experience, promising a grand adventure that will take players on a journey through history. Mark your calendars for October 24th, 2025, and get ready to roll! This is definitely a game that will have you, well, hooked. We can’t wait to roll up all kinds of crazy things.