After a hiatus of more than a decade, Bandai Namco is reigniting excitement among video game enthusiasts with the announcement of a brand new Katamari adventure set to launch this October. This latest entry in the beloved Katamari Damacy series, titled Once Upon a Katamari, marks the first time in 14 years that fans will have a completely fresh Katamari experience on major consoles and PC. Scheduled for digital release on October 24, 2025, the game will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Steam, bridging the gap between classic quirky gameplay and modern gaming demands.
The enduring appeal of Katamari lies in its simple yet mesmerizing gameplay loop—rolling a sticky ball through imaginative environments to collect objects and grow larger in size. With Once Upon a Katamari, players embark on a unique time-travel journey, experiencing varied eras such as the Far West, ancient Egypt, and even the Jurassic period. The narrative revolves around the infamous King of All Cosmos accidentally destroying the Earth and stars, leaving the Prince tasked with restoring the cosmos through his adventurous rolling escapades.
This revival taps into nostalgia while pushing the franchise forward with new gameplay mechanics, enhanced customization options, and an innovative multiplayer mode. It’s a timely move by Bandai Namco, addressing a market eager for both classic and fresh experiences as the gaming community continues to expand across PC and next-gen consoles heading into the latter part of 2025.
Once Upon a Katamari’s Digital-Only October Release Brings Katamari Back to PC and Consoles
Bandai Namco’s approach to Once Upon a Katamari as a digital-only release on multiple platforms reflects current trends in the gaming industry, emphasizing accessibility and broad reach. Releasing simultaneously on PC and major consoles like PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch ensures that Katamari’s quirky charm is not confined to a single platform but open to a diverse gaming audience this October.
This cross-platform release strategically taps into decades of console evolution since the last fully new title in the series—Touch My Katamari on PlayStation Vita back in 2011. The continuity between mobile spin-offs, remakes, and now a fresh console title demonstrates Bandai Namco’s steady commitment to keeping Katamari relevant and engaging.
- Digital-only launch enables quicker global distribution on October 24
- Wide platform availability ensures accessibility for PC and console gamers
- Builds on a legacy rekindled with remakes like Katamari Damacy Reroll and We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie
New Gameplay Elements and Features Adding Depth to A Katamari Adventure
Once Upon a Katamari differentiates itself from previous installments by introducing fresh gameplay mechanics that enrich the iconic rolling experience. Players can now utilize power-ups such as rockets for accelerated rolling speed, magnets that attract nearby objects, and a timer that temporarily halts time, strategically enhancing how players build their katamari.
The inclusion of over 68 cousin characters, who join the Prince on his cosmic journey, opens up avenues for customization that adds personalization to the adventure. This character variety not only expands the gameplay but also reinforces the series’ sense of charm and whimsy.
- Power-ups like rockets, magnets, and time-stoppers introduce new strategic layers
- Customization options for the Prince and his 68 cousins enhance player engagement
- Settings span multiple historical eras, providing diverse visual and gameplay environments
Multiplayer Action With KatamariBall Sets the Stage for Competitive and Cooperative Play
Adding a competitive edge, the new multiplayer mode, KatamariBall, invites up to four players to battle it out by rolling their individual katamaris and trading them for points. This mode not only spices up the traditional Katamari gameplay but also creates an engaging social experience that appeals to multiplayer fans who thrive on fast-paced competition.
Multiplayer in Katamari has always been a fun side component, but with KatamariBall, Bandai Namco is carving out a unique niche that combines familiar mechanics with dynamic interaction, perfect for streaming and community events that dominate the gaming landscape today.
- Four-player battle mode emphasizes scoring via katamari rolling and point trading
- Encourages both competitive and cooperative strategies
- Ideal for social gaming and expanding Katamari’s presence within multiplayer communities
Bandai Namco’s Strategy Revitalizes Katamari in a Competitive Video Games Market
Overall, Bandai Namco’s strategy to release a new Katamari game on PC and consoles in this October season emerges as a thoughtfully timed and well-crafted move. It caters to a blend of nostalgic fans and new players by fusing classic gameplay with modern features and cross-platform availability.
In a gaming landscape that increasingly values multiplayer fun, engaging narratives, and digital accessibility, Once Upon a Katamari stands out as a symbol of the enduring appeal of creativity and whimsical design in video games.
- Leverages time-travel theme to rejuvenate franchise appeal
- Emphasizes broad platform access with digital distribution
- Incorporates multiplayer and customization to fit current gaming trends