The Katamari is back and ready to roll once again. Bandai Namco has officially announced that Once Upon a Katamari, the latest entry in the quirky, beloved puzzle-action series, will release worldwide on October 24, 2025. Nearly two decades since the original Katamari Damacy charmed players on the PlayStation 2, the franchise is returning with a fresh installment that aims to capture the same sense of whimsical chaos that made it a cult classic.
At its heart, the Katamari series has always been about one simple yet endlessly satisfying concept: rolling up the world. Players control the Prince (or sometimes one of his eccentric cousins), pushing a sticky ball called a Katamari through increasingly larger environments. Everything in sight—pencils, cats, cars, skyscrapers, even entire continents—sticks to the Katamari, transforming it from a tiny clump into a massive, planet-sized sphere. Once Upon a Katamari looks to expand on that formula with new mechanics, more imaginative levels, and a narrative twist that leans into fairy-tale themes.
The story begins with the King of All Cosmos once again causing cosmic mishaps, this time by meddling with a magical storybook that contains the world’s fables and myths. In doing so, he scatters fairy-tale characters and enchanted items across the galaxy. It’s up to the Prince to roll them all back into order, traveling through enchanted forests, candy kingdoms, underwater castles, and even pages of the storybook itself. Early previews suggest that the stages will be some of the most creative in the series to date, blending Katamari’s absurd humor with the whimsy of childhood tales.
Gameplay-wise, Once Upon a Katamari introduces several new twists. Certain fairy-tale items grant temporary powers when rolled up, such as wings that allow the Katamari to glide or boots that increase rolling speed. Some levels include branching paths or optional objectives, encouraging replayability. The game also features a new cooperative mode where two players can roll together, combining their Katamari into one massive ball to tackle oversized challenges.
Visually, the game retains the franchise’s signature colorful, low-poly charm, but with modern enhancements. Environments are richer in detail, animations smoother, and special effects more playful than ever. The soundtrack, always a highlight of the series, is shaping up to be another eclectic mix of upbeat tunes, blending J-pop, jazz, and whimsical orchestral pieces. Fans can expect the same infectious energy that made earlier Katamari games’ soundtracks unforgettable.
The Katamari series has always held a unique spot in gaming culture. Its strange yet delightful premise, combined with its eccentric humor, has earned it a loyal fanbase worldwide. While several remasters and re-releases have kept the franchise alive in recent years, Once Upon a Katamari marks the first brand-new mainline entry in over a decade. For longtime fans, it’s a long-awaited return; for newcomers, it’s a chance to experience one of gaming’s most joyfully odd creations.
With its October 24 release date fast approaching, Once Upon a Katamari looks poised to roll its way into players’ hearts all over again. Whether you’re a veteran roller or a first-time Prince, the King of All Cosmos is about to demand your help once more—and this time, the fate of fairy tales themselves is at stake.
