Katamari Damacy Member Review for the PS2

It's rare that a game all the way from Japan can make a big splash in the U.S here, and not afraid to show its quirky Japanest roots. When I first saw the game Katamari Damnacy, my inital reaction was, "What the hell is this?" After extensive playing of the game, I can safely say. "Who gvies a damn, its awesome!" As the prince to the King of All Cosmos, you have to return stars into the sky after your father knocks them out on a drunken rampage. Makes sense huh? Good thing it doesn't have to.

Graphics- Ok, to be honest, its mixed. The blocky, strange shapes of the various items you pick up are kind of ugly looking, but everything has a shape, and with that shape, everything has a weight, can make the Katamari (which means clump of stuff) go in different directions. If you pick up chopsticks, youll be launching off a platform in a few seconds. And that is the other thing, EVERYTHING CAN BE PICKED UP. I love it, because those annoying people that show up late game deserve it for standing in the way of star making.... Bottom line, not the most pretty graphics, but definitly it's style and design are cool.

Final Grade- B-

Gameplay- The meat and potatoes of the game, and without a doubt an innovating way to play. Using only the c-sticks and a few of the side buttons, you roll around, picking stuff up. Thats it. The beauty of it is it's fun as hell. After rolling for a few hours, you won't be able to put the controller down. It is that damn good. Although most levels are timed, and others have requirements which break up the standard of getting so-and-so meters in 10 minutes, the only complaint is that I wish they added more varied levels. Rest assured though, each level is huge in it's own right.

Final Grade- A

Sound- Oh boy....where do I begin. The soundtrack of this game is so strange and off the wall, it makes the track from Skullmonkeys and Stubbs the Zombie look bad. I never thought that would be possible, but it is. Weird Japanese pop, techno, children choir, and even the theme songs and sound effects are excellent, I loved it so much, I downloaded the soundtrack! Not to mention the King of All Cosmos is the biggest jerk in the world, with his scratchy record voice and strange sayings for no apparent reason. It is hard not to love the sound of this game.

Final Grade- A+

Satisfaction- In the end, this is one of the most fun, innovating, and satisfying games I have ever played. I only wish the multiplayer was more rounded out, the game a bit longer and more varied levels, but the tons of unlockables (including your cousins, who, by comparison to the prince, make any family in the world look normal). Excellent play control and sound make up for it almost 2 fold, making this an easy purchase for 20 bucks. So stop reading, go buy it now, and make sure to pick up the sequal (which ill review later).