Katamari Damacy! Mini review.
 

Bing,

I know this one is getting hard to find, and a lot of people have probably heard all they want to hear about it, but currently it stands as my "best game on PS2" (and I've played a lot).

Of course, I have a soft spot for bizzare or surreal games, and anything that explores a new gaming concept gives me orgasms, so this one was pretty much a shoe-in.

Basically, the story is that you're the Prince of All Cosmos, and your dad went on some sort of trip (most sites infer alcohol, but given the rest of this game, I'd have to say something hallucinogenic) and broke all the stars in the sky, plus the moon. Since he's a lazy, slightly cruel father with the attention span of a hyperactive puppy, you get to fix his mistake. You do this by rolling around a big ball and collecting random (Potbellied stove? Panda Ride?) stuff that makes your ball bigger. You have to reach the target size before you run out of time, or you'll get ridiculed by the King. Bumping into big things knocks stuff off your ball, and some areas are only accessible at certain sizes.

The ball is controlled solely by the analog sticks, sort of like a tank game - pushing both in one direction rolls in that direction, and pushing in opposite directions turns the ball. The controls are somewhat hard to master, and will provide most of the challenge of the early game.

The most amazing thing about this game is the seamless scaling - you'll start out small in a place bounded by big obstacles, but once you get bigger you'll see more of the world and the initial obstacles will be just more fodder for your ball.

The second most amazing thing is the soundtrack - as eclectic as the game is, it includes Japanses swing style tracks, a cappela title music, and a lot of weird katamari-themed music that seems to be written exclusively for the game.

However, the downside to the game is that it's way too short - there are something like 15 total levels, and most of them are over in less than 20 minutes, some much shorter. It's also not too difficult of a game to beat, there were only a couple levels I had to try multiple times on. Getting a hundred percent is a different story; there are tons of different items to collect and secret objects to find. Replaying some levels a few times is a must.

Anyway, if you want to try one of the most original titles on the PS2, pick up Katamari - you might have more luck getting it online, though, as it became an unexpected hit and most game stores have sold out their copies.

Bingle

You forgot to mention that's it's only $20. Yet, I still manage to not be able to crounge up that much money to buy the thing. Darn you body, why must you require so much sustenance?

Upon taking your word I've shown many friends this game and we are all hooked. It's sorta on that whole Beatles LSD acid trip theme, but damn is it ever fun. As for over all gameplay this one is easy to pick up and play, which makes it great for those non-gamer friends.

I was just at EB today and saw three large stacks of this game in the case behind the counter.

Sounds interesting. If I get more money, I might pick it up. Sounds kind of like toy commander at first, and Rampage later.

Katamari Damacy
 

Has anyone played this game? One of my coworkers brought it into work and my first reaction was, "Don't do drugs, kids."

But after I got over the inital "wtf?" reaction, I tried it and it's ridiculously fun if just totally ridiculous.

Here's the link to the game on Namco's website. Check it out.

I haven't played it yet, but I'm actually looking forward to. It sounds stupid enough to be genuinely enjoyable. I remember seeing the cover for the game in the store, and before I heard anything about it I wanted to play it. That's a good sign.

i just bought it on a whim a few days ago...

fucking brilliant little game. i'm not saying it's the best thing ever released on the ps2, but for 20 bucks (that's msrp, don't let anyone try to charge you higher), you won't find a niftier game. i'm hoping i can challenge someone to a 2-player match sometime soon.

I know where you're coming from. I was thinking, "Wow, this sounds totally stupid." I was actually referring to it as the dung beetle game for a while. But it's genuinely different. In a era where 90% of the games out there are violent and involve some sort of killing or weaponry, it's mildly refreshing to see a game with such a different approach.

I've been playing this a little over the past few days and I think it's great. It's wholly original, and like the reviewer stated, the music is great, the dialogue is pretty funny, and it will keep your interest for awhile (well, at least 2 days <grin>).
For 20 bucks you might as well try it.

PA really dug it as well. I don't really need another game right now, but I might rent it just to see what it's like.
http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2004/20041001l.jpg

A friend of mine purchased this game, and we stayed up a majority of a Saturday night playing it. It's insanely fun! Some say that the controls are bothersome, but I found that shortly they become quite intuitive. Also, the soundtrack is amazing (and is available for purchase). It fits the feeling of the game very well. Also, the graphics are heavily stylized with a strange, cartoonish feel. Overall, the game is a wonderfully-creative work that is quite an experience to play. However, I think it's obvious that most feel it is far too short. I recommend at least renting it, if possible. It's certainly a trip!

Minna Daisuki Katamari Damacy is comming out in 2005 in Japan..
From the little i've seen it looks like more of the sme, but possible online pvp modes..
That would be cool.. this game is so fun, and the music totally rocks.

Definately a rental, but I'm kinda sorry I bought it. 3 days after purchase, I finished all the levels, and there really isn't any replay value. The game is only the one mechanic repeated over and over... roll over everything you see, get bigger, done. Cute, interesting, well done for what it is, but ultimately not something I'll be playing in a month. Trade-in value is $9, might jump on that before it goes down :P

Loved it but somehow my memory file got erased. Never really went back to it.

I love this game. The intro alone had me in tears.
The first time I picked up a dog was great, and then going after people was even better. Good fun!