Video Game Spotlight/Talkback #50 - We Love Katamari (PS2)

[Bird Boy]

http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/lbox/281324b.jpg

http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/sscreen/281324s1.jpg (http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/lscreen/281324l1.jpg) http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/sscreen/281324s2.jpg (http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/lscreen/281324l2.jpg) http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/sscreen/281324s3.jpg (http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/lscreen/281324l3.jpg)

Release Info:
US: 9/20/05
Rated: N/A
MSRP: $29.99

Short Description:

Na naa na na naa…The pint-size Prince is back. His princely quest isn’t complete as the stars were only returned to the sky around Earth, while the rest of the Solar System was left in darkness. The King of All Cosmos has ordered the Prince to return to Earth and finish the job. This time he’ll have the help of his cousins, and the many fans that grew to love the Prince and the King.

Play as the Prince or as any of his cousins to complete the tasks given to you by the King’s many fans. Travel to new locations and experience the great gameplay that helped Katamari capture the hearts of gamers everywhere. Bring a friend to share the joy with the new 2-player CO-OP mode. Enjoy brand new objectives while creating the biggest and best Katamari ever.

Features

The award winning gameplay returns. The quirky gameplay that captivated the gaming world returns as you continue to roll up anything and everything that gets in your way!
Conquer the new levels with gusto. Experience all new levels and objects during the Prince’s travels around the world. From rolling up starfish under the sea to picking up the Eiffel Tower, Katamari brings players to great new locations and sets them free to pick up anything and everything!
Rolling is more fun with a friend. Share in the fun as you experience every level with a friend in the new 2-player CO-OP mode.
Roll up your friends in the new Battle mode. Make the world your battleground with an expanded battle mode featuring 3 different stages


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Official site: http://katamari.namco.com/

(Source(s): ESRB (http://www.esrb.com/), Gamestop.com (http://www.gamestop.com/), Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/))

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Previous Editions of Spotlight:
#49 - Geist (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=145971)
#48 - Battlefield 2 (PC) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=144012)
#47 - Killer 7 (GCN / PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=141154)
#46 - Jade Empire (XBOX) (Plus Talkback) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=138136)
#45 - The Matrix Online (PC) (Plus Talkback) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=135590)
#44 - Gran Turismo 4 (PS2) (Plus Talkback) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=133234)
#43 - Resident Evil 4 (GCN) (Plus Talkback) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=131178)
#42 - Knights of the Old Republic 2 (XBOX) (Plus Talkback) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=128313)
#41 - Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=126394)
#40 - Halo 2 (XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=125071)
#39 - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=123080)
#38 - Fable (XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=120914)
#37 - Pikmin 2 (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=119240)
#36 - Sudeki (XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=116802)
#35 - Spider-Man 2 (PC, XBOX, PS2, GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=114022)
#34 - City of Heroes (PC) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=109675)
#33 - Onimusha 3: Demon Siege (PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=107295)
#32 - Unreal Tournament 2004 (PC) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=105250)
#31 - Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=102179)
#30 - Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=99322)
#29 - Beyond Good and Evil (PC, XBOX, PS2, GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=97157)
#28 - Ninja Gaiden (XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=96103)
#27 - Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=94391)
#26 - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (PC, XBOX, PS2, GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=92810)
#25 - Grabbed by the Ghoulies (XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=91281)
#24 - Viewtiful Joe (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=90077)
#23 - XIII (PC, XBOX, PS2, GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=88241)
#22 - Star Wars: Jedi Academy (PC, XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=86364)
#21 - Silent Hill 3 (PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=84282)
#20 - Soul Calibur II (PS2, GCN, XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=83051)
#19 - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=80156)
#18 - Wario ware, Inc.:mega Micrograme$ (GBA) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=78051)
#17 - Wario World (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=76496)
#16 - Enter the Matrix (XBOX, PS2, GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=74757)
#15 - Dynasty Warriors 4 (PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=73037)
#14 - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=71221)
#13 - Xenosaga (PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=69321)
#12 - Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time & Master Quest (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=67208)
#11 - Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (PS2,GCN,XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=65290)
#10 - Dead Or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball (XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=62631)
#09 - Devil May Cry 2 (PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=60509)
#08 - Splinter Cell (XBOX) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=58335)
#07 - Metroid Prime (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=56235)
#06 - Resident Evil Ø (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=53619)
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#03 - Animal Crossing (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=46133)
#02 - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=43387)
#01 - Super Mario Sunshine (GCN) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=39558)

Thansk to K-S-O (http://forums.toonzone.net/member.php?u=18505) for suggesting this weeks Spotlight! Want to see a certain game spotlighted? Then send it in (http://forums.toonzone.net/private.php?s=&action=newmessage&userid=34)!

[K-S-O]

Oh cool, my request came through! Yeah, I'm very excited over this game! :D This has to be my most anticipated game since Suikoden III, Disgaea, and Warioware Twisted! I still don't like that boxart though... :shrug:

[Artimus Gigan]

Bah I wish the Box art was similar to KD1...

However I'm suprised that the sequel costs 30 when the original costed 20 when it was released.

Though I look forward to co-op....and the ammount of destruction that the Katamari's can cause...

They did improve the graphics howver...so that will be somthing to see.

[Dark Soul]

Add this on my birthday list of what video games I should get

[K-S-O]

However I'm suprised that the sequel costs 30 when the original costed 20 when it was released.
Why is that suprising? Namco saw how profitable the first game was so they decided to raise the price for the second game to make more profit. It's a smart decision business-wise. I just hope Namco doesn't milk the series to the point where we start getting $60 Katamari games by next generation. :mad:

[Eddy]

The boxart is ugly, but I'm really looking forward to this game. I'll buy it ASAP.

[Railith]

Words can not describe my need for this game.

[Batman Fan]

Can't wait for this games, I love this franchise, but I'm broke, but I'll get it as soon as I get some money.:)

[Fish]

mm hmm - - this is most certainly a game I will own soon. I played the poop out of the first one and it still amuses me.

I heard that they were going to make a version for the DS? That would rock!

[K-S-O]

So it's only two weeks until the game's release. Makes you feel excited, doesn't it?

[K-S-O]

Gamespot and 1up just posted their reviews. Good scores from both.

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/puzzle/katamaridamacy2/review.html
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3143720&did=1

[Artimus Gigan]

PSM gave it a 9 outta 10

I'm definetly getting this along with Capcom Classics and Midway Classics Vol.3(the entire collection is Rush and their other fast paced racers and they are supposedly the DC versions of rush and Hydro thunder)

60 bucks for all this gaming goodness this month(bestbuy suppoedly is having Katamari 2 available for 10 bucks cheaper)

[g_UnIt_GaNsTa]

I'm only buying this game if the military tries in vain at one point to stop your unstoppable ball juggernaut from rolling up an entire city.

[Artimus Gigan]

I'm only buying this game if the military tries in vain at one point to stop your unstoppable ball juggernaut from rolling up an entire city.Policemen did shoot at you in the previous one

[MrBananagrabber]

This game is a tremendous amount of fun. There's so much more to do, I need to stop playing. Studying is, sadly, more important than Katamari. Or so I'm told. The cut scenes of the King's past are great, and the levels are really ingenuitive. I was worried that the game wouldn't be as good as the previous one, but I'm still having a blast. I can't wait to try 2 player mode.

The only thing I'm not particularly sold on is the music for this game. Maybe I just haven't come across the good tracks, but they aren't as catchy or bizarre this time.

[Bubblegum Girl]

Do ya think that a Nintendo DS version of Katamari will come out?

[Artimus Gigan]

Do ya think that a Nintendo DS version of Katamari will come out?Probably not

You need a screen of relative signifigance to see everything...


The DS screen may be too small to be of any practical use.

[K-S-O]

I got the game last night! It rocks! I love the racetrack and snowman levels! I'm not too happy that they bought back the cow/bear stage but at least they're combined as one stage in this installment so there's only one stage with this objective. (Anyone seen the Cowbear? :eek: ) The music is pretty good as well. It's not as awesome as the music from the first game but it's good enough for me to want to import the OST.

[Temple Fugate]

Finally, life has meaning again. We Love Katamari has entered my life to light my fire, make my heart race, chill my spine and brighten my day. The diversity of the levels makes this not so much a "more of the same" sequel, which I thought it would be. It's got charm and character beyond that of the first game. The snow and firefly levels really capture the spirit of their environments. I'm probably halfway through all the stages, and the only complaint I've got thus far is the music isn't quite so catchy as the original soundtrack. I was hoping for more cool jazz or techno beats, not Japanese rappers chanting incessantly. The main theme remixes are sweet, though, as are the King of All Cosmos introductory and end-of-level evaluation screen music. His cutscenes are much more interesting than the first game's family adventure, though I really miss hearing that girl say "I feel it...I feel the cosmos!" :anime:

[Nin-Nin69]

Just picked it up on my way home this evening. I'm planning on playing it all night. :)

[Eddy]

Oh man. The race is too fun.

[Behonkiss]

This game really is what the first should have been. I enjoyed the original quite a bit, but got tired of it fast and found little to do after finishing it and getting all the presents. This has so many levels (With 2 goals each!) and unlockables, along with a wonderfully polished visual style, that I'm going to be playing it for some time to come.

[g_UnIt_GaNsTa]

Policemen did shoot at you in the previous one
I never really noticed, I need to give that game a try again.

[Eddy]

The cowbear stage pisses me off.

[krazymed]

There were at least three of these in Katamari Damacy, I think. At least there is only one here.

The trick is to go slow, real slow. Use the time limit. And the camera. Stay away from anything that has black spots (the hat things specifically).

And I've been playing this game pretty much from day one, and it hasn't gotten old at all. Totally loving it. Worth the 30 dollars.

[Humble]

Has anyone actually collected a million roses for the Rose Nebula? It took me over 2 1/2 hours to just collect 52,000.:(

[K-S-O]

I think it'll take all of us forever to reach 1,000,000 roses. The best part of that stage, however, is that it unlocks The Royal Academy of Katamari. Orchestral music goes surprisingly well with the game.

I just rolled up the cowbear! Woo!

[Humble]

The Cowbear stage was an extreme test of skill and patience.

I salute you!:D

On another note, do you actually get anything for completing the Nebula other than bragging rights and the sense of loss you feel when you count the hours it has taken from you.:sad:

I'll get over it but I would like to be prepared for the worst.

[K-S-O]

I don't know what we'll get for completing the Rose Nebula but I'll still do it!

[FerrariCake]

T_T I can't find all the cousins, I can't get the @&*$# cowbear, I can't finish that weird minigame during the end credits, I can't build a proper snowman... someone please help me. I have to beat this game inside and out before I can review it for my school's paper. I'm a perfectionist like that. Someone help!
Oh, and does anyone else think second cousin Drooby looks mega creepy?

[Humble]

An easy to miss cousin is Slip. He appears in the training area if your playing as Ace.

When talking to a fan the top left corner should indicate whether you've collected your cousins in said level. You'll have to state which cousins you already have before anyone can tell you where the one's you've missed are.

The minigame at the end is there so you can add your fans to your collection.

The snowman only wants you to make the katamari as large as possible.

You have to be over 7 meters to catch the cowbear. I suggest trying to catch him in the pitstop. It's best to start by the shopping carts and collect as much as you can on the inside of the track before running it. The pitstop area is the best spot for gaining size before lapping the island(race cars work nicely). Be aware of swimming cows when in the water. Once you've reached the proper size the bears traveling with the cowbear should run whenever you approach them. Sorry I couldn't get into more detail, but I have class tomorrow.:yawn:

If your trying to complete the game in terms of collecting every single thing your better off looking at a guide. In any case, good luck!:D

[FerrariCake]

Thankies Humble! =D
~I've got all the cousins except for three. I know one of them's Velvet.
~The cowbear level makes me want to break the game- I got to 6.5m and then hit a "cow pylon." ><
~The baby's level, the one where you only collect 50 items, how are you supposed to do that? I can't manage anything over 5m.
~How big do you have to get in the bird's level to roll up the King? 0_0 I got up to 2500ishM and still couldn't roll him up...
~Also, where's the Queen?
~Is there a way to unlock "eternal mode" like in the last game?
~Will i ever stop asking questions?

[Humble]

Your Welcome!:D

Now to try and answer some questions for you, again.:p

Velvet is on top of a shark in the ocean in the old woman's stage. She only appears if you've already collected cousin Miki in the same stage(Miki is on the line for the fortune teller). You should find out from which levels your missing cousins then ask again.:)

The cowbear stage will force you to become the best roller you can be. It did wonders for me(I still won't do it unless I have too :mad: ).

Unfortunately the baby's level requires the knowledge of what is best to pick up and being able to navigate through the level to get it which leads us back to perfecting your skills with the cowbear. Sorry. :(

I think I was around 3500M or more when I grabbed the King. Also, for some reason the Queen appeared in the same level the secound time I did the level. I'm not sure about what is required to make her appear. My collection won't tell me how big you have to be to pick up the King or Queen.:sad:

I haven't found any eternal mode in the game as of yet, but I still haven't collected a million roses so there's a slim chance they have it.:shrug:

I thank you for the excuse to make a post with multiple smilies.:cool:

Good Luck!

[FerrariCake]

I thank you for the excuse to make a post with multiple smilies.:cool:
You are so very welcome. =D
~Okay, so I snatched up Velvet thanks to you ^_^. I'm only misssing one cousin now, in the Saturn level now. I have Peso and Signolo from that level.
~Where's the Royal Present on the sumo level?
~Does anyone else have trouble with the paper crane level? I managed to scoop up 988 in my last run. T_T
~How big does a planet have to be before the person will stop asking you for one? Or do they just keep asking to challenge you?
~What's to most valueable thing on the donations level? I've found the rings, the treasure chest, the crowns and the kimonos. $91000 stilll won't shut that guy up.

[Humble]

Cousin Marcy is on top of the robot in the 20cm Saturn level.

In the large sumo level the present is being thrown into the pool as food.

The paper cranes was one of the annoying levels to get 100%.

People will keep on calling you even if you've made the best katamari possible in their level.

The treasure chests and the hanging bell are worth $10,000.

Glad I can be of some help.:p

[FerrariCake]

Yes, I got Marcy earlier today! I was so happy with myself. Then I did the "hidden level" and after the credits I unlocked the Rose Nebula level. Very theraputic, that level. Especially after spending over an hour trying to get the *&$#$# Cowbear. STILL haven't gotten it. T_T I was 7m13cm and the Cowbear shoved me into a cow- spotted umbrella! X_x
*goes off to play s'more*

[Humble]

Time for some tips!

Sharks, fighting pirates, palm trees and sailboats are pretty good objects to pick for a size boost in the cowbear level. Also, there are a bunch of racing cars on the tanker. Thats my good deed for the day.

Wish you the best of luck with the cowbear.

[K-S-O]

I found this quote about the rose stage on the GameFAQs board.

The million roses mission was not made to be done in one sitting. Infact it feels more rewarding when you just take your time and enjoy the rolling. The way I see it, all the roses are from the fans. You know how people will throw roses at a stellar performer? I see this as the fans throwing roses for the King, the Queen, the Prince, the cousins, and the Katamari because they love them all so much. Maybe I'm looking too much into this, but I think the million roses mission has to be one of the most beautiful missions of all.

I have to be honest here. There seems to be very few people who truely understand why the rose mission is the way it is. I see all these rose rolling strategies and stuff, but what's the point to them? There's no need to rush. There's no time limit. You can come back to this mission whenever you want! Sometimes, you just gotta stop rushing through life and smell the roses. And what could be a better way to do that than to smell (Or in this case, roll) a million of them? This mission was made to be long and time consuming, but it's ok because you can take your time! As much time as you need! It's like enjoying your favorite meal. Don't eat it all at once or else you'll get sick.
</rant>I think this person makes a very good point about the rose stage. This makes for some good advice for those who get annoyed after collecting 50,000 roses in one sitting.

[Humble]

My ears are burning. :p

Luckily I had that revelation before continuing the level.

[FerrariCake]

sort of a response to that GameFAQs post, sort of a continuation~ I love the rose level. Nothing can hurt you, you're not battling a clock, the King doesn't pop in with his weird half- baked philosophies on life, the universe, and everything . . . It's so tranquil and gentle. I'm up to around 18000 roses, I think, and I'm in no hurry to get a million. =^^=
Anywho~
I have avoided the Cowbear all weekend. I spent like two hours Friday trying to get it, and I got to this point where I was in this weird daze, just rolling without being aware of what I was picking up... and then I hit polar bear. >_<+ When I catch that Cowbear I'm gonna make it into barbeque.

[Conekiller]

Sorry for reviving this old thread, but I just gotta ask some stuff

How can I leave the the Rose stage and come back with the same ammount I had before? I made it up to 10,000 and lost my nerve (if the stage wa sa bit bigger....) so I'd like to be able to accomplish it little by little. Is th esong you unlock the musicc playing in the Rose stage? I was kinda hoping for an extended version of the rock theme played during the Prince birth video.

Also, I've seen the King of All Cosmos bouncing around the "As Large as Possible 5 " stage (or rather the Elephant/Bird stage) but I've heard you need to have at least 3,400 meters to pick him up. That's just dandy. I can barely eke out 1,500 by the time the measly 17 minutes are over. Does anyone know where I can find a video on how to do this? I'm at a total loss here :crying:

[FerrariCake]

How can I leave the the Rose stage and come back with the same ammount I had before? I made it up to 10,000 and lost my nerve (if the stage wa sa bit bigger....) so I'd like to be able to accomplish it little by little.
You can comeback to it whenever you feel like, the magic of the game saves however many roses you left off with.
Is the song you unlock the music playing in the Rose stage? I was kinda hoping for an extended version of the rock theme played during the Prince birth video.
What. you don't like The Royal Academy of Katamari? o0 ...There's a way to change the BG music, I just forget right now. ^^;;;;;;;

Also, I've seen the King of All Cosmos bouncing around the "As Large as Possible 5 " stage (or rather the Elephant/Bird stage) but I've heard you need to have at least 3,400 meters to pick him up. That's just dandy. I can barely eke out 1,500 by the time the measly 17 minutes are over. Does anyone know where I can find a video on how to do this? I'm at a total loss here :crying:
I usually manage about 2900m. The key is to not care about what you roll up. Just roll. Forget about trying to complete that impossible collection list. Also, once you get big enough to progress to another part of the level, stay in the part you're in and get everything else you can, then move on and, well, that's about it. It's my pattern and it seems to work. I just never manage to catch the King because I'm a girl and therefore am not good at video games. [/sarcasm] ;P Just keep trying.
...and not to make it harder or anything, but I'm pretty sure the Queen is also somewhere in that level.... I've never seen Her, but She's on your collection list... 0_o;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

[Conekiller]

You can comeback to it whenever you feel like, the magic of the game saves however many roses you left off with.


OK, so even though the King berated me for only having 10,000 and tossed it into the sky, it'll still have 10,000 when I come back?

[Speedy Boris]

I played a demo of this game on the demo disc that came with Soul Calibur III. Gotta be honest- I don't really dig it. The controls seem unintuitive (and rolling your trash ball get extremely slow when it gets huge) and the background music is kinda grating. I like the concept, but I just didn't find it very fun.

[/unpopular opinion]

[K-S-O]

So I brought back this dead topic to tell everyone that I rolled up 1 million roses last night!

Go me!

[SSJPabs]

So I brought back this dead topic to tell everyone that I rolled up 1 million roses last night!

Go me!Awesome! I can't even unlock that stage :(

[Dudley]

I love this game. IT's so wacky!
I love the bird/elephant stage because you get to roll up famous landmarks.
Did you guys see the giant squid and octopus fighting?

[K-S-O]

Awesome! I can't even unlock that stage :(

Did you roll up all 39 cousins? I know that is one of the requirements for unlocking the rose stage.