This is a fantastic remaster of an absolute classic. If it’s getting a 4, it’d be for the same reason I’d give the original a 4. Some of the levels here are frustrating, likely on purpose given the nature of the thing. Doesn’t stop them from being frustrating.
That said, this remaster actually makes the game’s most frustrating moments—the underwater level, the fire level, cow bear—much easier through sheer graphical improvement. The enhanced resolution leads to brighter colors and easier to see objects, thus making it actively possible to avoid hazards like the cheeky fire extinguishers and teddy bears.
This is a fantastic package all around too—the Royal Reverie bonus levels are great, and the added sticker collection is super fun and adds another layer of replayability. Just as the original is by and large an improvement on the first Katamari game, this is not just an improvement on KD Reroll in level design and substance but also as a remaster. The team was clearly given a higher budget to work with and more creative license to expand rather than just update, which really makes the whole thing feel more modern and worthwhile even for those who have access to the original and a PS2.
As much as I’d love to see a Beautiful Katamari remaster—I feel like I’m one of that game’s few shooters, it’s delightful—I actually am so impressed by Royal Reverie and other additions that I think this team has what it takes to make a new Katamari title. I think it’s time. Fingers crossed Namco sees that too.
That said, this remaster actually makes the game’s most frustrating moments—the underwater level, the fire level, cow bear—much easier through sheer graphical improvement. The enhanced resolution leads to brighter colors and easier to see objects, thus making it actively possible to avoid hazards like the cheeky fire extinguishers and teddy bears.
This is a fantastic package all around too—the Royal Reverie bonus levels are great, and the added sticker collection is super fun and adds another layer of replayability. Just as the original is by and large an improvement on the first Katamari game, this is not just an improvement on KD Reroll in level design and substance but also as a remaster. The team was clearly given a higher budget to work with and more creative license to expand rather than just update, which really makes the whole thing feel more modern and worthwhile even for those who have access to the original and a PS2.
As much as I’d love to see a Beautiful Katamari remaster—I feel like I’m one of that game’s few shooters, it’s delightful—I actually am so impressed by Royal Reverie and other additions that I think this team has what it takes to make a new Katamari title. I think it’s time. Fingers crossed Namco sees that too.