Simple ingredients: attractive colors, memorable music, and an irresistible mechanic. Simplicity transformed into a universe that equates to a fun hang out. Docility that thrusts the imagination into the unknown. Get a grip on the task at hand. Allow the novelty of the quirks to wash through you. Only then, may you start to reflect on the underlying message of Katamari Damacy.
Unlike the straightforward presentation of ‘play,’ the ‘narrative’ here is presented indirectly. As a result, Katamari Damacy’s higher purpose is ultimately defined within the mind of the player. Those seeking to define every experience may argue that the game is a criticism of consumerism. As you press to roll up as many things as possible you attempt to--and ultimately fail at--impressing your father. Others may opine that Katamari Damacy serves as a metaphor for our lifecycle. An ashes to ashes, dust to dust message juxtaposed by the comical task of hoarding physical mass to create a celestial form. Disciples under William of Ockham will toss these interpretations aside, and instead appreciate the culmination of a design strategy that chose to focus on a snowball roll mechanic, faced a challenge of making this not feel like a day job, and dislodged some personal interests in an attempt to offer some sense of progression and purpose for the player. By the time the credits have rolled, you may realize that parsing out any philosophical undertone is as sisyphean a task as rolling a katamari to please elders.
As my credits presented themselves, memories surfaced from my highschool freshman year. Waiting at EBX until ‘The Girl Next Door’ was set to begin at the mall theater. I stood there effectively twiddling my thumbs, and reflected still further into the past. Presenting as my even younger self, at that same EBX, observing my best friend trading in his impressive Playstation 1 collection, and with it, years of memories between us. The purpose of that trade was to afford the Xbox, a copy of Halo: Combat Evolved, and a few controllers. The cost was our shared experience.
Conservation at odds with creation.
Again at EBX, awaiting ‘The Girl Next Door,’ chatting up a clerk regarding Halo 2 rumors, another game caught my eye. Near the back of the store, a child enraptured at the PS2 kiosk, the game displayed was Katamari Damacy. Colors that demanded attention. Unfortunately, the sound was off. I thought to myself: what an odd looking game for children. Too occupied with the thought that I was too cool for such endeavors, I let Katamari Damacy pass me by. My life went on, absolutely Katamari-less and sometimes joyless. I did eventually get a chance to check out Halo 2, Halo 3, and beyond; but over fifteen years passed before Katamari Damacy crossed my path again.
I have now completed the game, yet I reflect back on that child at EBX. What joys did Katamari bring him at such a young age, did he end up buying the game, did he even own his own Playstation 2? I dwell on that missed opportunity. I wasted so many of my prime gaming years on first person shooters, was such destiny sealed that afternoon? It’s probably healthier to not dwell on that moment, and just be happy with life as it was served for me. Now in my 30s I was able to enjoy Katamari Damacy with completely fresh eyes. Any ‘opinions’ and ‘preferences’ long developed. I soaked Katamari Damacy in, feeling a joy not often afforded me. Maybe such fleeting joy would have passed me by without note in my younger years, but now it is cherishable.
If able, take in Katamari Damacy when you can, you should be so lucky.
Unlike the straightforward presentation of ‘play,’ the ‘narrative’ here is presented indirectly. As a result, Katamari Damacy’s higher purpose is ultimately defined within the mind of the player. Those seeking to define every experience may argue that the game is a criticism of consumerism. As you press to roll up as many things as possible you attempt to--and ultimately fail at--impressing your father. Others may opine that Katamari Damacy serves as a metaphor for our lifecycle. An ashes to ashes, dust to dust message juxtaposed by the comical task of hoarding physical mass to create a celestial form. Disciples under William of Ockham will toss these interpretations aside, and instead appreciate the culmination of a design strategy that chose to focus on a snowball roll mechanic, faced a challenge of making this not feel like a day job, and dislodged some personal interests in an attempt to offer some sense of progression and purpose for the player. By the time the credits have rolled, you may realize that parsing out any philosophical undertone is as sisyphean a task as rolling a katamari to please elders.
As my credits presented themselves, memories surfaced from my highschool freshman year. Waiting at EBX until ‘The Girl Next Door’ was set to begin at the mall theater. I stood there effectively twiddling my thumbs, and reflected still further into the past. Presenting as my even younger self, at that same EBX, observing my best friend trading in his impressive Playstation 1 collection, and with it, years of memories between us. The purpose of that trade was to afford the Xbox, a copy of Halo: Combat Evolved, and a few controllers. The cost was our shared experience.
Conservation at odds with creation.
Again at EBX, awaiting ‘The Girl Next Door,’ chatting up a clerk regarding Halo 2 rumors, another game caught my eye. Near the back of the store, a child enraptured at the PS2 kiosk, the game displayed was Katamari Damacy. Colors that demanded attention. Unfortunately, the sound was off. I thought to myself: what an odd looking game for children. Too occupied with the thought that I was too cool for such endeavors, I let Katamari Damacy pass me by. My life went on, absolutely Katamari-less and sometimes joyless. I did eventually get a chance to check out Halo 2, Halo 3, and beyond; but over fifteen years passed before Katamari Damacy crossed my path again.
I have now completed the game, yet I reflect back on that child at EBX. What joys did Katamari bring him at such a young age, did he end up buying the game, did he even own his own Playstation 2? I dwell on that missed opportunity. I wasted so many of my prime gaming years on first person shooters, was such destiny sealed that afternoon? It’s probably healthier to not dwell on that moment, and just be happy with life as it was served for me. Now in my 30s I was able to enjoy Katamari Damacy with completely fresh eyes. Any ‘opinions’ and ‘preferences’ long developed. I soaked Katamari Damacy in, feeling a joy not often afforded me. Maybe such fleeting joy would have passed me by without note in my younger years, but now it is cherishable.
If able, take in Katamari Damacy when you can, you should be so lucky.