Game Review: Beautiful Katamari is the Latest in the Series by Namco Banadi

Beautiful Katamari was recently released and is the latest installment in the Katamari series by Namco Banadi. The goal of the game, as with all other games in the series, is to roll up as many objects as possible using your sticky ball called a Katamari to please your father who is the King of All Cosmos.

Beautiful Katamari took a switch in platform from the previous titles. Originally the game was slated to be on the Playstation 3, the Wii and the Xbox 360. But, when released, the title did something that is become familiar to gamers. It jumped platforms and released solely for the Xbox 360.

The game's story follows a plot line that is familiar to most Katamari fans. The King is having a good time and, whoops! All of a sudden the cosmos disappear. It is up to you, his son the Prince, to roll up random items on earth to rebuild all of the planets, stars and satellites that were destroyed by the recreation.

Beautiful Katamari offers some of the same features that were present on some of the earlier titles. There is various goals beyond the size and time trials. You can work to build your collection of items rolled and gather presents from the King. Also, there are many more cousins to roll up and play with. The game also offers the co-op mode that many gamers found challenging and a bit awkward.

But, this is not where this installment ends. Now there is a verses mode where you can go head to head with another player in the comfort of your own home. Also, you can choose to play as a cousin that you have rolled both in the standard game and in live play.

The Xbox 360 Live ability gives the game more longevity then the previous titles as well. You can board a rocket ship and head to the Live Community where you can play against other players around the globe to accumulate the most cookies. Play consists of rolling up as many of a designated item and then steam rolling other players' Katamaris to knock off items and gather them for yourself. There is a ranking system as well as specific achievements that can only be won by playing on the Live community.

The only disappointment in this game comes from the controlling aspect. The game requires the use of both thumsticks in order to move the Katamari to gather the items. Unlike the Playstation controller, the Xbox controller does not have the thumsticks parallel to each other. Instead they are off set. This provides some awkward game play and makes it challenging to keep the Katamari straight and where you want it to go.

Overall, fans of the game will enjoy this new title. New players will be delighted by the quirky graphics, peculiar music and unusual story line. The entire game is in a classification of its own and the series is original and different then any other game on the market. The addition of HD graphics and Live play are pluses and should please most veteran rollers. The price point of $39.99 is lower then most new games being released as well. On the whole, this game is one to be played and comes recommended.