Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The universe really is full of Katamari rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/the-universe-really-is-full-of-katamari-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/the-universe-really-is-full-of-katamari-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/the-universe-really-is-full-of-katamari-rumors/#commentsFiled under:


Remember the rumor that Beautiful Katamari was going to roll onto the Wii? It won't die. It's come back again, this time with psychotic reasoning behind it.

IGN's Matt Casamassina has "100 percent reliable" word from mysterious, anonymous sources that Bandai Namco is planning a version of the game on Wii. As the story goes, they encountered difficulty porting Beautiful Katamari to the PS3, so Namco decided to scrap it and create a new Wii version instead.

This is really the part that arouses our suspicion. A port is too hard, so they switch over to an all-new game? It just sounds like an excuse to troll the PS3 and make the Wii look better at the same time. It may be true, but we're not taking that reasoning as an explanation for anything.

We still aren't sure we should even care, with no Keita Takahashi involvement, but we can't help but become wistful when we think about a new Katamari. We wish we could hear some final word about this. We're tired of the emotional rollercoaster!

[Via GayGamer]

JoystiqThe universe really is full of Katamari rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaibeautiful katamariBeautifulKatamarikatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacynamconintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiwiiMon, 02 Jul 2007 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Weekend: June 23 - 24, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/the-joystiq-weekend-june-23-24-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/the-joystiq-weekend-june-23-24-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/the-joystiq-weekend-june-23-24-2007/#comments The Prince of All Cosmos sporting his Katamari music player, found by Flickr user nuzz -- "not my doing, but hilarious," he writes. We didn't fare too much better in our admittedly brief search, but we did stumble upon an iRoll button with a similar image. It's green like Xbox, but that's probably just a coincidence. Check out the highlights for the weekend:

Joystiquery
Podcast Rodeo for June 24: E.A.R.
Today's chowiest video: John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat in Stranglehold
Today's shootingest video: Quake Wars
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: winning formula edition

News
Dale Earnhardt Jr. signs endorsement contract with Sony
New Time Crisis 4 screenshots, Guncon 3 pics
Sonic the Hedgehog turns 16
Devil May Cry anime hits the web
Jaffe's warehouse pics possible studio space in Utah
Austin Powers available free on Xbox Live
Chun Li cries the pain of loss away
Boston Globe: Wii puts violence in motion
Blue Dragon ad campaign wins Cannes award
DS games at Toys R Us are buy 2 get 1 free this week
The Darkness delayed for Euro PS3 until July 20
Metroid Prime 3 details emerge from Play magazine
Addiction experts: Video games aren't an addiction

Rumors & Speculation
Manhunt 2 controversy may boost sales

Culture & Community
Postal designer speaks out on Manhunt 2 bans
The anomaly of Nancy Drew games
Gamespot changes review system, adds 'medals'
DIY pixel art T-shirts

JoystiqThe Joystiq Weekend: June 23 - 24, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledaily recapDailyRecapkatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacySun, 24 Jun 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's full of stuff video: Beautiful Katamari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/17/todays-full-of-stuff-video-beautiful-katamari/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/17/todays-full-of-stuff-video-beautiful-katamari/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/17/todays-full-of-stuff-video-beautiful-katamari/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While we fear the series has run its course -- and rolled up the shark -- seemingly Xbox 360 exclusive and XBLA downloadable title Beautiful Katamari wins us over for today's video pick. The extended gameplay clip looks nearly the same as what we remember from the PS2 until the camera keeps pulling back and the Prince rolls up countries and continents. That's a big katamari, full of so many dreams and so much stuff.

See the video after the break.

Continue reading Today's full of stuff video: Beautiful Katamari

JoystiqToday's full of stuff video: Beautiful Katamari originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballcosmosdownloaddownloadablegameplayhottest videoHottestVideokatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacyprincerollvideoxblaXbox-360Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamespot: Beautiful Katamari coming to Xbox Live Arcade [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/16/gamespot-beautiful-katamari-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/16/gamespot-beautiful-katamari-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/16/gamespot-beautiful-katamari-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under:


[Update: We shouldn't have doubted you, Ross! Gamespot has stated that the information in the article was indeed "total crap". Original post follows.]

As the extreme and possibly insane cynic might ask, "Isn't there already a colossal ball of junk on Xbox Live Arcade?" To that we answer, "No sir, but there soon will be. Although, Feeding Frenzy was a bit rubbish, wasn't it?" The destined arrival of Bandai Namco's next Katamari game on Xbox Live Arcade is announced in a rather blasé manner by the first sentence in Gamespot's hands-on preview of the title: "The big, huge Katamari ball of junk just keeps on rolling, this time with a new installment called Beautiful Katamari slated to hit Xbox Live Arcade in October."

The news sticks to yesterday's word from Newsweek's N'Gai Croal that Beautiful Katamari would be an Xbox 360 exclusive, and neatly contradicts previous XBLA portfolio manager Ross Erickson's "total crap - not happening". Something obviously changed in the months since then, an observation not befitting of the Katamari franchise, it seems. Gamespot's Brad Shoemaker labels the game as "more of the same," noting the presence of new levels, high-definition graphics, 4-player online gameplay and, perhaps most importantly, an original soundtrack. Despite losing momentum in terms of moving the series forward, we suspect there's still plenty to heart about Katamari -- especially if the price is right.

JoystiqGamespot: Beautiful Katamari coming to Xbox Live Arcade [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beautiful KatamariBeautifulKatamariKatamariKatamari DamacyKatamariDamacyNamco BandaiNamcoBandaiXbox-360Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newsweek: Beautiful Katamari rolling exclusively with Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/beautiful-katamari-rolling-exclusively-with-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/beautiful-katamari-rolling-exclusively-with-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/beautiful-katamari-rolling-exclusively-with-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Striking a blow to symmetrical ball-rolling controls everywhere, Newsweek's N'Gai Croal reports that Beautiful Katamari's royal rainbow will extend only to the Xbox 360. He explains that an exclusivity deal is already "very close to fruition" and is likely to be announced formally at July's Min-E3 event in Santa Monica. The trail of digital crumbs leading to the deal seems especially obvious in retrospect, with Ridge Racer 6, Ace Combat 6, Eternal Sonata and Pac-Man: Championship Edition all indicating quite the chummy relationship between Namco Bandai and Microsoft.

With the Katamari franchise not being nearly as unstoppable as its clutter-collecting cosmic prince, PlayStation 3 alarmists shouldn't view this as the end of their fragile and constantly beeping world. That being said, seeing a distinctly, almost obviously "Japanese" game picking up Microsoft's system alone certainly points to interesting times ahead. It also makes completing the level that much harder.

[Thanks, Matthew]

JoystiqNewsweek: Beautiful Katamari rolling exclusively with Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beautiful KatamariBeautifulKatamariKatamariKatamari DamacyKatamariDamacyNamcoNamco BandaiNamcoBandaiXbox-360Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: May 31, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/today-in-joystiq-may-31-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/today-in-joystiq-may-31-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/today-in-joystiq-may-31-2007/#comments We dug through doc18's Flickr album yet again for this Katamari mockup -- take note of Master Chief stuck in the upper right, looking very put out by his situation. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
The video with most gaming potential: Microsoft Surface

News
First Guitar Hero III videos are ... different
Call of Duty 3 Bravo map pack hits Live
New PSP 3.50 firmware now available, Remote Play internet enabled
More Phantom Hourglass screens hit the 'net
No StarCraft 2 this year
Free Half-Life 2 games via Steam for ATI Radeon owners
Hour of Victory demo now Live
Dead Rising's Frank West gets change of clothes
nDreams reveals casual episodic game aimed at women
GameTap launches free ad-supported service
Indie horror adventure Penumbra: Overture available on Linux, coming to Mac
Ubisoft admits to over-porting Wii
Id has new IP, keep wishing for that Cmdr. Keen remake
New partnership brings European adventure games to North America
NY game retail bills pass; retailers could face felony charges
Tomb Raider and Anniversary comparison video
Activision shoots first against Harmonix in rhythm game war

Rumors & Speculation
Fortune: Nintendo is beating Microsoft and Sony

Culture & Community
Tetris ice cubes put a little geek in your drinks
Danish studio seeks publisher for unique Wii game
Warhammer Online seeks beta testers
Crowd-controlled Breakout excites moviegoers
Xbox 360 firmware update prevents XBL banning
Sign up for Gods & Heroes beta
Billy Mitchell ain't no 'son of a gun,' ex-champ speaks on King of Kong
Circuit City shoppers invited to compete in World Cyber Games
Indies and consoles: an imperfect system

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: May 31, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecaphalokatamari damacyKatamariDamacymaster chiefMasterChiefThu, 31 May 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Beautiful screens of Katamari Damacy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/beautiful-screens-of-katamari-damacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/beautiful-screens-of-katamari-damacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/beautiful-screens-of-katamari-damacy/#commentsFiled under:


Xboxyde is on the ball again, this time bringing us some bright and colorful screens of Beautiful Katamari Damacy. Pictured is the roll of over seven thousand kilometers in diameter, taking a chunk out of the Earth that even Galactus would be proud of. Other screens are a little less planetary in scale and still show off the addicting gameplay that PS2 and PSP owners have been enjoying for years. Beautiful Katamari is looking to live up to the legacy, are you ready to start rolling, rawhide?

JoystiqBeautiful screens of Katamari Damacy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beautiful KatamariBeautiful Katamari DamacyBeautifulKatamariBeautifulKatamariDamacyKatamariKatamari DamacyKatamariDamacyTue, 08 May 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gundam, Katamari come to tilt-sensitive Japanese phones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/gundam-katamari-come-to-tilt-sensitive-japanese-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/gundam-katamari-come-to-tilt-sensitive-japanese-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/gundam-katamari-come-to-tilt-sensitive-japanese-phones/#commentsFiled under: , ,

No sooner does Japanese cell phone giant DoCoMo announce a new line of phones with tilt-sensitive controls then the game announcements come pouring in. Well, trickling in, at least. Bandai/Namco's You Are Gundam and Katamari Damacy will both take advantage of the phone's unique motion-sensitivity: the former by letting asking players to "[wave] the phone vigorously to match the character's movements;" and the latter by letting you move the eponymous sticky ball by tilting the phone.

While we're excited about the idea of new control schemes for cell phones, we're a little wary about the particular implementation being used here. DoCoMo's 904i series uses GestureTek's EyeMobile system to calculate tilt based on digital camera images, unlike the Wii and PS3 controllers, which use internal gyroscopes. An IGN review of EyeMobile-compatible 3D Tilt-a-World warns that the system fails "if your movements are too sudden for the game to translate" and that the setup requires "a well-lit area so the camera can get a good 'fix' on an image." Not to mention the inherent problem of keeping the phone steady on a bumpy subway ride.

Read - Katamari Damacy Mobile
Read - You Are Gundam

JoystiqGundam, Katamari come to tilt-sensitive Japanese phones originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phoneCellPhonegundamjapankatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacymobileyou are gundamYouAreGundamTue, 24 Apr 2007 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Beautiful Katamari website frightens children]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/beautiful-katamari-website-frightens-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/beautiful-katamari-website-frightens-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/beautiful-katamari-website-frightens-children/#commentsFiled under:


Finally confirmed last week, the official website for Beautiful Katamari Damacy is now open. The website is covered with Japanese Kanji, so don't expect to get too much out of it aside from the freaky, freaky pictures. Those familiar with the game will feel right at home. Those unfamiliar with the game, however, are likely to feel a creeping sense of dread. There are some new screenshots available on the site. Search them out if you dare. If, on the other hand, you'd rather not delve into this colorful website of madness, you can always check out our Beautiful Katamari gallery.

Anyone looking forward to facing the fear and giving this game a spin?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBeautiful Katamari website frightens children originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beautfiul katamariBeautfiulKatamaribeautiful katamari damacyBeautifulKatamariDamacykatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacynamco bandaiNamcoBandaiTue, 24 Apr 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Beautiful Katamari screens roll out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/first-beautiful-katamari-screens-roll-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/first-beautiful-katamari-screens-roll-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/first-beautiful-katamari-screens-roll-out/#commentsFiled under:


Officially confirmed earlier this week, the first screens of Beautiful Katamari Damacy are rolling in (see what we did there?). The handful of screens show off what we've all grown to love about Katamari Damacy: giant balls of stuff. The image above contains a katamari that has grown to a size of over 7,000 kilometers. The second shot displays a much more diminutive katamari (only 13 centimeters tall). Of course, Katamari Damacy shots wouldn't be complete without a rainbow enveloped shot of the King of All Cosmos. Hit the "read" link to check out all three new shots.

JoystiqFirst Beautiful Katamari screens roll out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beautiful katamaribeautiful katamari damacyBeautifulKatamariBeautifulKatamariDamacykatamari damacyKatamariDamacynamconamco bandaiNamcoBandaiFri, 20 Apr 2007 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Beautiful Katamari Damacy confirmed for 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/beautiful-katamari-damacy-confirmed-for-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/beautiful-katamari-damacy-confirmed-for-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/beautiful-katamari-damacy-confirmed-for-360/#commentsFiled under:


A recent issue of Famitsu has confirmed one of the gaming industry's worst kept secrets. That's right, Beautiful Katamari Damacy is headed to the Xbox 360 and PS3 (here are the scans to prove it). Long rumored via rental and retail listings Beautiful Katamari Damacy will be the first iteration of the series to roll onto a Microsoft platform. The controls will remain true to the PS2 originals and Famitsu reports that the katamaris (the giant junk ball pictured above) can reach heights of over 10,000 kilometers. Also planned for the game is some kind of online play, though no specific details have been confirmed. Beautiful Katamari Damacy is reportedly 50% complete, with no release date announced at this time.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBeautiful Katamari Damacy confirmed for 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beautiful katamaribeautiful katamari damacyBeautifulKatamariBeautifulKatamariDamacykatamari damacyKatamariDamacyWed, 18 Apr 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Beautiful Katamari Damacy confirmed for PS3 & Xbox 360, not Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/beautiful-katamari-damacy-confirmed-for-ps3-and-xbox-360-not-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/beautiful-katamari-damacy-confirmed-for-ps3-and-xbox-360-not-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/beautiful-katamari-damacy-confirmed-for-ps3-and-xbox-360-not-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

katamari damacy
Though series creator Keita Takahashi never intended to roll his Katamari into a deflated mass of has-been ingenuity, according to the latest Famitsu scoop, Namco Bandai is content to do so without him. As rumored, the Japanese publisher will revisit the katamari concept for a fourth time, now on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Director Jun Moriwaki has also expressed interest in adapting the series for DS and PC (using a keyboard), but remains reluctant about a Wii version. Moriwaki explained that Wii's controller presents certain difficulties that the dev team has yet to overcome. Update: 1UP has posted Moriwaki's comments about a possible Wii version: "The Wii is also one of our platform choices... However, the controller for Wii is quite unique so being able to overcome the different issues will be the key."

Dubbed Beautiful Katamari Damacy, this new version won't reinvent the sticky ball, but will super-size it. Famitsu reportedly displays a katamari growing to 10,000-km proportions (Earth is just 2,742 km larger). Beautiful will also introduce online play, likely featuring co-op and competitive modes. Famitsu reports that the game is roughly 50% complete, but still without a release date in Japan.

JoystiqBeautiful Katamari Damacy confirmed for PS3 & Xbox 360, not Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360famitsujapankatamariKatamari DamacyKatamariDamacymultiplayerNamco BandaiNamcoBandaips3psnXbox LiveXbox-360xbox360XboxLiveWed, 18 Apr 2007 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Beautiful Katamari for 360 now on Gamefly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/beautiful-katamari-for-360-now-on-gamefly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/beautiful-katamari-for-360-now-on-gamefly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/beautiful-katamari-for-360-now-on-gamefly/#commentsFiled under:


It looks like Beautiful Katamari is now as close to official confirmation as possible. A listing for the game has appeared on Gamefly, ready to be inserted into your queue (ewww) at a moment's notice. The game is slated for an October 30th release, though that could easily be a placeholder date. It's not official confirmation, but we find it hard to believe that Gamefly is in the habit of offering games that don't exist. Hit the "read" link to see the game's entry on Gamefly.

[Via Live Gamer]

JoystiqBeautiful Katamari for 360 now on Gamefly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai namcoBandaiNamcobeautiful katamariBeautifulKatamarikatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacynamco bandaiNamcoBandaiMon, 26 Mar 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: February 6, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/today-in-joystiq-february-6-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/today-in-joystiq-february-6-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/today-in-joystiq-february-6-2007/#commentsFiled under:

After the cake presentation yesterday, we decided to show off this Katamari cake Thomas Mannino showed us. Enjoy the video, be hungry, and check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Readers pick best webcomic and hate Mario Party
Today's hottest game video: Command & Conquer 3
Joystiq Podcast 001 - The Dreamcast

News
Ping Pong with Penny Arcade, to the pain!
Blue Dragon paraphernalia arrives in Japan
Wii-chargeable battery packs (almost) ready for release
Xbox 360 sporting new 'super-quiet' internal DVD drives
TransGaming and Nvidia team up for high-end games on the Mac
Sega: Virtua Tennis 3 brings its 1080p game to the Xbox 360
EA bullish on future PS3 performance
PSP mod inexplicably adds a cooling fan
Bubble Bobble Revolution recalled
Rockstar reveals Manhunt 2 for the PS2, PSP, and ... Wii
University of Rochester: Action games improve vision
News Alert: Syrian prez doesn't play video games
Crysis will run on ye olde gaming rig
Sony to market PS3 at English National Opera
Microsoft to reward Xbox Live achievers with freebies
Casual games consuming 'me time'
Oblivion, Okami top GDC Awards Nominations
Tekken in PS3 Store this month
Microsoft to soon decide fate of Space Giraffe, alpha build shipping out
Wii email informs consumers of strap replacement

Rumors & Speculation
Rumor: Killzone 2 demo before Halo 3 beta
Blizzard: consoles soon obsolete, becoming one with PCs

Culture
Tilt modded Xbox 360 controller now wireless
Metal Gear Solid 4 Snake figure
Ben Heck explains how to make Wii laptop
The death of the game mascot

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: February 6, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapfoodkatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacyTue, 06 Feb 2007 23:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Didn't Namco already make this game?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/04/didnt-namco-already-make-this-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/04/didnt-namco-already-make-this-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/04/didnt-namco-already-make-this-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

rolling ball?If Shanda's Rolling Ball isn't a trademark violation then we don't know what is. Slap a green Martian suit on this kid and the image is indistinguishable from Katamari Damacy. How long before Namco's lawyers make the call to Shanda headquarters?

FYI: Shanda is a Shanghai-based publisher that specializes in online games.

[Thanks chen]

JoystiqDidn't Namco already make this game? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Katamari DamacyKatamariDamacyNamcoNamco BandaiNamcoBandaiRolling BallRollingBallShandaSNDAThu, 04 Jan 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Damacy XBLA rumor is "total crap"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/03/katamari-damacy-xbla-rumor-is-total-crap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/03/katamari-damacy-xbla-rumor-is-total-crap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/03/katamari-damacy-xbla-rumor-is-total-crap/#commentsFiled under:


It looks like Katamari Damacy is not bound for Xbox Live Arcade, as suggested by the already-suspicious Electronic Gaming Monthly Rumor Mill. In a short-but-sweet forum post on XBLArcade, Worldwide Xbox Live Arcade Games Portfolio Manager Ross Erickson decried the rumor as "total crap - not happening."

The authenticity of the post has purportedly been verified by forum admin Tomacco. For those who can't let the dream die, it could still be an Xbox 360 retail title, but we'd have to see a massive drop in the standard price or some heavy-duty features (Katamari MMO? 720p?) to justify a $60 price point.

The EGM-fostered rumor also mentioned PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii iterations; the former seems likely, as the Katamari franchise has historically been linked to Sony, but we're not holding our breath for a Wii Love Katamari.

[Via bits bytes pixels & sprites]

JoystiqKatamari Damacy XBLA rumor is "total crap" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari damacyKatamariDamacyrumorxblaxbox 360xbox livexbox live arcadeXbox-360Xbox360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeWed, 03 Jan 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq (Christmas) Weekend, 2006]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/25/the-joystiq-christmas-weekend-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/25/the-joystiq-christmas-weekend-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/25/the-joystiq-christmas-weekend-2006/#comments
Happy holidays! Destroy All Humans gets a quirky prologue, Street Fighter gets a quirky epilogue and yours truly goofs in thinking a TurboGrafx 16 game would only cost $6. Enjoy the image above (found via Digg) and check out the highlights for this holiday:

Joystiquery
Geometry Wars as art
Today's hottest game video: XFPS demo
Today's hottest game video: Halo gameplay remix
Today's hottest game video: Tomb Raider trailer
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: the Big N edition

News
Protecting adults from children online
WoW's Night before Wintervale holiday treat
Wii 'acquaintances' made easy with Google Maps
Destroy All Humans started as a joke, launched a "dance" career
Xbox 360 video download service succeeding, others failing
DVD players finally more common than VCRs
LCD makers under price-fixing investigation
SofaTube brings YouTube to Wii/PS3 couch potatoes
Christmas sees first VC price increase
Craigslisters trading PS3 for Wii + money

Rumors & Speculation
Vista DRM to slow down high-end graphics?

Console hackery
One Wii to control the entire house
Use a universal remote with PS3
Dreaming of a White PS3?
Play ripped PS1 games on PSP

Culture
Street Fighter's Blanka: an electrical oompa loompa
Geek, nerd, or dork?
American Choppers splice consoles for Christmas

JoystiqThe Joystiq (Christmas) Weekend, 2006 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Dec 2006 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapkatamari damacyKatamariDamacyshadow of the colossusShadowOfTheColossusMon, 25 Dec 2006 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Katamari Damacy on PS3, Wii, and 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/rumor-katamari-damacy-on-ps3-wii-and-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/rumor-katamari-damacy-on-ps3-wii-and-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/rumor-katamari-damacy-on-ps3-wii-and-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The latest Electronic Gaming Monthly rumor mill talks up Katamari Damacy's future on the latest generation of consoles: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox Live Arcade. Sure, it makes business sense to take a successful title and exploit it for as much bottom line as possible but one shouldn't confuse logic with reality, and right now there is no confirmation from Namco.

Creator Keita Takahashi has long been done with the series every since the original and has announced his plans to move away from the video game industry. Still, the surprise hit has some life left and will probably show up on some console. Don't get your hopes up yet, though.

JoystiqRumor: Katamari Damacy on PS3, Wii, and 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari damacyKatamariDamacyPS3rumorrumorsWiiXbox-360Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Katamari Damacy music day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/happy-katamari-damacy-music-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/happy-katamari-damacy-music-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/happy-katamari-damacy-music-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We went to a rock concert the other day. We did not like it very much. Too many people thrashing about and playing noise that did have the joy of the universe flowing through it. We much prefer music that captures the true happiness of the soul.

Therefore, we, the King of all Cosmos, have rolled up a collection of Katamari Damacy music performed by a solo guitarist, a klezmer band, and even a one-man a capella quartet into a fun-sized ball of joy. We hope it will bring some elation to your minuscule-sized soul.

Previous game music days

Continue reading Happy Katamari Damacy music day

JoystiqHappy Katamari Damacy music day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacyking of all cosmosKingOfAllCosmosmusic dayMusicDaynamcoPS2PSPFri, 01 Dec 2006 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Damacy reviewed -- Nay, critiqued]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/14/katamari-damacy-reviewed-nay-critiqued/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/14/katamari-damacy-reviewed-nay-critiqued/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/14/katamari-damacy-reviewed-nay-critiqued/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ryan Stanci has finished his three-part academic exercise critiquing Katamari Damacy on GameCareerGuide. Will critiquing video games instead of reviewing them get you a job in the industry? Possibly. It sure is a great way to be pretentious! And doing it you might become a professor at M.I.T. or the University of Wisconsin.

In part three of the work Stanci continues his critique to "create" Katamari Damacy into a piece of art. Apparently critiques create art, it's all so s-m-r-t. This installment reviews, er, critiques Katamari from the feminist, psychoanalytical and post-colonial schools of criticism. Plebeians will most certainly enjoy the feminist critique for its pedantic nature.

Katamari Damacy is expressed as a "male-centric" game and an offshoot of the "mono myth." It speaks to the oppression of women and of the King of All Cosmos spreading his seed (the stars), while the "phallic" looking Prince continually attempts to impress his father by presenting bigger balls. Is this a feminist critique or repressed homosexuality critique -- or are they one in the same? So kidding, calm down!

Seriously, Stanci gets some fascinating thoughts out on the table and it is certainly an interesting read for an intellectual exercise.

JoystiqKatamari Damacy reviewed -- Nay, critiqued originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Oct 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcademicKatamari DamacyKing of All CosmosPS2PSPRyan StanciRyanStanciSat, 14 Oct 2006 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Travelers ad imitating Katamari: just coincidence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/travelers-ad-imitating-katamari-just-coincidence/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/travelers-ad-imitating-katamari-just-coincidence/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/travelers-ad-imitating-katamari-just-coincidence/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We got in touch with Todd Riddle, Group Creative Director at Fallon about the current Travelers commercial that bears a striking resemblance to Katamari Damacy. The spot (high-quality version) in question shows a mass enveloping people, trees, and cars, as it bounces through San Francisco. Riddle said that there's no Katamari relation, but the spot is connected to Peter Jackson's special effects house.

Riddle has been in advertising for 20 years and has won of dozens of accolades including Cannes, Clio, and One Show awards. We asked him a few questions about games and the spot, titled "Snowball," via email.

Continue reading Travelers ad imitating Katamari: just coincidence

JoystiqTravelers ad imitating Katamari: just coincidence originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsDante AriolaDanteAriolafallonkatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacyLord of the RingsLordOfTheRingsMJZpeter jacksonPeterJacksonTodd RiddleToddRiddletravelers insuranceTravelersInsuranceWeta DigitalWetaDigitalThu, 28 Sep 2006 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Real-life Katamari in Travelers Insurance ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/25/real-life-katamari-in-travelers-insurance-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/25/real-life-katamari-in-travelers-insurance-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/25/real-life-katamari-in-travelers-insurance-ad/#commentsFiled under: ,

A current Travelers Insurance TV commercial liberally borrows from Katamari Damacy, showing a ball of, well, stuff bouncing down San Francisco's hills. You could say Fallon, the ad agency behind the spot, ripped off Katamari, but we like the commercial enough to let that slide. We'll call it an homage, imitation being flattery and all.

The commercial opens with a guy -- let's call him Everyman -- walking down the sidewalk. He's on a hill in the overcast outskirts of the city, maybe in the Avenues or closer to Twin Peaks. For no apparent reason, other than eventually trying to sell insurance, he trips, and begins rolling down the street. Like Katamari, he runs into some people and boxes, picking up size until the ball eventually gets big enough to gather cars and trees.

The ball bounces through the city -- always downhill except once on even ground -- through Pacific Heights and the Fillmore, gathering motorcycles in Nob Hill, picking up a heterosexual marriage -- we have those sometimes -- in Delores Park or a similar green space, flying down California Street or an equally car-chase-laden road, and eventually crashing into a columned downtown building with a name we can't quite remember. We wish we could ride a katamari across the city; it's a record commute time.

Is it a rip-off of Katamari, and do you care if your hobby becomes a commercial? Or did Fallon just have Katamari-of-the-mind? Immersive games have changed our way of looking at the world, like if we notice a drainpipe on the outside of a building and think of climbing it, Splinter Cell-style. Carmageddon also rewired our minds for a few weeks, urging us to crash the family truckster into a van. (We restrained). And Katamari has changed the way we think about space; we often imagine rolling up our surroundings. What, you don't?

The full commercial is embedded after the break.

See also: Roddick takes on Pong in ad

[Thanks, Daniel Premo]

Continue reading Real-life Katamari in Travelers Insurance ad

JoystiqReal-life Katamari in Travelers Insurance ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Commercialskatamarikatamari damacyKatamariDamacysan franciscoSanFranciscotravelers insuranceTravelersInsuranceMon, 25 Sep 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Call for fewer game reviews, more game critiques]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/a-feminist-and-marxist-interpretation-of-katamari-damacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/a-feminist-and-marxist-interpretation-of-katamari-damacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/a-feminist-and-marxist-interpretation-of-katamari-damacy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What's the difference between a review of a book, movie or game and a critique of one? Ryan Stancl explains and advocates more of the latter because he believes that games deserve more serious criticism in order to move forward as a respected form of art.

To demonstrate the difference between reviews and critiques, Stancl will critique Katamari Damacy from the perspective of eight different schools of critical theory: Biographical, New Critical, Marxist, Structural, Jungian, Psychoanalytical, Feminist, and Post-Colonial.

He's posted the first two critiques already. They're a touch dry, but we're hoping the Feminist and Marxist interpretations spice things up.

JoystiqCall for fewer game reviews, more game critiques originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feminismjungkatamari damacyKatamariDamacymarxPS2PSPFri, 15 Sep 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco's looking for a few good Katamari cosplayers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/04/namcos-looking-for-a-few-good-katamari-cosplayers/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/04/namcos-looking-for-a-few-good-katamari-cosplayers/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/04/namcos-looking-for-a-few-good-katamari-cosplayers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Did you fly that geek flag of yours proudly the last time Halloween was on by dressing up as the Prince of All Cosmos? Was it even Halloween? Wait, don't answer that. Namco has no problem befriending all you diehard Katamari Damacy followers, however. From today until June 30, Katamari cosplayers can submit their "favorite Katamari-inspired apparel" for a chance to have it posted within the official site's new cosplay gallery. Think of it, all those hours you spent crafting that elongated green headdress and matching skirt could be on display for posterity on the Me & My Katamari website. And your parents told you crafting costumes of video game characters would never get you anywhere!

Prizes like Prince puppets, t-shirts, and autographed copies of the soundtrack will be waiting for those who can come up with the best Katamari-related costumes or apparel (as judged by the brains at Namco Bandai America). Get rolling!

JoystiqNamco's looking for a few good Katamari cosplayers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 May 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaikatamari damacyKatamariDamacyme and my katamarinamconamco bandaipspThu, 04 May 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frogs don't love Lego Katamari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/25/frogs-dont-love-lego-katamari/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/25/frogs-dont-love-lego-katamari/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/25/frogs-dont-love-lego-katamari/#commentsFiled under: ,

Joystiq reader Aaron Broesky put together this Katamari-inspired Lego stop animation. Well done, Aaron! But what's with the senseless spaceman-on-frog violence? Rampant ranidaphobia means it's not easy to be green.

JoystiqFrogs don't love Lego Katamari originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Mar 2006 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal violencekatamarikatamari damacykermit the frogKermitTheFrogLegoLegospetasesame streetSat, 25 Mar 2006 23:58:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: A game worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/24/gdc-games-worthy-of-the-nobel-peace-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/24/gdc-games-worthy-of-the-nobel-peace-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/24/gdc-games-worthy-of-the-nobel-peace-prize/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nobel Peace Prize coinWhat kind of game concept would be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize? That's the question GameLab CEO Eric Zimmerman posed to the group of developers competing at the third-annual Game Design Challenge.

The winning concept (as judged by audience response), Peace Bomb, developed by Deus Ex lead designer Harvey Smith, would be a multiplayer game for the DS. Players would join together and trade resources, eventually leading to real world flash mobs - a crowd that assembles suddenly in a public space, performs a notable act, and then quickly disperses. It's Smith's hope that the Peace Bomb flash mobs would erupt around socially constructive movements, encouraging players to transform an entertaining game into an effective social project.

JoystiqGDC: A game worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Mar 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cliff BleszinskiCliffBleszinskiDeus ExDeusExDSEpic GamesEpicGamesEric ZimmermanEricZimmermanGameLabGDCHarvey SmithHarveySmithKatamari DamacyKatamariDamacyKeita TakahashiKeitaTakahashiNobel Peace PrizeNobelPeacePrizeWill WrightWillWrightFri, 24 Mar 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Loco Roco confirmed for US, Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/loco-roco-confirmed-for-us-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/loco-roco-confirmed-for-us-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/loco-roco-confirmed-for-us-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Besides having the same name as a Hawaiian dish composed of hamburger patties topped with fried eggs and gravy (oh wait, that's Loco Moco, my bad), Sony's Loco Roco also has the destinction of being referred to as an amalgamation of games like Katamari Damacy and Kirby's Tilt and Tumble. The little orange ball's got his own look and personal style, however, so it still bears noting that the game has finally been given the go-ahead for a worldwide launch, as per an announcement made at the 2006 Game Developers Conference. We Love Katamari may already be in stores, but with Loco Roco on the horizon, we'll have to hold our breath on our decision on what could be the most unique game on the PSP for now.

JoystiqLoco Roco confirmed for US, Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Mar 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Katamari DamacyLoco RocoSonyunique gamesWed, 22 Mar 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Isn't that precious? Catamari Damacy!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/isnt-that-precious-catamari-damacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/isnt-that-precious-catamari-damacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/isnt-that-precious-catamari-damacy/#commentsFiled under: ,


Stuff on my cat.com delights with this little homage to quirky game Katamari Damacy. By the way, the cat's name is "Catty" and her expression has been interpreted by our expert, in-house feline psychologists to mean, "I will be pooping in daddy's shoes later today."

JoystiqIsn't that precious? Catamari Damacy! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catsfunnykatamari damacyPS2Mon, 06 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari minigame rolls into town]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/17/katamari-minigame-rolls-into-town/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/17/katamari-minigame-rolls-into-town/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/17/katamari-minigame-rolls-into-town/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you've either: a) not played Katamari Damacy because you don't have a PS2 or b) not played Katamari Damacy because you're a grump and the whimsical nature of the game makes you want to hurt something--preferably a kitten--then now's your chance to get a little taste without plunking down for the whole experience.

The Japanese Katamari Damacy website has a cute flash-based minigame where, you guessed it, you have to roll stuff up into a ball. Sure, it doesn't capture the toy-like feel of the 3D game, the weight and momentum of your katamari isn't as realistic, but for a free webgame, she ain't bad.

[Thanks, White Rose Duelist]

JoystiqKatamari minigame rolls into town originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2006 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Katamari DamacyKatamariDamacyNamcoPS2PSPFri, 17 Feb 2006 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Me & My Katamari sorta kinda stateside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/13/me-and-my-katamari-sorta-kinda-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/13/me-and-my-katamari-sorta-kinda-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/13/me-and-my-katamari-sorta-kinda-stateside/#commentsFiled under: ,

After this little bit of news, Fry's just may become my new favorite hangout, despite the 25 minute drive. One intrepid blogger from the wily depths of the Internet (which is our way of saying we have no clue where this guy is) took a snapshot of an import copy of Me & My Katamari over the weekend, affirming our belief that some prayers--no matter how petty, lame, or selfish--do get answered. It's true that it's an import copy, which means that most of us who can't speak Japanese are fresh out of luck. But those bi or tri-linguists who are itching to flex their character-reading skills may very well want to take a trip for some hot junk ball action at their local Fry's Electronics branch.

JoystiqMe & My Katamari sorta kinda stateside originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Katamari DamacyNamcoMon, 13 Feb 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stick it to me: Katamari lyrics translated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/02/stick-it-to-me-katamari-lyrics-translated/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/02/stick-it-to-me-katamari-lyrics-translated/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/02/stick-it-to-me-katamari-lyrics-translated/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Katamari Damacy soundtrack is the catchiest, pop-iest video game music to implant itself into gamers' brains since the Super Mario Bros. theme song. There was only one problem: they were mostly in Japanese. Until Kitsune, a Quarter to Three forum member, translated them all into English! From "Katamari Mambo":

Nobue: I hate wide places
I like the narrow ones
So come on, baby,
Ahhh, that sweet, painful katamari

Ooooh! Swallow it up!
Aaaah! Sticky STICK IT TO ME!
Ah ya ya, we'll spend the night in
That kind of behavior where two stars lay bound up together

It gets better though! Kitsune has also transcribed some of the songs into romaji, romanized Japanese, to make it easier to figure out what we've been singing along to this whole time.

(Image is from the CD cover of the Katamari Damacy soundtrack, Katamari Fortissimo Damacy.)

[Via BoingBoing]

JoystiqStick it to me: Katamari lyrics translated originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2006 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Katamari DamacyKatamariDamacyPS2Thu, 02 Feb 2006 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari checkboook wants to roll up purchases into your life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/27/katamari-checkboook-wants-to-roll-up-purchases-into-your-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/27/katamari-checkboook-wants-to-roll-up-purchases-into-your-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/27/katamari-checkboook-wants-to-roll-up-purchases-into-your-life/#commentsFiled under: ,


These Katamari Damacy-themed checks are much cooler than the Garfield checks plain blue checks I have! They feature the Prince, his Katamari, and the note: "HELLO I AM A CHECK PLZ CASH ME LOL / KATAMARI DO YOUR BEST ^_^."

I want a Katamari-themed debit card; seriously, who uses checks anymore? That's rhetorical, you don't have to answer it.

[Thanks, Jory; via BoingBoing]

JoystiqKatamari checkboook wants to roll up purchases into your life originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2006 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>checkbooksKatamari DamacyKatamariDamacyNamcoPS2Fri, 27 Jan 2006 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco aims for simplicity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/25/namco-aims-for-simplicity/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/25/namco-aims-for-simplicity/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/25/namco-aims-for-simplicity/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the wacky and inherently likable Katamari Damacy series selling over 500,000 copies worldwide, it seems that Namco aren't the only ones to be surprised that a unique concept and accessible gameplay can go a very long way. It's unusual that strong sales are now spurring them on to produce more innovative titles--usually it's the money that causes us to be inundated with tired sequels and recycled concepts.

Speaking about the rolling exploits of the Prince of All Cosmos, Namco explained that they "Set out to make a game that surpasses international boundaries, age, and gender; a game that anyone can pick up and quickly have fun," a line of thought that perfectly matches what we've been hearing from the good folks at Nintendo. Namco followed that up with a desire to create more games in the same spirit of Katamari, though we certainly hope that doesn't just mean more and more ball-rolling sequels.

Instead, we're hoping that a commitment to simplicity and fresh ideas implies a commitment to developing for the Revolution, Nintendo's poster child for exactly that sort of thing (along with the DS, mind you). If there's anything that the Revolution could use more of, it's games involving massive, all-encompassing balls of junk.

JoystiqNamco aims for simplicity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2006 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Katamari DamacyKatamariDamacyNintendo RevolutionNintendoRevolutionRevolutionWed, 25 Jan 2006 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Judging a game by its cover: regional box art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/12/judging-a-game-by-its-cover-regional-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/12/judging-a-game-by-its-cover-regional-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/12/judging-a-game-by-its-cover-regional-box-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Hardcore Gaming 101 is running a great feature juxtaposing the Japanese box art of Western games. Games include Halo, Ratchet & Clank, Metroid Prime (developed in Texas), Deus Ex Invisible War, and more. There's some interesting observations to be made, like how Ratchet and Clank look like anime characters, and that Japanese box art is usually much better. So what's We (heart) Katamari, a Japanese game, doing up there?

Right after I read the Hardcore Gaming bit, I saw Alice rejoice that the Katamari sequel was finally going to reach European shores. I guess good things come to those who wait: their box art kicks the US release's ass! We had just gotten comfortable with Japan's being better, and now Europe has to come along and remind us how sophisticated they are!

What other great box art never survived the move? I'm thinking of Out of this World for Genesis absolutely perverting the beautiful box art for the European Another World. Hey Europe! I'm gonna go play Shadow of the Colossus... again!

[UPDATE: Added in some extra links  for your reading pleasure.]

[Via Opposable Thumbs]

JoystiqJudging a game by its cover: regional box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameCubeKatamari DamacyKatamariDamacyPS2XboxThu, 12 Jan 2006 19:30:00 EST