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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Keita Takahashi and Journey producer Robin Hunicke working on new project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/keita-takahashi-and-journey-producer-robin-hunicke-working-on-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/keita-takahashi-and-journey-producer-robin-hunicke-working-on-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/keita-takahashi-and-journey-producer-robin-hunicke-working-on-ne/#commentsKeita Takahashi and Journey producer Robin Hunicke working on new project During the E3 alternative Horizon conference, former Journey producer and now Funomena head Robin Hunicke announced a partnership with Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy creator Keita Takahashi.

Very little was revealed about the game, though Takahashi asked the audience to "imagine blocks coming to life." The idea came from playing with his son, said Takahashi. The game will be present at tonight's Horizon mixer, and we'll be on the scene.

JoystiqKeita Takahashi and Journey producer Robin Hunicke working on new project originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funomenajourneykatamari-damacykeita-takahashinoby-noby-boyThu, 13 Jun 2013 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Damacy rolls onto PSN as PS2 Classic next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/katamari-damacy-rolls-onto-psn-as-ps2-classic-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/katamari-damacy-rolls-onto-psn-as-ps2-classic-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/katamari-damacy-rolls-onto-psn-as-ps2-classic-next-week/#comments Katamari Damacy is part of next week's PlayStation Store update. So if on April 30 you see a massive ball of clumped-together games where the PSN should be, you'll know what's up.

The game, first released in North America almost ten years ago, will come to PSN as a PS2 Classic. That means it's playable on PS3, but not Vita. If you need a portable fix of rollable crazy, there's always Touch My Katamari.

JoystiqKatamari Damacy rolls onto PSN as PS2 Classic next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Katamari+DamacyKatamari-Damacynamconamco-bandaiplaystationps3PSNrelease-dateFri, 26 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Alphabet' made by Takahashi and Saltsman for LA Game Space backers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/#comments TakahashiSaltsman's LA Game Space game is AlphabetAlphabet (written by its creators as A͈L͈P͈H͈A͈B͈E͈T͈) is a new game put together by Katamari Damacy's Keita Takahashi and Canabalt's Adam Saltsman. It was created for the bundle of indie games being given away to Kickstarter backers of the LA Game Space.

The mysterious Alphabet will be shown off later this week in Austin as part of "Juegos Rancheros," an event for the game development community. Also on display will be Takahashi's Tenya Wayna Teens, which involves two players - with sixteen buttons each - trying to avoid awkward social mishaps while trying to express teen love.

Alphabet, whatever it is, will be rewarded to backers as a playable game for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Joystiq'Alphabet' made by Takahashi and Saltsman for LA Game Space backers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-saltsmancanabaltgamegame-spaceindieKatamari+DamacyKatamari-Damacykeita-takahashikickstarterla-gamespacepctenya-wanya-teensMon, 01 Apr 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Keita Takahashi unveiling new multiplayer game during GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/keita-takahashi-unveiling-new-multiplayer-game-during-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/keita-takahashi-unveiling-new-multiplayer-game-during-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/keita-takahashi-unveiling-new-multiplayer-game-during-gdc/#comments Katamari creator Keita Takahashi unveiling new multiplayer game at GDCKeita Takahashi, creator of the Katamari Damacy series and Noby Noby Boy, is currently working on a new multiplayer-focused game. Takahashi will unveil his new work during the joint Wild Rumpus/Venus Patrol party on March 27 during GDC in San Francisco.

Wild Rumpus and Venus Patrol both collaborated with Takahashi on the new project, and promise all parties involved will reveal more on the lead-up to GDC at the end of March. Takahashi's last collaboration was with Canabalt creator Adam Saltsman, late last year when the two contributed to the LA Game Space Kickstarter campaign.

JoystiqKeita Takahashi unveiling new multiplayer game during GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2013katamari-damacykeita-takahashinoby-noby-boyvenus-patrolwild-rumpusWed, 20 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari and Canabalt creators make a game just for LA Game Space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/#comments Keita Takahashi and Adam Atomic making LA Game Space gameLA Game Space has 10 days to reach its Kickstarter goal and is half way there, with $125,000 more to go. Today it's sweetening the deal for potential backers: Keita Takahashi, the creator of Katamari Damacy, and Adam Saltsman, the (running) man behind Canabalt, are teaming up to create a game just for people who back the project.

Anyone who pledges $5 or more to the LA Game Space Kickstarter will get Takahashi and Saltsman's game - whatever it turns out being - for PC, Mac or Linux. This is on top of the reward for pledges of $15 and more, which offers 30 new games from prominent indie developers such as Hotline Miami's Cactus, Steve Swink of Scale, Ben Esposito of Unfinished Swan, and Adventure Time's Pendleton Ward in collaboration with QWOP's Bennett Foddy, among others. Check out the entire list on on the Kickstarter's main page.

LA Game Space is looking to create a hub of game creation in Los Angeles, featuring development tools, pseudo classrooms, mentorship and networking opportunities, along with game development workshops streamed, for free, around the world. We interviewed co-founder Adam Robezzoli in a special episode of the Super Joystiq Podcast; give it a listen right here.

JoystiqKatamari and Canabalt creators make a game just for LA Game Space originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-robezzoliadam-saltsmanCanabaltkatamari-damacykeita-takahashikickstarterla-game-spacemacpcrewardsMon, 26 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai iOS games on sale through Monday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/17/namco-bandai-ios-games-on-sale-through-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/17/namco-bandai-ios-games-on-sale-through-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/17/namco-bandai-ios-games-on-sale-through-monday/#comments For those looking to save a few bucks but want some new mobile games to play while waiting in check-out lines on Black Friday, Namco Bandai has you covered. The publisher recently put 20 of its apps on sale on the App Store, giving iPhone and iPad users through Monday, November 19 to cash in on games such as Pac-Man Championship Edition and SoulCalibur.

A full list of the games included in the sale can be found after the break.

Continue reading Namco Bandai iOS games on sale through Monday

JoystiqNamco Bandai iOS games on sale through Monday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dig-dugGalagaiosipadiphonekatamari-damacymappymobilePac-Man-CEPac-Man-Championship-Editionpac-maniaridge-racer-acceleratedSoulCalibursplatterhousetime-crisis-strikeSat, 17 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari comic starts soon, greet the sun and the King of All Cosmos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/katamari-comic-starts-soon-greet-the-sun-and-the-king-of-all-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/katamari-comic-starts-soon-greet-the-sun-and-the-king-of-all-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/katamari-comic-starts-soon-greet-the-sun-and-the-king-of-all-co/#comments Katamari gets a webcomic, actually looks great
Katamari is taking on comic form with a new online series from Alex Culang and Raynato Castro, the pair currently penning Buttersafe.

The comic run begins September 17 and will be updated every Monday and Wednesday at 5 a.m. PST, over at ShiftyLook. Destructoid has a preview of the Katamari comic, featuring the Prince of All Cosmos and his father, the King With A Chiseled Chin (name paraphrased).

Culang and Castro will be at New York Comic-Con, running October 11 - 14, dropping all the details post-premiere.

JoystiqKatamari comic starts soon, greet the sun and the King of All Cosmos originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ButtersafecomicsKatamariKatamari+DamacyKatamari-Damacynew-york-comic-con-2012ShiftyLookwebcomicFri, 14 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Damacy rolling into New York Museum of Modern Art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/katamari-damacy-rolling-into-new-york-museum-of-modern-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/katamari-damacy-rolling-into-new-york-museum-of-modern-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/katamari-damacy-rolling-into-new-york-museum-of-modern-art/#comments Katamari Damacy rolling into New York Museum of Modern ArtKatamari Damacy - the game, and not a big ball made up of everything in sight - will be on display in New York's Museum of Modern Art. The game is part of the "Century of the Child: Growing by Design" exhibit, running from July 29 until November 5.

"Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900-2000," is an overview of the "modernist preoccupation with children and childhood as a paradigm for progressive design thinking." OMG, right!?

But, for real, the exhibition plans on bringing together areas underrepresented in design history, including "school architecture, clothing, playgrounds, children's hospitals and safety equipment, nurseries, furniture, and books."

If only they'd conclude the exhibit by rolling up everything on display into a giant ball and displaying it in the lobby for years to come.

Continue reading Katamari Damacy rolling into New York Museum of Modern Art

JoystiqKatamari Damacy rolling into New York Museum of Modern Art originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designKatamari+DamacyKatamari-DamacyMoMAMon, 30 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Damacy Vita details revealed, things get stretchy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/katamari-damacy-vita-details-revealed-things-get-stretchy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/katamari-damacy-vita-details-revealed-things-get-stretchy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/katamari-damacy-vita-details-revealed-things-get-stretchy/#comments
Katamari Damacy is coming to the PS Vita and, as you might imagine, the franchise's clearly insane creators have some rather bold ideas about how to implement the handheld's many, many inputs. For instance, the touchscreen will be used to navigate the Prince's sticky sphere around the game's object-strewn environments, while the rear touchpad will "stretch the ball either horizontally or vertically to pick up more objects at once or squeeze through a narrow gap."

We can't wait for more details about the title to surface. You just know the gyroscope is going to have some application, right? Maybe it'll let you control the King of All Cosmos' Royal Rainbows, or maybe it will give you the ability to wiggle the Prince's antenna. Forget it, we're just not thinking crazy enough.

Gallery: Touch My Katarmari (PS Vita)

Continue reading Katamari Damacy Vita details revealed, things get stretchy

JoystiqKatamari Damacy Vita details revealed, things get stretchy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-damacy-vitanamco-bandaiplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapspsonyvitaFri, 16 Sep 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco publishing Shinobido 2 in NA, teases Katamari for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/namco-publishing-shinobido-2-in-na-teases-katamari-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/namco-publishing-shinobido-2-in-na-teases-katamari-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/namco-publishing-shinobido-2-in-na-teases-katamari-for-vita/#comments Namco Bandai has revealed that it's publishing Shinobido 2: Tales of the Ninja, the PlayStation Vita ninja-stealth game from Tenchu creator Acquire. In Shinobido 2, players sneak, climb walls, and perform silent executions as the ironically named Zen, a betrayed ninja. It's due to be a launch title for North America next year.

Meanwhile, in Japan, Namco introduced the new Katamari Damacy no Vita, with a short video (after the break). In the video, the Prince is shown to have the ability to stretch the katamari into a tall, thin oval or a short one, presumably using the Vita's many (OK, two) touch-based interfaces.

Gallery: Shinobido 2: Tales of the Ninja (TGS 2011)

Continue reading Namco publishing Shinobido 2 in NA, teases Katamari for Vita

JoystiqNamco publishing Shinobido 2 in NA, teases Katamari for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-damacy-no-vitanamco-bandaiplaystationplaystation-vitashinobido-2-tales-of-the-ninjatgs-2011vitaThu, 15 Sep 2011 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA['Man vs. Katamari' rolls us up into a ball of terror]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/man-vs-katamari-rolls-us-up-into-a-ball-of-terror/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/man-vs-katamari-rolls-us-up-into-a-ball-of-terror/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/man-vs-katamari-rolls-us-up-into-a-ball-of-terror/#comments Naaaaaaaaaa na na na na na na na, na naaaaa naaaaaa na naaaaa naaaaaaaaaaaa. Naaaaaaaaaaaaaa na na na na na na na, na naaaaa naaaaa na na naaaa naaaa naaaa naaaa naaaaaaaaaaaa.

Joystiq'Man vs. Katamari' rolls us up into a ball of terror originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandon-laatschfreddie-wongKatamarikatamari-damacyMan-vs-Katamarinightmare-worldsSun, 03 Jul 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai files for 'Katamari Amore,' 'Time Trip' trademarks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/namco-bandai-files-for-katamari-amore-time-trip-trademarks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/namco-bandai-files-for-katamari-amore-time-trip-trademarks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/namco-bandai-files-for-katamari-amore-time-trip-trademarks/#comments Siliconera has turned up listings for four trademark applications that Namco Bandai recently submitted to the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (the trademark registry for the European Union). While all of the potential trademarks have been filed under general video game-related classifications, two are explicitly linked to the publisher's Katamari Damacy franchise.

Filings for "Katamari Amore" and "Katamari Amore Rolling Whopper" indicate that Namco Bandai might be preparing to roll out a new entry in the ball-it-up series. (That, or maybe two great kings are forming a strategic alliance for fast food promotion.)

It's been nearly seven months since Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi left Nacmo Bandai for good; though he wasn't directly involved with the last four Katamari games, which marked a steady decline for the brand. 2009's HD iteration, Katamari Forever for PS3, did little to update the played out formula, and Namco Bandai has shelved the series since.

Namco Bandai filed two additional trademark applications, for "Time Trip" and "Have a nice trip!," along with the Katamari ones, but there's no clear relation between the set. Of course, anything "Trip" calls to mind one-half of the dynamic duo in last year's critical darling Enslaved -- not that we're calling these vague 'marks any indication of a sequel.

[Pictured: Beautiful Katamari]

JoystiqNamco Bandai files for 'Katamari Amore,' 'Time Trip' trademarks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropehave-a-nice-tripkatamarikatamari-amorekatamari-amore-rolling-whopperkatamari-damacynamco-bandaiohimtime-triptrademarkMon, 28 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keita Takahashi still working on games post-Namco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/keita-takahashi-still-working-on-games-post-namco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/keita-takahashi-still-working-on-games-post-namco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/keita-takahashi-still-working-on-games-post-namco/#commentsDuring last week's GameCity conference, Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi explained his departure from Namco Bandai in an interview with Eurogamer. "The games I was making were not necessarily the best-selling ones," he said. "I realized Namco was, as a business, going down a bit. Also, my colleagues were leaving to do another project. I started to feel like I didn't belong there any more."

On the subject of why his own games didn't sell better: "Maybe because they're not so interesting," Takahashi said. "The reason why is one of the things I'm trying to find out. If I knew, I wouldn't struggle. I don't know." Personally, we hope he never learns the secrets to game industry success (like Unreal Engine and Nolan North). He opined that the constant development of sequels by major publishers is "boring," while also admitting that he understood the business perspective. "I haven't seen anyone trying to make something really new out of the profit they made from those sequels," he said.

Since leaving, Takahashi and his wife have formed a new company, Uvula. He's also working on a playground in Nottingham, the town that hosts GameCity. "I'm going to work on more videogames," Takahashi said, including ideas to present to other publishers. "In general, I want to work on lots of different things that I couldn't work on when I was at Namco."

JoystiqKeita Takahashi still working on games post-Namco originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykeita-takahashinamco-bandainoby-noby-boyuvulaTue, 02 Nov 2010 00:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Damacy director and wife reveal new company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/katamari-damacy-director-and-wife-reveal-new-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/katamari-damacy-director-and-wife-reveal-new-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/katamari-damacy-director-and-wife-reveal-new-company/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Katamari Damacy director Keita Takahashi and wife Asuka Sakai officially unveiled their new company, named "Uvula," with a low-key website. Rather than focusing solely on game development, the company's "About Us" page details a focus on "music and video games," adding that "we want to widen the our [sic] limit." Oddly, Uvula's first project falls outside of the realm of music and video games, with Takahashi designing a playground in the UK.

In typical Takahashi fashion, the company's website contains an "Others" page filled with, well ... other, often bizarre stuff that he created over the years (our fave was the hippo tissue holder seen above). Sure, the announcement of the new business is exciting and all, but, um, have you seen this goat flower box? Remarkable.

JoystiqKatamari Damacy director and wife reveal new company originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asuka-sakaiKatamari+DamacyKatamari-Damacykeita-takahashiuvulaSun, 03 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi leaves Namco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/katamari-damacy-creator-keita-takahashi-leaves-namco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/katamari-damacy-creator-keita-takahashi-leaves-namco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/katamari-damacy-creator-keita-takahashi-leaves-namco/#commentsFiled under: , ,

King of all kings of the cosmos -- Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy creator Keita Takahashi -- is leaving Namco, reports Play.tm. A Namco representative confirmed Takahashi's resignation.

The developer expressed his dissatisfaction in the past with developing for the Japanese publisher, even saying he was disappointed with the support he received for Noby Noby Boy. He's also expressed interest in branching out to other careers, telling the BBC in 2005, "In 10 years time, I am not going to be making games any more." More recently, he got to work on plans for a playground in Nottingham, UK.

[Image credit: jontintinjordan]

JoystiqKatamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi leaves Namco originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykeita-takahashinamconamco-bandaiNoby-Noby-BoyWed, 08 Sep 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Forever goes gold, rolls into stores on September 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/katamari-forever-goes-gold-rolls-into-stores-on-september-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/katamari-forever-goes-gold-rolls-into-stores-on-september-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/katamari-forever-goes-gold-rolls-into-stores-on-september-22/#comments
Namco Bandai has announced that their upcoming PS3 exclusive Katamari Forever has gone gold. That means it's done. Finished. Kaput.

The upcoming Blu-ray release will retail for $49.99, which is about 17% cheaper than the average PS3 game, and about 250% more than what we wanted to pay for the game. While Forever promises a good deal of content and a variety of visual filters, we're not entirely sure if PS3 owners are willing to pay such a high premium on what is, essentially, an HD remix of past Katamari games. The temptation of an easy Platinum may attract Trophy hunters, but we have a feeling many of you will be skipping on this release until the (inevitable) price drop.

Gallery: Katamari Forever

JoystiqKatamari Forever goes gold, rolls into stores on September 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goldkatamarikatamari-damacykatamari-forevernamco-bandaiFri, 28 Aug 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hand puppets share the bizarre magic of Katamari Forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/hand-puppets-share-the-bizarre-magic-of-katamari-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/hand-puppets-share-the-bizarre-magic-of-katamari-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/hand-puppets-share-the-bizarre-magic-of-katamari-forever/#comments
A little over a month ago, we received a Japanese trailer for Katamari Forever that piqued our monolingual curiosity -- what could these adorable hand puppets have to say about the latest entry in Namco Bandai's ball-rolling franchise? Today, Playstation.Blog released the English version of the trailer, and our query was answered: They're talking about food, and one sounds like Matthew McConaughey. We didn't really expect that.

We'd just like to take this chance to say, we get it, Namco Bandai. Your games are unusual. You can stop with the unsettling and bizarre trailers now.

JoystiqHand puppets share the bizarre magic of Katamari Forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-forevernamco-bandaipuppetstrailerTue, 21 Jul 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A duo of Katamari Forever videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/a-trio-of-katamari-forever-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/a-trio-of-katamari-forever-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/a-trio-of-katamari-forever-videos/#commentsDon't expect any major revelations from this set of Katamari Forever videos. The upcoming PS3 hodgepodge of Katamari classics looks exactly like you'd expect, i.e. the prince continues his crazy job of rolling an ever-growing ball. It's cute, but will it warrant a full Blu-ray release? Or, should this be a PSN-only affair?

More video after the break.

View Poll


Gallery: Katamari Forever

Continue reading A duo of Katamari Forever videos

JoystiqA duo of Katamari Forever videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-forevernamco-bandaiMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3GS makes i Love Katamari playable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/iphone-3gs-makes-i-love-katamari-playable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/iphone-3gs-makes-i-love-katamari-playable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/iphone-3gs-makes-i-love-katamari-playable/#commentsMost iPhone games don't necessarily benefit from the speed boost granted by the 3GS outside of load times, because they were designed to run well on a 3G. That means that the most noticeable changes are found in games that run poorly on a 3G, like Namco Bandai's portable Katamari game, i Love Katamari. The difference is significant enough that Namco might as well have launched the first 3GS-only game six months before the release of the 3GS.

1UP's Jeremy Parish offers some hard numbers about the improvement in speed in the first part of his 3GS review, comparing the speed of the in-game clock on a 3G to one running on a 3GS. The clock still doesn't run in exactly real time, so this is a bit confusing, but for four minutes of game time on a 3G, over nine minutes elapsed. The same segment of the game passed in under six.

For another, less mathy comparison, check out the (slightly shaky) video after the break, which shows the game running on both phones.

[Thanks, Brian!]

Continue reading iPhone 3GS makes i Love Katamari playable

JoystiqiPhone 3GS makes i Love Katamari playable originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applei-love-katamariiphoneiphone-3g-siPodkatamari-damacynamconamco-bandaiTue, 23 Jun 2009 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Let the hand puppets explain Katamari Forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/video-let-the-hand-puppets-explain-katamari-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/video-let-the-hand-puppets-explain-katamari-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/video-let-the-hand-puppets-explain-katamari-forever/#comments Utilizing the most epic form of storytelling -- the hand puppet -- this new commercial from Japan sheds some light on the upcoming Katamari Forever game. Two animal puppets guide us through a series of gameplay clips, showing off some more of KF's classic levels (most seem to come from We Love Katamari, such as the Snowman and Race Track levels).

Katamari Forever will hit Japan on the 23rd of next month, while a worldwide release hasn't yet been determined. But don't worry, it shouldn't be too long before the game rolls our way.

JoystiqVideo: Let the hand puppets explain Katamari Forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamarikatamari-damacykatamari-damacy-tributekatamari-forevernamconamco-bandaiThu, 11 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Katamari Forever (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/impressions-katamari-forever-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/impressions-katamari-forever-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/impressions-katamari-forever-ps3/#comments
It hasn't been all that long since we last got to check out Katamari Forever, and one of the levels being demoed was actually the same as the previous demo (rolling the Katamari around to plant flowers), so we didn't spend much time with it. Instead, we sought to explore the other stage, which was traditional Katamari fare.

Gallery: Katamari Forever

Continue reading Impressions: Katamari Forever (PS3)

JoystiqImpressions: Katamari Forever (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoe3-2009katamari-damacykatamari-forevernamconamco-bandaiThu, 04 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No DLC planned for Katamari Forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/no-dlc-planned-for-katamari-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/no-dlc-planned-for-katamari-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/no-dlc-planned-for-katamari-forever/#comments
While we were checking out upcoming PS3 compilation/remix title Katamari Forever, which takes "the best" levels from previous Katamari games and updates them for the PS3 release. While we were with the Namco rep, we asked if there would be any DLC for the title, as there will definitely be players who feel their favorite level did not make the cut. The rep told us that Namco had no plans for DLC and that it would probably not happen.

JoystiqNo DLC planned for Katamari Forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009katamari-damacykatamari-forevernamconamco-bandaiThu, 04 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A 'real' Katamari controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/a-real-katamari-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/a-real-katamari-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/a-real-katamari-controller/#comments
In the photo above you'll see Kelly Farrell -- and she's a hell of a lot smarter than us. The twentysomething created, with the help of hacking collective NYC Resistor, a Katamari Damacy controller that uses a real ball. The big silver metal ball uses an optical mouse along with [technical jargon goes here] to make a very cool controller.

Originally, Kelly wanted to use a full-sized yoga ball, but the rubber was too resistant and didn't play well with the other components. Check out her video after the break to get a more detailed explanation of how it all works.

Continue reading A 'real' Katamari controller

JoystiqA 'real' Katamari controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 May 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerhackkatamarikatamari-damacykellbotMon, 25 May 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New details on Korean Katamari Damacy Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/new-details-on-korean-katamari-damacy-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/new-details-on-korean-katamari-damacy-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/new-details-on-korean-katamari-damacy-online/#comments
Remember Katamari Damacy Online? Yeah, neither do we. A refresher: Katamari Online is a PC iteration of the weird and addicting franchise being published by WindySoft for Korea. First revealed two years ago, 4gamer.net has new details about the game (translated courtesy of andriasang.com). New artwork has been unveiled for the game, featuring two new characters, Mint and Mellow. A new map, Seoul, has been revealed as well. As one might expect, the map features some of Seoul's landmarks.

The story revolves around the King of All Cosmos creating a black hole during a picnic. Naturally, it's the player's job to create a katamari big enough to plug the hole. While not exactly the same, the plot sounds an awful lot like the one used in Beautiful Katamari. It might seem like a small matter but, really, what is a Katamari game without an excellent plot to back it up?

The game is set to have plenty of new modes and features, including a new House system, which we now know allows players to create their own islands using the items collected on their katamaris. The site also mentions the game's Pet system, though no new details have been revealed just yet.

JoystiqNew details on Korean Katamari Damacy Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-damacy-onlinekoreanamco-bandaiwindysoftFri, 22 May 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Katamari Forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-impressions-katamari-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-impressions-katamari-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-impressions-katamari-forever/#comments Remember when there were never going to be any more Katamari Damacy games? It must have just been a bad, bad dream, because Katamari (is) Forever. The new game, announced for US release yesterday, was previously announced in Japan as Katamari Damacy Tribute. It's rolling Stateside later this year exclusively for PS3 -- in full 1080p -- and we've seen it in action. Is it more than just crisp graphics and fancy new visual filters? You betcha. Join us after the break for more.

Gallery: Katamari Forever

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Katamari Forever

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Katamari Forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-forevernamconamco-bandaiWed, 29 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari rolling to PS3 as 'Katamari Forever' this Fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/katamari-rolling-to-ps3-as-katamari-forever-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/katamari-rolling-to-ps3-as-katamari-forever-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/katamari-rolling-to-ps3-as-katamari-forever-this-fall/#comments
Unsurprisingly, Namco Bandai has announced a US release for Katamari Damacy Tribute. The PS3-exclusive remix of classic Katamari games is coming this Fall according to a reveal trailer on GameTrailers. Forever will feature four different visual filters, from cel-shaded to wood grain. While series creator Keita Takahashi is not working on the game, the promise of 1080p graphics should be more than enough to entice fans to check out Forever.

We'll have our very own hands-on preview with the game soon (once the embargo ends!). Until then, you can check out the debut trailer after the break.

[Thanks, Alex C.!]

Continue reading Katamari rolling to PS3 as 'Katamari Forever' this Fall

JoystiqKatamari rolling to PS3 as 'Katamari Forever' this Fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-forevernamco-bandaiWed, 29 Apr 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Tribute features four adjustable visual filters ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/katamari-tribute-features-four-adjustable-visual-filters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/katamari-tribute-features-four-adjustable-visual-filters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/katamari-tribute-features-four-adjustable-visual-filters/#comments Can you spot the difference between the four Katamari Damacy Tribute images seen above? All four pictures showcase a different visual filter used in the game, and according to Siliconera, this change in art style and appearance can be adjusted by the player. The four filters are: classic, colored pencil, wood grain and cel-shaded.

Now, the question is: Which image corresponds to the right filter? We could just tell you, but we thought you'd have more fun playing a guessing game. So which one is which? Answers are after the break, no peeking!

Continue reading Katamari Tribute features four adjustable visual filters

JoystiqKatamari Tribute features four adjustable visual filters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamarikatamari-damacykatamari-damacy-tributenamconamco-bandaiFri, 10 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Keita Takahashi not involved with Katamari Damacy Tribute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/keita-takahashi-not-involved-with-katamari-damacy-tribute/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/keita-takahashi-not-involved-with-katamari-damacy-tribute/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/keita-takahashi-not-involved-with-katamari-damacy-tribute/#commentsWe didn't think that Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi had returned for the PlayStation 3's Katamari Damacy Tribute after sitting out Me and My Katamari and Beautiful Katamari -- though there was a vague hope in the back of our mind. Having the eccentric Takahashi at the helm would immediately transform the game from a sad exploitation of a dead franchise to MUST BUY NOW.

Namco Bandai officially confirmed our suspicions, telling Eurogamer that Takahashi has not returned to the franchise for the new 1080p installment. However, the company said that the game is "in good hands," even if those hands aren't inside a Noby Noby Boy scarf.

JoystiqKeita Takahashi not involved with Katamari Damacy Tribute originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-damacy-tributekeita-takahashinamco-bandaiTue, 31 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC09: Design is Takahashi's anti-drug]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/overheard-gdc09-design-is-takahashis-anti-drug/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/overheard-gdc09-design-is-takahashis-anti-drug/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/overheard-gdc09-design-is-takahashis-anti-drug/#comments
Although it's hard to believe that the ideas for Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy weren't birthed from some serious drug use, Keita Takahashi stated at GDC that he's completely straight-edge when it comes to partaking in the chemical vices of man. In the same session where he revealed Noby Noby Boy for iPhone, he also claimed, "I don't use drugs at all, I don't drink at all. Please don't worry about me."

Hmmmmmmm .... okay.

JoystiqOverheard@GDC09: Design is Takahashi's anti-drug originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykeita-takahashinoby-noby-boyoverheardtakahashiFri, 27 Mar 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New trailer confirms that animals love Katamari Damacy Tribute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/new-trailer-confirms-that-animals-love-katamari-damacy-tribute/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/new-trailer-confirms-that-animals-love-katamari-damacy-tribute/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/new-trailer-confirms-that-animals-love-katamari-damacy-tribute/#commentsWe know we should keep our enthusiasm for Katamari Damacy Tribute at reasonable levels. After all, creator Keita Takahashi has officially moved on, and the games haven't maintained the same charm since his departure. But then the trademark Katamari Damacy music kicks in (this time, performed by a variety of Japanese musicians), stuff starts getting rolled up, and we're enthralled. This trailer is fantastic, and not just because of the animal pictures.

The animal pictures do help a lot.

The trailer confirms the return of stages from previous Katamaris -- the gingerbread house is easily identifiable enough as originating in We Love Katamari. But there also seem to be new stages, like one in which your katamari causes plants to grow wherever it goes. There is further new content in the new music, the new 1080p presentation, and an optional (or restricted to certain stages) cel-shaded look. Just like that, we're in love with Katamari Damacy again! How disturbing.

JoystiqNew trailer confirms that animals love Katamari Damacy Tribute originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykatamari-damacy-tributenamco-bandaiThu, 26 Mar 2009 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Damacy Tribute coming to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/katamari-damacy-tribute-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/katamari-damacy-tribute-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/katamari-damacy-tribute-coming-to-ps3/#comments Did Noby Noby Boy whet your appetite for more quirky Japanese magic? Keita Takahashi's original ball-rolling creation is returning in a brand new PS3 game, Katamari Damacy Tribute. According to Siliconera, the new title will be presented in full 1080p HD and will feature a "new visual presentation." The soundtrack features remixes from previous titles, which in conjunction with the title, suggests the Tribute may be a hodgepodge of previous games in the series.

Stay tuned for more details.

JoystiqKatamari Damacy Tribute coming to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamariKatamari+Damacykatamari-damacykatamari-damacy-tributekeita-takahashiNamconamco-bandaiWed, 25 Mar 2009 00:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco's DSiWare Katamari puzzler, downloadable Mr. Drillers, in screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/namcos-dsiware-katamari-puzzler-downloadable-mr-drillers-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/namcos-dsiware-katamari-puzzler-downloadable-mr-drillers-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/namcos-dsiware-katamari-puzzler-downloadable-mr-drillers-in/#commentsGAME Watch has some direct-feed screens of Namco Bandai's DSiWare and WiiWare lineup, along with the title of one as-yet-unrevealed DSiWare game, Diet Memo, that probably isn't that exciting.

We were most curious, of course, about Korogashi Puzzle Katamari Damacy, imagining some kind of completely bizarre puzzle game with quirky music and completely unique gameplay elements. It will have one of those, in the form of an ending theme, "Katamari of Love," created using the vocal synthesis software (and singing star, of sorts) Hatsune Miku. As for the gameplay: it's basically Pac-Attack, or Cosmo Gang: The Video, again. Players arrange sets of stuff, and occasionally a Katamari will appear to roll up adjacent objects. That's not bad for 500 points, but it's certainly not the kind of originality we associate with Katamari.

Speaking of originality: screens of DSiWare Mr. Driller confirm that it really is content from Drill Spirits, directly excerpted. It looks exactly the same. Again, for 500 points, it might be a viable download for DSi owners this week, but not those who already own Drill Spirits. Mr. Driller World for WiiWare, on the other hand, is new, with a bright new visual style!

JoystiqNamco's DSiWare Katamari puzzler, downloadable Mr. Drillers, in screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiwarekatamari-damacymr-drillernamco-bandaipuzzlewiiwareMon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Noby Noby Boy to have 'big update' two months after release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/noby-noby-boy-to-have-big-update-two-months-after-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/noby-noby-boy-to-have-big-update-two-months-after-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/noby-noby-boy-to-have-big-update-two-months-after-release/#comments The oh-so-curious Noby Noby Boy releases this week on the PlayStation Store. For $5, even those that are hesitant may want to pick up this rather unique (and experimental) game from the creator of Katamari Damacy. Should the quirky game find an audience, Namco Bandai will allow Keita Takahashi to continue developing the world he's created. "I want many people to play the game. Please allow me to keep updating the game!"

The first planned DLC should arrive approximately two months after the game's release. What it will entail, we're not exactly sure. To find out more about the (lack of) objectives in Noby Noby Boy, read Eurogamer's excellent interview.

JoystiqNoby Noby Boy to have 'big update' two months after release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katamari-damacykeita-takahashinamco-bandainoby-noby-boypsnWed, 18 Feb 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DSiWare Katamari Damacy puzzler, DSiWare/WiiWare Mr. Driller in Japan soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/dsiware-katamari-damacy-puzzler-dsiware-wiiware-mr-driller-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/dsiware-katamari-damacy-puzzler-dsiware-wiiware-mr-driller-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/dsiware-katamari-damacy-puzzler-dsiware-wiiware-mr-driller-in/#comments The latest issue of Famitsu reveals two new titles for Japan's DSiWare download service, both from Namco Bandai. Korogashi Puzzle Katamari Damacy is a falling-block puzzle game starring the cast of Namco's classic rolling-stuff-up game, seemingly involving animals between the blocks and a black hole in the distance. In classic Katamari style, we have no idea. But it says Katamari Damacy in the title, so we're inclined to FREAK OUT -- while also being a bit sad about the milking of the series. Korogashi Puzzle Katamari Damacy will be out in Japan on March 25 for 500 Nintendo Points.

In more easily-accessible news, Famitsu also revealed two more Mr. Driller games. Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits was Namco's first DS game; now the company is returning to the well for its inaugural DSiWare title, and throwing in a WiiWare version as well! Mr. Driller for DSiWare (whose full title we can't read in the Famitsu scan) includes a mission mode, time attack, and a Dristone mode, featuring less oxygen to pick up, and more special powerup items around the stage. This mode was removed from the North American release of Drill Spirits. The game comes out in Japan next Wednesday for 800 Points!

Mr. Driller World looks like a basic implementation of Mr. Driller on WiiWare, with a tutorial mode and some kind of "simple" play -- possibly a new control scheme. It'll be out Tuesday in Japan, also for 800 Points.

JoystiqDSiWare Katamari Damacy puzzler, DSiWare/WiiWare Mr. Driller in Japan soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiwarekatamari-damacymr-drillermr-driller-worldnamco-bandainintendo-dsirolling-puzzle-katamari-damacywiiwareWed, 18 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[I *heart* Katamari *heart*s iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/i-3-katamari-3s-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/i-3-katamari-3s-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/i-3-katamari-3s-iphone/#commentsFiled under: ,


click to open iTunes
Namco's net ninjas have silently slipped an iPhone version of Katamari Damacy (fittingly renamed i Love Katamari - lower-case "i") onto the iTunes App Store (clicking opens iTunes). The latest portable version of the eccentric action game is being sold for $7.99 and, as you'd expect, is mainly controlled using the accelerometer inside the iPhone and iPod Touch. We downloaded the game to take it for a spin tilt.

Apart from some weird hiccups (we wouldn't call them framerate problems since the game, well, freezes momentarily) and some early wrangling with the controls (tilt is used for turning and forwards/backwards movement, touching the left or right side of the screen "strafes") we found it to be an enjoyable pint-sized packaging of one of our favorite games. The art style is well suited to iPhone / iPod Touch - as is its overall pick-up-and-play-anytime nature. Hopefully Namco will push out an update soon to address the initial bugs, and iPhone can continue being "the future of gameplay" in the meantime.

JoystiqI *heart* Katamari *heart*s iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i-love-katamariiphoneipod-touchitunes-app-storekatamari-damacyMobilenamco-bandaiMon, 15 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Noby Noby Boy coming to PSN 'early 2009']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/noby-noby-boy-coming-to-psn-early-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/noby-noby-boy-coming-to-psn-early-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/noby-noby-boy-coming-to-psn-early-2009/#commentsFiled under:


Namco Bandai has sent us a delightfully colorful press release, announcing its intentions to release Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi's latest game, Noby Noby Boy, on the PlayStation Network sometime in "early 2009." As an eager and gluttonous worm ... thing, it's your objective in Noby Noby Boy to devour objects throughout the world and stretch your body to unprecedented lengths. It seems your growing gut can interact with other objects, so you'd best beware of becoming entangled in someone's house. Oh, the embarrassment!

Though no exact price nor launch date has been given for the US, Japan is set to receive the stretchy smiler on January 29th for ¥800 ($8.78).

Gallery: Noby Noby Boy

JoystiqNoby Noby Boy coming to PSN 'early 2009' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Katamari-DamacyKeita-TakahashiNamco-BandaiNoby-Noby-BoyPlaystation-NetworkPS3PSNMon, 15 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup revisits the classics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-revisits-the-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-revisits-the-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-revisits-the-classics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Digital Unrest's Chris Simmons originally made this comic in April 2006, and we subsequently crashed his servers. The strip has bee remade this week with new art and, given that it never got a fair shot last time, we're going to throw it in again this week. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Chris. Here are our picks for the week's best game-related webcomic. Polling after the break; be sure to vote for your favorite!

Orderly Debate (Digital Unrest)
The World May Never Know (Fanboys Online)
Bluetooth Headset (CAD Minis)
For Your Consideration (Penny Arcade)
Rupees Cannot Buy Hearts (MNC)
The Fundamental Theorem of War (2P Start)
Anguish (Penny Arcade)
Giving Birth (Castle Vidcons)

(Not game-related, but make sure you read PVP Online's five-part FoxTrot/Family Circus "tribute")

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup revisits the classics

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup revisits the classics originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-simmonsdigital-unrestfamily-circusfoxtrotkatamarikatamari-damacypvp-onlinetrollwebcomicSat, 09 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Born for Wii: Katamari Damacy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/born-for-wii-katamari-damacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/born-for-wii-katamari-damacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/born-for-wii-katamari-damacy/#commentsFiled under:

Katamari Damacy rolled onto the gaming scene in 2004, bristling with the unanticipated fury of a budget title with mass-market appeal. Damacy's success and popularity in the United States, where it has quickly achieved a devoted cult following, is remarkable for a game that's so distinctly ... Japanese. However, anyone who's played the game can instantly grasp the appeal -- a delicious layer of charm coats the inner goodness of straightforward, addictive gameplay, and that's why Katamari Damacy is this week's game that is Born for Wii.

When the irresistibly alluring, slightly fruity King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys the heavens, his solution is a novel one -- roll up piles of junk and send them skyward to replace the fallen stars. Fortunately for us, he's far too lazy to do the grunt work himself. And that's where we come in as the tiny Prince, charged with the daunting task of restoring the stars to the sky with the aid of a magical ball (a katamari, of course) that sticks to damn near everything.

Continue reading Born for Wii: Katamari Damacy

JoystiqBorn for Wii: Katamari Damacy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beautiful-katamariborn-for-wiijoystiqfeatureskatamarikatamari-damacynamconamco-bandaiportps2Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the deal with Beautiful Katamari?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/whats-the-deal-with-beautiful-katamari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/whats-the-deal-with-beautiful-katamari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/whats-the-deal-with-beautiful-katamari/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a very long time since we've heard anything about Beautiful Katamari and the Wii. And, seeing as how the game has been out on Xbox 360 for quite some time now, we were done thinking that it would ever grace Nintendo's console. Thanks to select retailers' online shops, however, hope is slowly being restored.

Major retail chains Target and Wal-Mart are both listing the game on their respective websites, while Buy.com lists the game with the same price ($29.99), but states it's "temporarily sold out." Even rental service Gamefly has a section up for a Wii and PS3 version of the game.

So, what's the deal? Who knows at this point, but the Wal-Mart page points to an August 29th release, so perhaps we'll hear something soon? We're not going to get our hopes up like before, but we'd be lying if we said we didn't want this to happen.

[Thanks, Zack!]

Read - Wal-Mart listing
Read - Target listing
Read - Buy.com listing
Read - Gamefly listing

JoystiqWhat's the deal with Beautiful Katamari? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaibeautiful-katamarikatamarikatamari-damacykatamaridamacynamconamco-bandainamcobandaiFri, 25 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: February 29, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/today-in-joystiq-february-29-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/today-in-joystiq-february-29-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/today-in-joystiq-february-29-2008/#comments Katamari Damacy meets Day of the Dead, care of Nicolas Caesar Scary-Art.com (thanks, brian). Can we call him Prince of All Dying Stars? Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
DS Fanboy Lite: Feb. 23 - Feb. 29
Joystiq interview: Crystal Dynamics' Lindstrom talks Tomb Raider: Underworld
Joystiq Podcast 039 - Leap year edition
Metareview: Patapon (PSP)
This Week in DLC: Sucking up Triggerheart Exelica

News
Ironclad's Sins sells more than 100,000 in less than a month
SCi plans radical restructuring with mass layoffs and project cancellations
Call of Duty 4 feature patch is now live
See the Battlefield Heroes debut trailer
GDC08: First screenshots of Mirror's Edge
Eidos returns to open water with Battlestations: Pacific
Borders Books testing game sales in London
Trism brings tilt-sensitive puzzle gaming to iPhone
Rock Band Weekly: Grateful Dead six-pack
Sony reveals Home integration for Resistance, Uncharted, Warhawk
Pong creator Nolan Bushnell working on MMO
Take-Two: More companies want to buy us
US/Euro MGS4 lacks Japanese voice over tracks
Rocketmen blast off onto XBLA, PSN next week
Major League Eating crammed into WiiWare
Future Futurama flick features extra Xbox episode
Voice of Marcus Fenix talks Gears of War 2
Street Fighter IV test machines in Japan, features Sagat and Balrog
Former EA exec: Kotick's WoW remark meant to scare competition

Rumors & Speculation
Rumor: Lost Odyssey sequels on the way

Culture & Community
GDC '08 breaks attendance record, press may need invite next year
Game Developers Choice Awards on G4 tonight
Jason Ocampo leaves Gamespot for IGN

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: February 29, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beautiful-katamaridailyrecapkatamarikatamari-damacySat, 01 Mar 2008 00:01:00 EST