Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Wireless Multiplayer: No
Game Sharing: No
Wireless LAN: Yes (Up to 4 players)
Requires Memory Stick: Yes (512k Minimum)


Namco has brought its beloved and most original franchise, Katamari Damacy, to the Sony PSP. Many times considered the weirdest and most outrageous brand in video games today, the PSP version, Me and My Katamari, maintains all of the aspects associated with previous titles. Does the handheld version holdup, or does it roll away?

Me and My Katamari is a supposed third-person action title that has you involved in one of the most original concepts ever conceived for video gaming; as The Prince, you gather objects with your Katamari to form solid objects. In this case, a giant tsunami that has destroyed most of Paradise Commonwealth Island has left The Prince no other option but to assist in rebuilding for the animals and creating many different islands for different species, using a Katamari. As The King of All Cosmos’ son, the Prince uses his Katamari to gather objects and create new islands.

Me and My Katamari displays one of the most perfect and successfully transferred gameplay systems on the PSP so far. Although the lack of a second analog stick, so commonly used in the PS2 version, is discouraging, one must not take this into account when considering this title. It plays unbelievably well on the handheld, and Namco have successfully adapted it for handheld play. One thing that must be noted is that the in-game tutorial can be a bit intimidating, and I found myself confused by the number of different button combinations associated with getting your Katamari around. However, once I started playing, I found it more simple to get used to and hardly used the lesson gave in the tutorial to assist me. Quite simply, it really is a matter of common sense on how to move around. The most complex movement procedure is actually getting your Katamari rolling, which is as simple as holding down triangle as well as up on the d-pad. The two shoulder buttons can be used to move The Prince around the Katamari, and hence change direction. Overall, you will soon find yourself entrenched in the gameplay and smoothness of the transition after only twenty or so minutes of gameplay, and this can be applauded to the fact that Namco have fortunately used the control scheme of the PSP in the best possible fashion.

Some may find aspects of the gameplay frustrating, particularly the AI in some instances. It can be difficult to move between objects because of the stubbornness of some of the items, and this is credited not to the layout of the game, but the actually positioning of the characters themselves and where they move in game. In saying that, some may also look at the actions of the AI as a positive because of the increase in difficulty it may cause.

Me and My Katamari offers a more challenging adventure than its PS2 predecessors and this is something not normally associated with games when they are transferred to a handheld, so this is something Namco has done to advantage.

Overall, Me and My Katamari offers a smooth and easy gameplay experience that even the most novice of gamers to the series can adapt too. Addicting, fun and cool gameplay is what you can expect and this title is something you should consider if you’re looking for a game with a bit of challenge.

Everything we have come to expect from the Katamari series is what you will find in this PSP title. It looks and is presented in an almost identical fashion than the PS2 versions. Although the graphics and design themselves are not necessarily what you would call mind-blowing graphics, they are intentionally used to create a wacky and strange atmosphere that is what you would come to expect from a title with such a strange storyline.

However, the wackiness and greatness that is the graphics of Me and My Katamari has been hampered by constant load times that, although extremely short (sometimes only two or three seconds), can be frustrating, especially after you have just read about ten minutes of dialogue. There isn’t actually a time when ten minutes of dialogue is present, but some instances include dialogue between characters that lead into a level. Sometimes they are very funny and enjoyable to read, but drag on a bit and will have you craving to get into the gameplay.

Overall, the graphics are standard, both on character design and level design. Nothing exceeds expectations or lets us down in any way, and a title that is commonly presented is what has been released. Load times and long dialogue are not too bad, but we can of course be better of without.

Although many have criticised the musical score of Me and My Katamari in the past, I found it to fit in with the gameplay perfectly. The tunes are also very enjoyable and fun to listen to while you roll around and collect stuff, and there is no other type of music that would be able to liven the aspect of the game as this score has. There is not one track that needs to be complained about, and Namco have selected a group of songs that can very well be categorised in the same genre as the game itself. Think Taiko Drum Master.

Sounds effects are normally what you would expect from a Katamari game; wacky and strange. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Although the small amount of levels are a major disappointment and damper the greatness of the title, at around $50, you really can not go wrong and anyone is getting there money worth with this budget title. Although the overall length of the game is short, the price of the title reflects this successfully.

Namco have brought a cute and insanely fun series to the PSP. Me and My Katamari offers great value for its price and gives great justice to the Katamari universe. Great tunes, consistent graphics, no in-game glitches and a great gameplay system have made this title a true gem. Anyone looking for a title that is different, strange but also insanely addictive and fun to play should definitely give Me and My Katamari go, especially considering you can pick it up for only around $50.