Once Upon a Katamari: Bandai Namco Reveals Opening Movie and Confirms October Release for Nintendo Switch

Bandai Namco has officially rolled out fresh details for its upcoming Nintendo Switch title, Once Upon a Katamari, following its debut at last month's Nintendo Partner Direct.

The developer premiered the game's whimsical opening movie, giving fans an early peek at what's in store ahead of its scheduled release on October 24, 2024.

Once Upon a Katamari is the newest entry in the beloved Katamari franchise, known for its delightfully unique gameplay where players roll a sticky sphere—called a Katamari—through various environments, collecting objects to grow in size.

The opening cinematic, just over two minutes in length, reintroduces players to the Katamari universe's signature charm, this time introducing an era-hopping adventure.

Viewers witness the protagonist navigating settings ranging from the Wild West and prehistoric landscapes filled with dinosaurs to swashbuckling pirate waters.

The varied locales highlight the game's novel time-travel twist, all while maintaining the series’ classic object-collection gameplay. An energetic new theme song, 'Katamari Time!' by Japanese hip-hop duo chelmico, underscores the movie, serving both as a musical introduction and a testament to the series' tradition of standout soundtracks.

This vibrant audio element accompanies the protagonist's journey, further enhancing the playful and eccentric atmosphere long cherished by Katamari fans. Bandai Namco's previous Switch title, We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie, released in 2023, garnered positive reception for its faithful remastering and inventive extras.

The studio aims to capture similar acclaim with Once Upon a Katamari by blending nostalgic gameplay mechanics with fresh innovations like the time-travel mechanic. Once Upon a Katamari will be available via the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch on October 24, ensuring accessibility for both longtime series enthusiasts and newcomers.

Bandai Namco's consistent dedication to creativity and quality in game development continues to solidify the Katamari brand as a staple in Nintendo's diverse software library. With the opening movie now public, anticipation has begun to build around the visual and musical direction of this new entry.

As fans count down to launch day, the franchise's tradition of quirky fun and imaginative worlds is set to continue, promising another memorable adventure on the Switch.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Bandai Namco Switch Namco Once Upon a Katamari soundtrack Bandai chelmico Nintendo Direct We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie