Kula World (also recognized as Roll Away in North America and KulaQuest in Japan) remains a notable entry in the pantheon of PlayStation puzzle games.
Developed by the Swedish studio Game Design Sweden AB and first released on the PlayStation in 1998, Kula World distinguished itself with its inventive physics-based gameplay, challenging players to navigate a sentient beach ball through complex, gravity-defying obstacles and traps.
Its unique mechanic, striking visual style, and memorable soundtrack helped it earn praise upon release and secured its place as a cult favorite among puzzle enthusiasts. Despite Game Design Sweden AB's brief stint in game development—with Kula World as their sole console title—the game's influence endures, demonstrated by its loyal fan community and ongoing retrospectives.
Recently, Kula World returned to the spotlight thanks to an ambitious fan project: a dedicated Sega 32X port.
This endeavor leverages the 3D engine crafted for 32X OpenLara, a project helmed by developer @XProger_san, noted for bringing advanced 3D capabilities to retro Sega hardware.
The fan-made port already offers a playable version of Kula World's first stage, available for enthusiasts to download and experience on original 32X hardware or through emulation. Reflecting on the game’s enduring appeal, many in the retro gaming community credit Kula World’s lasting popularity to its clever level design and innovative use of the PlayStation’s hardware.
Though Game Design Sweden AB did not continue creating console games after Kula World, its team pioneered new ground in social online gaming by establishing Netbabyworld in 1999—one of the earliest browser-based social gaming hubs. Kula World was initially launched in Europe before being localized as Roll Away for North America, and later released in Japan as KulaQuest.
The game was celebrated for its difficulty curve, intuitive controls, and inventive puzzles, and frequently appears in lists of the PlayStation’s best puzzle games.
While an official Nintendo Switch or eShop release has not been announced, the fan-led 32X port testifies to the ongoing fascination with the title and the dedication of its community. Kula World’s journey, from its PlayStation origins under Game Design Sweden AB to the new Sega 32X incarnation, illustrates the profound impact of innovative puzzle game design and the enduring legacy such titles can achieve.
For those eager to revisit a piece of puzzle game history on a new platform, the 32X port offers a contemporary homage to a classic that continues to captivate.
Developed by the Swedish studio Game Design Sweden AB and first released on the PlayStation in 1998, Kula World distinguished itself with its inventive physics-based gameplay, challenging players to navigate a sentient beach ball through complex, gravity-defying obstacles and traps.
Its unique mechanic, striking visual style, and memorable soundtrack helped it earn praise upon release and secured its place as a cult favorite among puzzle enthusiasts. Despite Game Design Sweden AB's brief stint in game development—with Kula World as their sole console title—the game's influence endures, demonstrated by its loyal fan community and ongoing retrospectives.
Recently, Kula World returned to the spotlight thanks to an ambitious fan project: a dedicated Sega 32X port.
This endeavor leverages the 3D engine crafted for 32X OpenLara, a project helmed by developer @XProger_san, noted for bringing advanced 3D capabilities to retro Sega hardware.
The fan-made port already offers a playable version of Kula World's first stage, available for enthusiasts to download and experience on original 32X hardware or through emulation. Reflecting on the game’s enduring appeal, many in the retro gaming community credit Kula World’s lasting popularity to its clever level design and innovative use of the PlayStation’s hardware.
Though Game Design Sweden AB did not continue creating console games after Kula World, its team pioneered new ground in social online gaming by establishing Netbabyworld in 1999—one of the earliest browser-based social gaming hubs. Kula World was initially launched in Europe before being localized as Roll Away for North America, and later released in Japan as KulaQuest.
The game was celebrated for its difficulty curve, intuitive controls, and inventive puzzles, and frequently appears in lists of the PlayStation’s best puzzle games.
While an official Nintendo Switch or eShop release has not been announced, the fan-led 32X port testifies to the ongoing fascination with the title and the dedication of its community. Kula World’s journey, from its PlayStation origins under Game Design Sweden AB to the new Sega 32X incarnation, illustrates the profound impact of innovative puzzle game design and the enduring legacy such titles can achieve.
For those eager to revisit a piece of puzzle game history on a new platform, the 32X port offers a contemporary homage to a classic that continues to captivate.
