The King of All Cosmos, while playing a game of tennis, has ruined the galaxy again. While returning a ball, he hit it far too hard and created a black hole which sucked up all the stars and planets. It is now time for you, the Prince to grab your Katamari and create new stars and worlds and bring back order to the galaxy. Makes sense? It shouldn't as this series is as bizarre as one could get. Some of the crazy references remind me of the Mr. Sparkle episode of the Simpsons. Nevertheless there is something classic about revisiting this peculiar world once again, and while totally new for fresh, is still a great way to pass the time.

While Beautiful Katamari is in HD this go ‘round, don't expect any leap in graphical imagery. The textures, polygon count, and detail still remain remedial, but charming nevertheless. The only real plus it seems the series has gotten from the power of the 360 is a frame rate increase, further draw distance, and 720p. Of course gamers who love the series aren't concerned about this as visuals were never the series big draw. Let's just say you won't be showing this off to friends who still own current gen systems as a way to convert them to next gen visuals. It is still a joy to roll up all sorts of obscure objects from paper clips, tacks, bowls of rice, toy figures, frogs, cats, people, homes, cars, Ferris wheels, etc. The real joy comes when you roll up big stuff, especially people and hearing them scream. (I know, I'm sick.)

Audio is just as strange and charming as the visuals. While Katamari still lacks any voice over work, the main draw to the series as far as audio goes is the music. Namco Bandai doesn't let anyone down here as you still get some new Katamari themed songs along with some remixes of oldies but goodies by 80's J-Pop stars. There's just something about these songs that are just so damn catchy.

Katamari's gameplay is simple yet engrossing. Using only analog sticks you move your Katamari around the area you are in. In each level you have a time limit and a goal size of your Katamari to reach before the King will accept your Katamari. Not only that, he's nitpicky and wants each star to be particular, so he'll give you a list of things to pick up mostly along the way, so you are not only judged on size, but content as well. There are a few levels that stray away from this formula. For instance a level that forces you to get your Katamari up to 10,000 degrees by rolling over hot only object as cool ones will knock down the temperature and if you reach 0, game over. Otherwise the game is all about rolling up junk and it is nothing but a good time.

There are some new features in the form of multiplayer action. Building on what was introduced by We Love Katamari, you now can cooperatively build your Katamari up to great heights with a bit of team work offline and online. Online you can compete with up to 4 players to see who's the best roller of them all. You can even earn cookies (kudos points) online and show off against the world with the leaderboard option. Not to mention those addicting achievement points.

If you love the series, then you know what to expect. Beautiful Katamari is a great way to spend an afternoon picking up stuff, even if things around your own house suffer from it. For new gamers experiencing this for the first time, welcome and enjoy the ride. For the rest of us, it's a routine that does need a bit of innovation. Just don't stray too far away from the formula or you may find your fanbase decrease like the stars in the sky after a day with the King.