It's been over a decade since we saw a new Katamari game, but it looks like a comeback might be on the horizon.
Bandai Namco's latest trademark filings hint at a possible new game called Once Upon a Katamari. This would be the first new entry in the franchise since Touch My Katamari, which debuted on the PlayStation Vita in 2011.
Not much is known yet, but the trademark's arrival has gotten longtime fans excited, especially those hoping for something more than remasters of older titles.
The Katamari series dropped in 2004, and it didn't take long for players to fall for its quirky, addictive gameplay. From tiny household items to massive cities, rolling objects is one of the most unique gameplay mechanics out there.
Over the years, Bandai Namco has kept the franchise alive with remastered releases, such as Katamari Damacy REROLL and We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie. However, these were more like remakes of old titles rather than something entirely new. The filing of Once Upon a Katamari hints that the studio might be finally developing something original.
Bandai Namco has a history of indirectly revealing upcoming projects through trademark filings. Past examples such as Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn and We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie were uncovered via trademark filings before being officially revealed. This filing follows the same trend, so it's a good sign that something new might be coming soon.
Also, the title itself is interesting. It doesn't go with the "REROLL" naming format from previous remasters, hinting that this could be something new, not another re-release.
As per Gematsu's report, Once Upon a Katamari's trademark was filed in Europe on February 27, with Gekishin Squadra also being registered in both the U.S. and Europe. Even though Gekishin Squadra has been speculated to have ties to Dragon Ball Z II: Gekishin Freeza, a 1991 Famicom game, no solid proof links it to the Dragon Ball universe.
The term "Gekishin" in Japanese means "severe earthquake," but it can be understood in various ways. With limited details at hand, it's still uncertain whether Gekishin Squadra has any ties to Katamari or if it's an entirely independent project.
As of now, Bandai Namco has yet to officially confirm what Once Upon a Katamari is about. It could be a full-fledged sequel, a spin-off, or even another type of reimagining. But the long gap since the last game has left fans hopeful for a new original release.
Until we hear something official, people will keep guessing, but based on the past, Bandai Namco's latest trademark could point to a new Katamari adventure.