Katamari Damashi (preorder) = $19.99 @ gamestop.com

[Wario64]

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=281133

This is most likely MSRP price. Either way, this is a cheapass deal for one of the most unique games to come out this year. We're lucky that Namco is even bringing this game over to the States

[Tromack]

That is awesome.

[JAMMR]

Very insanely crazy game. Hopefully the soundtrack will be in tact as it wholly represented the Japanese Acid Trip flavor of the game. Definitely get this one at this price, as it will be one of those that quickly jumps in to cult favorite/obscure rarity status.

[BigHow]

AH, can't wait for this one. Hopefully Best Buy will get some copies in.

[jimbodan]

I've never heard of this game, could someone help me out and tell me what it's about?

[RisingZan]

Very insanely crazy game. Hopefully the soundtrack will be in tact as it wholly represented the Japanese Acid Trip flavor of the game. Definitely get this one at this price, as it will be one of those that quickly jumps in to cult favorite/obscure rarity status.

Namco stated they are, in fact, keeping the original music!

I almost peed my pants when Namco announced a US release. I've had this game as my desktop background for four months now. I can't wait!!!!

[Renzokuken]

I peed my pants seeing the price on this game.

[RisingZan]

I peed my pants seeing the price on this game.

yeah, well ...I shat myself.

[jimbodan]

I still don't really understand what the hell this game is about, but I did see a short video buried away on gamespots website. It looked crazy enough and obscure enough to take a chance with a 19.99 pre-order, I figure this is going to be hard to find once it does come out, so I went for it.

[Wario64]

Basically you roll this ball around and you have to accumulate objects and stuff that sticks to the ball, making it bigger and bigger. The game has been praised by many people, enough that a sequel is already in the making. And it also sports one of the wackiest soundtracks since Jet Set Radio

[rabbitt]

Will this ever come to GameCube?

[Masterkyo]

I watched the Trailer on G4TechTV is "TOTALLY ROCK" ;)

SORRY for XBOX & GC owner :(

[Gosha]

Another game to look out for is Castle of Shikigami II for the Xbox. Its coming out for only 20 bucks.

[Richter]

Another game to look out for is Castle of Shikigami II for the Xbox. Its coming out for only 20 bucks.16 August!

[Mr. Anderson]

Can I pre-order in-store?

[rodeojones903]

Already have mine preordered. Rocks that its actually coming over here.

[Jonny Polychronopoulos]

If thats the MSRP then I just sharted!
Namco is doing a very good thing porting it and they deserve our business and praise for it.

[imacheapasstoo]

Thanks, this one actually looks like it's worth $20.

[The Mana Knight]

I'm definitely happy to hear the news it will only be $20. I'll probably be buying it myself.:)

[PaulEMoz]

Same day as Gradius V. I'll be splashing out money left, right and centre that day!

[JAMMR]

Control-wise, this game was made and works best (read: only) for a PS2 controller. Since XBox has no presence in Japan, you can count out a port for that system. Only a popular showing could even begin the possibility of a GC version. But then the question of control is raised again. The GC controller simply sucks for this game.

[Nephets]

Wow, this game is really making it to the States... I never would have thought!

I won't preorder, though, as sometime before the end of the year I'm sure you can find some decent PO copies for less than 10 dollars or so, since I don't think this game will be a huge success... but I'm SO glad it's coming out!!

[bhfgamer]

I can see this becoming the next REz in a year or two from now (along w/ Chulip)

[AnthonyRoundtree]

I can see this becoming the next REz in a year or two from now (along w/ Chulip)

Chulip will launch at (at most!) $14.99. Natsume reps have even said they're aiming for $9.99.

quirky? yes.
cult hit? to be sure.
eventually rare because no one bought it? well... no one bought Rez becuase they werent willing to spend $50 on something so strange they've never heard of...

maybe. just maybe.... Chulip has a chance. its a hell of a lot better than Metropolismania.

we'll see.


Anyway... anyone else here have the import of Katamari Damacy?

[jboy]

^^ Not a chance in hell. If anything, those are Mr. Mosquitos.

[Raikoh]

Makes me want a Ps2.....so does Rez and Mr. Mosquito, bleh.

[Action Jacktion]

After reading the topic on Guilty Gear, I wonder if big stores like Best Buy and Circuit City will have this game.

[Wario64]

Are they not carrying Guilty Gear or something?

[peteyrose]

Control-wise, this game was made and works best (read: only) for a PS2 controller. Since XBox has no presence in Japan, you can count out a port for that system. Only a popular showing could even begin the possibility of a GC version. But then the question of control is raised again. The GC controller simply sucks for this game.

Again, no serious fighter uses the default controller anyway. Get an arcade stick.

[equest943]

is there any code for free shipping? let me know. I REALLY want to pre-order this game but my local gamestop said there wasn't a pre-order SKU for it and they weren't sure they were going to get it in. Thanks.

[pimpinc333]

This game looks a lil werid and cool but it did recieve pretty good ratings

[eldad9]

I don't know about you, but I'm kind of tired of all those run-over-objects-to-increase-the-size-of-your-rolling-sphere games. How about some originality for a change?

[CaseyRyback]

9.0 from IGN. They said the game is flat out amazing and is what innovation in video games is all about.

The only knock they have on it is lasting appeal

[JoMasta]

i dunno, $20 is not much, but they even said it only lasts 1 WEEKEND, not even a week, and all there is to do when you finish it is high scores. Wooo woo. I think I may just rent it or something.

[maxgle]

cool ! nice find! thanks

[ryosnk]

Here is the review for it:

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/548/548201p1.html?fromint=1

[Wario64]

Gamespy gave it 4.5/5 :)

http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/katamari-damashii/549229p1.html?fromint=1

[Dead of Knight]

9/10 from PSM. Even though PSM sucks a 9 from anybody is good. I'm buying this day one. This game is gonna rock.

[epobirs]

I don't know about you, but I'm kind of tired of all those run-over-objects-to-increase-the-size-of-your-rolling-sphere games. How about some originality for a change?

It's a variant on the age old snake games. You get bigger points for a bigger snake but it's more difficult to steer and keep out of danger.

All the sudden I have an urge to play the old Broderbund classic, Serpentine.

[Wario64]

8.7 at Gamespot :)

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/puzzle/katamaridamashii/review.html

[FunkSoulBrother]

I have to get this game...

[Cmosfm]

Just pre-ordered today, along with Donkey Konga...I'm gonna be rockin so much ass this month!

[Wario64]

Has anyone actually gotten it yet? I know today's the ship date but I just can't wait

[defender]

So should I create a VGD special on this one?

[mtxbass1]

The more I read about this game, the more I want it for some strange reason.

[epobirs]

So should I create a VGD special on this one?

Combine it with a CAG shirt at a good price and I might finally have a reason to point my PayPal account in your direction.

[equest943]

Hey defender, if you put free s&h for orders over whatever amount, I'll order from VGD for sure. As of now though I'm not sure what to do because I have no clue who will have it.

[Eric467]

Just read all the reviews for this one, and they're glowing. $20 just sold me. Can't wait to play this freakiness.

[The Successful Dropout]

what time does gamestop open? 10?

[cmdryuk]

Mine still hasn't shipped yet... I think they changed the ship date officially from yesterday to today

[guessed]

So should I create a VGD special on this one?

Yep.

[The_Continental]

Totally, I'd be all over that.

So should I create a VGD special on this one?

[blackjaw]

mine hasnt shipped either....ebgames says it will ship on the 22nd

[peloquin17]

when i went into eb yesterday, the manager said they were getting a few copies, so i asked how many reservations and they only had one.

i also asked if i i reserve it now, will i be guaranteed a copy. he said, "sure. no one's gonna want that game."

i just laughed.

[blackjaw]

gaurentee this time next year it will be rare

eb still hasnt shipped mine :(

i want this game so bad

[ransom456]

Went to my EB yesterday, and they hadn't gotten the game in yet. They did say I was the tenth person who had come in that day asking about it, though. Maybe the word is starting to spread.

[dcfox]

I've been calling my local eb and gamestop 2 days straight since its scheduled released date and none of them have gotten it in yet as well. Although I think the guys at eb I talked to had no idea what I what I was talking about.

[emperordahc]

I ordered mine from Gamestop.com yesterday. Since they charge no tax AND there was that coupon code for 2Day shipping for $1 on the front of this site, it's CHEEPER to have them send it to me than to keep calling and then finally drive up to get it.

Love this site. ;)

[russtophiles]

After playing it for about 30 minutes or so just now, I'd have to say that the reviews are dead on, the game is frigging awesome in the most absolutely insane way. Despite it's relatively simple controls, it's taking some adjustment to get used to that Virtual On style dual stick maneuvering which I suck at, but the controls are definitely GOOD. The dialogue from the King is hilariously random and many times makes little sense, and the bizzarre cinemas with thier lego looking people are funny, bizzarre, and surprisingly well voiced. The music is fantastic and could not possibly be labeled into any genre as far as I can see. Most importantly though, the game is really fun, and I have a thing for games that make you run about huge environments taking place in every day settings as a very small player, the only difference being that eventually you will get a WHOLE lot bigger. It's strangely exhilarating once your katamari gets big enough and you can start rolling over bigger items with reckless abandon and exponentially increase your size. Case in point, anyone on the fence about this game should drop the money and get it NOW. Games like this are a precious rarity and with enough support we can see more of them over here.

[Parathod]

emperordahc, thanks for the idea. I never saw those codes on the site and with free shipping and no tax, I don't have to keep checking CC to see if they have it.

[defender]

Ok...

working now on getting quantity of the game. My first shipment which was a good amount is sold out already.

Also VGD has a coupon "freetoship" for orders over $30.

[emperordahc]

Gamestop.com just put my ordered copy's status to "Back Ordered"!

AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

[Wario64]

Just picked it up at my local Gamestop in San Jose, awesome game :)

[robdees]

Grabbed this at Best Buy today. Sweet game. Just played for about an hour and I grinned the entire time. A little different, but give it a chance and your soul will smile.

[dracula]

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/245460.asp

available at ebgames

[valkyriesound]

Grabbed this at Best Buy today. Sweet game. Just played for about an hour and I grinned the entire time. A little different, but give it a chance and your soul will smile.

Best Buy has this? I don't see it on their website. Anyone else seen copies @ BB?

[Wario64]

Fry's has it for $14.99. I can't believe they're advertising the game and giving it a sale

[blackjaw]

mine shipped from eb!
i was worried it would be backorderd!

[mtxbass1]

I picked up the last copy from my local gamestop last night. Quite possibly the strangest game I have ever played. Do I like it? No doubt.

[popps]

i too picked up the last copy at my gamestop...seems like a good collectors/investment game....

[skygunnerblue]

Got mine yesterday at a local EB. The clerk said they got 3 copies total - one preorder, one I picked up, and one left. I can see how this game has the potential of becoming somewhat rare in a year or so. BTW, this game is totally enjoyable, so go buy it. It's only $20, and if you do buy it, it's encouragement for companies to risk bringing games like this over in the first place. Thank you, Namco. :)

[guessed]

Picked mine up last night from BB for $15 + tax after GGC coupon, when I went in to pick up the Xboxlive starter kit + NFL2K5.

It was a bit of a hassle. First, it wasn't out on the floor, so I asked the employee if it could be in the back. He assured me that there was nothing in the back, and everything they had was out on the floor, so I asked when they were expecting it, or if they even were expecting it. He checked his printed list of releases, and it wasn't on the list. He assured me that if it wasn't on his list, they weren't getting it. Thanks to swick's post I knew that at least some BBs were getting it, so I persisted and asked him to check the computer. After spelling it for him four times (just 'Katamari', there are too many alternate spellings of 'Damashi'), not only did it show up in the computer, but it showed they had four on hand. He swore that it was the first time they ever had something that didn't show up on his release sheet. "Wait here, I'll go check my cart in the back" ](*,) . He returned a few minutes later with the game.

I know I was one of the people requesting the deal, defender, but I couldn't wait, sorry. I'm sure there will be enough CAGs left to buy as many as you can get. And the communicators I ordered from you arrived yesterday, thanks again for that awesome deal.

[peloquin17]

this game is great.

played it for a bit last night.

my EB got 3 copies in. 2 reserves (one was mine) and the other one was for the manager.

[cag1000]

is this anyhting like stretch panic i was dissapointed with that

[hohndog]

My local EB got in ONE copy, which I happily snagged. Very unique game that is a blast to play. I don't know if this is going to be a collector's item, but from the looks of the initial shipments, it is going to be hard to find. I remember this kinda thing happening with Disgaea. At $19.99, its a real value as well.

[cag1000]

just called my bb what a surprise they dont have it

[The_Continental]

yes, - confirmed. They have it at BB. I just picked one up with GGC. An employee said they only got 4 copies in. He didn't know if they were gonna get any more, but I assume they should.

[daikaiju]

ROYAL RAINBOW !!!!

[Wshakspear]

is this anyhting like stretch panic i was dissapointed with that

That game was a gimick with un-interesting gameplay. This one is a cool gimick with interesting gameplay...and you can run over small children

[daikaiju]

...and you can run over small children

who happen to scream in a very satisfying manner I might add :twisted:

[cag1000]

u guys have hyped it up for me now im lookin at my BB cause there is no way im gonna pay 19.99 for any game so i want it for 15
but my best buy didnt get it im so pissed they never get anything good there why would the bbs in the midwest have it but in the middle of an overpopulated area a jersey never get it

[peloquin17]

where in jersey?

i live in northern nj and there are 3 different best buys all like 15mins away from my house

[cag1000]

central nj
and theres only 1 for me
and the next closest is in PA

[Dead of Knight]

Game is so awesome. Buy it.

[tdphillips]

Played it for about 10 minutes at Gamestop, and I couldn't pass it up. $20 is nice. The guy there said they didn't get many copies either.

[modium]

I picked it up earlier today at Best Buy (North Attleboro, MA) and I want to have like, 10 thousand of its babies. They had maybe 8-10 copies when I went there, I was surprised.

As for the game, I love it so far. I played for about an hour, and after I was done, I still felt like I was rolling..kept trying to pick stuff up with my katamari. I can see how it can be too weird for people..but damn, it plays great. It's a blast, buy it if you see it.

[schultzed]

I've played about 2 hours of KD and I think its great . . . go buy this game so that more weird-ass Japanese games make their way here. It is such a blast when you grow big enough to roll outside and start sucking up people.

I'm sure that because this one is burning brightly it will also burn out quickly. Still for $20 you can't go wrong. It is actually kind of a happening.

[evilmax17]

Its...its at best buy!? YES!!!!!!!!!!

[jbroush99]

The Gamestop here made is very difficult for me to get the game. I went in yesterday and they said the small shipment will be there before 1 pm. I went back at 1:30 and he told me that shipment didn't come in and would arrive Friday. I looked at the website this morning and it showed they had 1-3 copies in stock, so I called when they opened. The guy on the phone told me they were sold out already. He then told me the delivery was late yesterday (3pm) and they sold 2 of the 3 to customers. The other copy was on hold for the manager. Dammit!
I called Best Buy right afterwards and the guy looked it up in the computer and it said they had 8 copies come in. They weren't on the shelf so he went in back to the warehouse and tracked them down. He was nice enough to set one aside for me and I went in an hour later and finally picked it up. I checked the shelf and they hadn't put the rest out yet (Onalaska, WI Best Buy). Anyone in this area should check out the Best Buy and you might have to ask for it since it wasn't out as of 3pm.

[dracula]

picked it up for $15 at best buy, fun game, worth 15 anyways.

[pete5883]

Picked up the last copy from my Gamestop, the opening movie may be the most bizarre thing I've ever seen. Music is awesome too. To everyone thats thinking about getting this, go for it and make Namco glad they decided to bring it over :D

[Josef]

I was pleasantly surprised Best Buy had this in stock. Maybe if it will sell well enough BB will carry more of these quirky titles.

[pimp tyranny]

i can't wait to pick it up.

[JaytheGamefan]

I was amazed to see about a dozen copies at Best Buy today. Even more shocked to see two rows of Dog's Life on shelves.

[dracula]

ok i have been playing this game all day, it is fun as hell.

the graphics are weird like in gitaroo man and the gameplay,while simple, is HIGHLY addictive.

[Wario64]

Hopefuly this game sells enough copies in the U.S. for Namco to bring over Katamary Damacy 2 to the states when it's done (yes, the game is that good that a sequel is being made)

[WKT]

Confirmed availability at Best Buy in Secaucus, NJ (Had to ask guy to get it from stickroom) and at Paramus, NJ (at least 10 copies on shelves although no plastic index card with price). $14.99 with GGC.

[Eclipse]

Gamestop.com is now in backorder mode for the game. Got mine for $20 with $2 shipping at ebgames.com

=) This game got awesome reviews. Wierd that i didnt even see advertisements around for such an awesome game.

[MadFlava]

Can any posts if they found it at a Best Buy in Northern Virginia? Thanks.

Nevermind, I bought the last copy of it at my local Best Buy for $15. I have to say that this is a very entertaining game. The music is great and it's weirdness is making me laugh. I have to say this is one of the most unique games in my collection, up there with Rez. This game may not be for everyone so if you have reservations, you may want to wait for a demo to come out. The $15 price tag (with GGC) made it worth it because a rental would have been a third of the total price.

[emperordahc]

Gamestop.com just shipped mine last night. It'll be here Friday morning.

[schultzed]

I've been playing about an hour a day for a week and I completed the main tasks (got the credits). This is a very short game but so much fun. You build about 10 stars ending with the Moon (there are also constellation building tasks which can be goofy and fun . . . didn't finish all of those). The moon needs to be over 300 meters . . . picking up large buildings at the point and they give you 25 minutes. I failed on two tries, I was in the 200 range. Completed it with over 500 meters . . . the last few minutes of that was fantastic! . . . I was rolling stadiums and anything in sight. I'll likely complete the other tasks and put it in once in awhile.

GREAT PURCHASE!

[kaw]

Does anyone know if TRU is getting this game in?

I'm looking to get this, R-Type Final, and SOCOM II in the buy two get one free deal.

[Wshakspear]

i havent checked since it came out, but it was in thier system as of the day of release. Not in store, but was supposed to be on the way.

[jer0009]

Man this game is so awesome...I really love the intro music

[streat]

I completed the Moon with 850 meters. At the end, I was plucking the clouds from the sky and pulling islands out of the water. It's great game.

And for those interested, you can get a bunch of cool wallpapers here:

http://katamaridamacy.jp/download/index.html

[SteveMcQ]

Cool wallpapers. Thanks for the link.

[Levizk]

Well every gamestop in the area is listed as having more copies being shipped in and some of them still have a few copies left. Guess the game isn't going to be as rare as everyone was claiming it would be.

[bdw418]

Also noticed that Gamestop has it back in stock. Don't forget to enter FREESHIPALL! The coupon code still works for me. Make sure to choose Value shipping.

[masha]

Well every gamestop in the area is listed as having more copies being shipped in and some of them still have a few copies left. Guess the game isn't going to be as rare as everyone was claiming it would be.

I don't remember any game that was rare after it was 1st week of release. Give it some time.

[Wshakspear]

Well every gamestop in the area is listed as having more copies being shipped in and some of them still have a few copies left. Guess the game isn't going to be as rare as everyone was claiming it would be.

I don't remember any game that was rare after it was 1st week of release. Give it some time.

Disgea? Now adays, a game is rare when it is quirky and people didnt pick it up on first sight...like Cubivore

[masha]

Well every gamestop in the area is listed as having more copies being shipped in and some of them still have a few copies left. Guess the game isn't going to be as rare as everyone was claiming it would be.

I don't remember any game that was rare after it was 1st week of release. Give it some time.

Disgea? Now adays, a game is rare when it is quirky and people didnt pick it up on first sight...like Cubivore

They reprinted it an I see it at EB all the time. Cubivore had a small print , like 5000 I think. You can StILL find it on ebay for $25-30 shipped. One guy bought a full print and milking it on ebay :)

[Kuma]

alot of B&M EBgames have been getting the game in today and yesterday

[moiety]

This is an awesome game. The concept, the music - I was hooked after the first level. My favorite song is "Lonely Rolling Star". 8) $20 is such a great price, too!

[Nirvanaguy777]

im totally gonna get this game

[MightySlacker]

wonderful, wonderful game.

Dave Olson

[skygunnerblue]

Thanks for the wallpaper link!

[dracula]

Well every gamestop in the area is listed as having more copies being shipped in and some of them still have a few copies left. Guess the game isn't going to be as rare as everyone was claiming it would be.

who cares about the game being rare? i just hope it sells well and more of these games get a stateside release

[Sofa King Cheap]

Shouldn't this be moved, since this is MSRP and not a deal?

[MadFlava]

Well every gamestop in the area is listed as having more copies being shipped in and some of them still have a few copies left. Guess the game isn't going to be as rare as everyone was claiming it would be.

I don't remember any game that was rare after it was 1st week of release. Give it some time.

True, I would give it 2 years. Right now everyone who wants to buy it is going to buy it. Most of gamers out there aren't going to care about this game. But after a year or two when this game has been out of print for a while people who didn't buy are going to realize they want it and the demand will exceed the supply. This game has the right mix of great gameplay, music, originality, and weirdness that makes it an instant classic. They only thing that could make it not rare is that it becomes main stream popular like Animal Crossing and becomes a greatest hits title (even though it's $20 already).

[Snowcone]

Picked up my copy at EB yesterday. Had my buddy hold it for me and by the time I got there he had 5+ people come in asking for it. It was their only copy.

[ohvermie]

I was surprised to find this in a B&M BB today. And of course the mandatory GGC on it...

[Mr. Anderson]

Well, I finally ordered it. I'm excited for it.

[zewone]

Shouldn't this be moved, since this is MSRP and not a deal?

Come on now. That would just be logical. And we don't need that around here.:wink:

[emperordahc]

Got mine yesterday; you will NOT be disapointed. As an odd note, you won't see the main "intro" screen until after you've saved and quit. From then on, the game will always go to the main intro screen.

The king is one sexy beast! *Laugh*

[SteveMcQ]

Anyone seen this at other stores besides Gamestop, EB and BB? Specifically TRU or Meijer.

[Wario64]

http://penny-arcade.com/images/2004/20041001l.jpg

[masha]

H, ha, ha Wario64. Good stuff ! :D