[quote name='Apossum']no, definitely not making a general statement about Japanese games. or using any logic, for that matter. It's more of an intuition...there are similarities to Katamari that may indicate an influence, in my mind.
--cutesy abstract characters
--solid, vivid colors (many pastels)
--that you are a rolling blob that can add to it's mass by rolling up smaller things. though this isn't the crux of the gameplay, it's a major element.
--the soundtrack is also cut specifically for the game, has lyrics in-game like Katamari, and is also poppy, like some of Katamari's soundtrack.
aside from these, Loco Roco is totally its own thing. I just wouldn't be surprised if the developer felt somewhat inspired by Katamari (as a game and as an underdog success story..)[/quote]
Well-put. After reading that, I understand your point of view. You do have a point.
I guess my point of contention stems from the fact that I really am loving this game a lot, while Katamari just got on my nerves. Maybe a little defensive.
(Just realized how much I used the word "point" in that post. I'm a rucking fetard.)