Katamari Damacy Mobile

Infobox VG
title = Katamari Damacy Mobile


caption = Katamari Damacy Mobile Logo
developer = Namco Bandai
publisher = Namco Bandai
designer =
engine =
version =
released = vgrelease|Japan|JP|TBA
genre = Third Person Puzzle/Action
modes = Single Player
ratings = CERO: A (All Ages)
platforms = DoCoMo's 904i
media = Over The Air Download
requirements =
input = telephone keypad, EyeMobile Systemnihongo title|Katamari Damacy Mobile|塊魂モバイル|Katamari Damashii Mobairu is a video game for the DoCoMo's 904i series of mobile phones by Mitsubishi developed by Namco Bandai. It is a spin-off of the "Katamari Damacy" series, the second game on a portable system and the third game produced without the involvement of series creator Keita Takahashi.

This version of the game uses a unique method of control, by making use of a new software technology called GestureTek EyeMobile to make phones capable of detecting tilt and vibration via the built in camera. The player will be able to move the katamari ball forward, backwards, left and right by merely tilting the phone.

There will be traditional controls as an option to the default motion controls.

"Katamari Damacy Mobile" will come pre-installed on P904i model phones. Other phone models will need to download the game through the Namco Games channel.

Criticism

Many have noted similarities between the 904i series of phones using motion controls similar to the Wii Remote. [cite web| title = Do We Really Need A Wii-mote-like Phone? | work=Kotaku | url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/wii_mote/do-we-really-need-a-wii+mote+like-phone-254656.php]

DoCoMo's 904i series, however, calculates tilt based on digital camera images; unlike the Wii and PS3 controllers which use different motion sensing technologies. [cite web| title = GestureTek EyeMobile Website | url = http://www.gesturetekmobile.com/inside.html]

An IGN review of EyeMobile-compatible "3D Tilt-a-World" warns that this type of motion control fails "if your movements are too sudden for the game to translate" and that the setup requires "a well-lit area so the camera can get a good 'fix' on an image." [cite web| title = 3D Tilt-A-World review | work=IGN Wireless| publisher=IGN | url = http://wireless.ign.com/articles/741/741844p1.html]

It has yet to be seen if this will impact the gameplay of Katamari Mobile.

References

External links

* [http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/mobile/imode/katamari_damacy Namco Bandai Game Page]
* [http://morden.blog.shinobi.jp/Entry/57 Katamari Mobile & P904i Info & Videos]
* [http://wireless.ign.com/articles/782/782625p1.html IGN Game Page]
* [http://wireless.ign.com/articles/782/782625p1.html Joystiq article announcement]
* [http://www.nttdocomo.com/ DoKoMo's Official Website]