Developer: Keita Takahashi

Noby Noby Boy (2009)

by Nish March 10, 2024

written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Noby Noby Boy is an innovative action game by Bandai Namco Games that eschews conventional gameplay for an open-ended, communal experience. With its unique stretching mechanic and the collective goal of expanding GIRL, it offers a whimsical and exploratory adventure.

Release Year: 2009
Genres: Arcade, Indie, Sport
Platforms: iOS, PlayStation 3
Developers: Keita Takahashi, Namco Bandai Games
Publishers: Namco Bandai Games

Introduction

Noby Noby Boy is an exploration of creativity and communal gameplay. Set in a whimsical universe, it invites players to control BOY, a flexible creature that can stretch and interact with the environment in unpredictable ways.

Synopsis

“Noby Noby Boy” is a unique video game developed by Keita Takahashi and published by Namco Bandai. Released for PlayStation 3 in 2009 and iOS in 2010, the game offers an unconventional gaming experience.

The game revolves around a character named “Boy,” a worm-like quadrupedal creature that can stretch its body to colossal lengths. The term “nobi” translates to “stretch” in Japanese, and “nobinobi” signifies a carefree state, reflecting the game’s playful and relaxed nature.

The player controls Boy using the controller’s analog sticks, with each stick controlling one end of Boy. By moving both ends in opposite directions, the player can stretch Boy’s abdomen. This stretching mechanic is not just a gimmick but forms the core of the gameplay. The player can maneuver Boy around its environment, interacting with stationary objects like houses, or AI-controlled characters such as barnyard animals.

The game doesn’t impose any specific goals or objectives on the player. Instead, it encourages exploration and interaction with the environment. The player accumulates points by stretching Boy during gameplay. These points can be submitted online via a character called Sun to another character called Girl.

The points submitted by players worldwide are added cumulatively to Girl, causing her to stretch and unlock new levels. Starting from Earth, Girl has stretched to the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Pluto, and back toward the Sun, and ultimately to Earth again, each unlocking new playable environments for Boy.

The game’s developers expected players to take between one and two weeks of cumulative playtime to reach the Moon. However, the moon was reached just four days after the game’s release. Mars was reached on May 23, 2009, and Jupiter was reached on November 20, 2009. As of January 19, 2011, Girl had reached Saturn. Uranus was reached in the week of December 25 to December 31, 2011. Girl arrived at Neptune around March 6, 2014, and Pluto on November 23, 2015.

After reaching Pluto, Girl had to turn around and repeat all the distance she had already stretched (albeit with the help of ratio-altering multipliers), followed by a short victory lap to unlock Mercury and Venus. These planets were left behind when Girl started her voyage. The final destination was Earth, where Girl started. Girl completed her ultimate objective of uniting all the solar system in harmony on December 14, 2015. This marked the official “end” of the game, though it is still possible to play.

“Noby Noby Boy” is a testament to the creative freedom in video game design. It breaks away from traditional game structures and offers a unique, relaxing, and engaging experience to players. Its innovative use of stretching mechanics, combined with its playful art style and open-ended gameplay, makes it a standout title in the gaming industry.

Characters

BOY is the main character, controlled by the player. GIRL is a cosmic entity that grows as players around the world contribute their lengths to her, enabling exploration of new celestial bodies.

Gameplay

Gameplay centers around stretching BOY in various environments. Players can manipulate his body to interact with objects, animals, and the landscape, creating a playful and often humorous experience. The game lacks defined goals or missions, emphasizing exploration and interaction.

Conclusion

Noby Noby Boy is a testament to the boundless creativity in video games. It blurs the line between game and social experiment, offering an experience that is as intriguing as it is bizarre. While not for everyone, its unique charm and communal achievements have secured its place in gaming history.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Katamari Damacy (2004)

by Nish February 5, 2021

written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2004
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
Developers: Keita Takahashi, NOW Production
Publishers: Namco

Katamari Damacy: A Wacky and Wonderful Cosmic Adventure

Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, Katamari Damacy is a quirky and charming game that quickly became a cult classic. Developed by Namco (now Bandai Namco), Katamari Damacy is a physics-based puzzle game that tasks players with rolling up objects of increasing size to rebuild the stars.

Gameplay

The game’s premise is simple yet addictive: the player controls a tiny prince who pushes a sticky ball called a Katamari around various environments, collecting objects that stick to it. As the Katamari grows in size, it can collect larger and larger objects, eventually rolling up entire buildings and even people.

The game takes place in stylized versions of Japanese houses, cities, and environs. Each level has a specific size requirement for the Katamari, and the player must collect enough objects to meet this requirement within a time limit. Bonus missions restore constellations and have their own unique restrictions.

Katamari Damacy is controlled from a third-person perspective using the analog sticks on the PS2 controller. The left stick controls the prince’s movement, while the right stick controls the Katamari. The prince can also jump and use a special ability to slow down time.

Story

The story of Katamari Damacy is equally wacky and charming. The game begins with the King of All Cosmos accidentally destroying all of the stars. Feeling guilty, the King tasks his tiny son, the prince, with rebuilding the stars using a Katamari.

As the prince rolls up objects and grows the Katamari, he meets a cast of quirky characters, including a Japanese girl who can feel the cosmos and a giant crab that wants to eat the Katamari.

Graphics and Sound

Katamari Damacy’s graphics are simple yet effective. The game’s world is rendered in a colorful and stylized manner, with exaggerated proportions and bright colors. The character designs are equally charming, with the prince and other characters sporting big heads and exaggerated features.

The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of catchy and whimsical tunes that perfectly complement the game’s quirky atmosphere.

Reception

Katamari Damacy was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its unique gameplay, charming visuals, and catchy soundtrack. It has since been ported to multiple platforms, including the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Legacy

Katamari Damacy has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s unique gameplay and quirky charm have inspired numerous imitators, and it is considered one of the most innovative and original games of its generation.

The game has also spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Katamari Damacy 2, Me & My Katamari, and Katamari Forever.

Conclusion

Katamari Damacy is a truly unique and unforgettable game. With its quirky gameplay, charming visuals, and catchy soundtrack, it is a must-play for fans of puzzle games, platformers, and anyone looking for a truly original and fun experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

We Love Katamari (2005)

by Nish November 13, 2019

written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2005
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Developers: Keita Takahashi, NOW Production
Publishers: Electronic Arts, Namco

We Love Katamari: A Cosmic Odyssey of Quirky Puzzle-Action Delight

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure where the mundane becomes magnificent in “We Love Katamari,” a third-person puzzle-action masterpiece released in 2005. Step into the whimsical shoes of the diminutive Prince, the pint-sized son of the King of All Cosmos, and embark on an epic quest to restore the stars to the night sky.

Gameplay: Rolling Up the Cosmos, One Object at a Time

“We Love Katamari” introduces a delightfully unconventional gameplay mechanic that revolves around rolling a “katamari,” a magical ball that possesses the peculiar ability to attract and absorb objects smaller than itself. As the Prince, you’ll navigate through vibrant and imaginative levels, collecting everything in your path – from tiny paper clips to colossal buildings – to create an ever-growing ball of cosmic proportions.

The game’s objectives vary from level to level, tasking you with collecting specific items or reaching a certain size within a time limit. The challenge lies in skillfully maneuvering the katamari through tight spaces, avoiding obstacles, and strategically collecting objects to maximize its growth.

A World of Quirky Characters and Cosmic Wonders

“We Love Katamari” is a game that revels in its own unique brand of quirky charm. The cast of characters is a delightful ensemble of eccentric personalities, including the Prince’s loyal cousin, the mischievous Jiro, and the enigmatic King of All Cosmos, whose booming voice and grandiose demands provide a constant source of amusement.

The game’s levels are equally imaginative, ranging from a bustling city filled with towering buildings and zooming cars to a surreal dreamscape where gravity defies logic. Each level is a visual feast, bursting with vibrant colors and whimsical details that bring the game’s quirky world to life.

Addictive Puzzle-Solving with a Touch of Chaos

While “We Love Katamari” presents itself as a lighthearted and whimsical experience, it also offers a surprisingly deep layer of puzzle-solving. Navigating the katamari through complex environments and collecting specific objects requires careful planning and precision.

The game’s time limits add an extra layer of challenge, forcing you to make quick decisions and prioritize your collection strategy. However, the game never feels frustrating, as its forgiving nature and charming atmosphere encourage experimentation and laughter even in the face of failure.

A Timeless Masterpiece of Puzzle-Action Delight

Since its initial release in 2005, “We Love Katamari” has garnered a cult following among gamers who appreciate its unique blend of puzzle-action gameplay, quirky humor, and captivating world-building. The game has been praised for its innovative mechanics, charming characters, and addictive gameplay that appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

Over the years, “We Love Katamari” has been ported to various platforms, including the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. Each version has faithfully captured the original game’s charm and gameplay, ensuring that new generations of gamers can experience the cosmic wonders of the Katamari universe.

Conclusion: A Quirky Gem for Puzzle-Action Enthusiasts

“We Love Katamari” is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate gamers with its quirky charm, innovative gameplay, and imaginative world. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle-action enthusiast or simply seeking a lighthearted and delightful gaming experience, “We Love Katamari” is an absolute must-play. So, prepare to roll up your sleeves, embrace the absurd, and embark on a cosmic adventure that will leave you giggling with joy.

Review Score

8.5/10