Availability and pricing in your country of choice may vary, but with Crackdown a mere $19.99 USD, I may finally take the plunge. Wait. Nevermind. I have a bout 3,000 games to play before I start downloading Crackdown—and Beautiful Katamari isn't one of them—but maybe your impressive internet connection is up to the task.

Crackdown & Beautiful Katamari [Xbox Marketplace]

Beautiful Katamari DLC is available, already? [Xbox 360 Fanboy]

Katamari is known for its catchy tunes. Beautiful Katamari should be no exception! The Bandai Namco's current Xbox 360 exclusive features a sugary sweet song from another Bandai Namco Xbox 360 exclusive, THE iDOLM@STER. Above, that's it in-game in the Japanese version. No reason to doubt its in the English-language one. Can anyone confirm this?

Hit the jump for the song and idols clumping together.

Thanks, Miki!

And when we finally laid our eyes on the 93 ton, 700+ year-old statue Flynn said, "Never in my life did I think I'd see this. I remember rolling it up in Katamari..." It was a special moment.

Hit the jump for our Frankenreview on Beautiful Katamari for the Xbox 360: every review you ever need on a game from a franchise famous for rolling up the Great Buddha.

Gamespot
Beautiful Katamari doesn't look much like an Xbox 360 game. If anything, it looks like the PS2 game engine upscaled to the brink of exploding...we hoped for visuals that represented some kind of significant advance over those in previous games. The world and things that dwell within it just look kind of fuzzy up close, and while there are plenty of colorful backdrops and square-shaped people, again, all of it seems ripped right out of the PS2 games.

Gamepro
Beautiful Katamari suffers from some of the same goofs that plagued the other titles. You'll still get stuck in tight spots because the camera swiveled behind a wall or table, co-op control still amounts to pretending you share a single uncomfortable body with a twin, and a few of the levels are filled with frustrating opportunities to abruptly end your hard-won progress because you ran over the wrong item.

Gametap
...for Mars, you've got to roll up a katamari that hits 10,000 degrees. The katamari is continually getting cooler, and if you roll up cold things, the temperature goes down even more quickly. And then there are the environment hazards to watch out for, like those panicked fireman who might throw water on you and put out the katamari completely. It's a fun new twist on the katamari levels.

Gameinformer
This installment is also void of the wacky human-based story, and the King of All Cosmos seems to be bored and doesn't have the witty one-liners you know him for.
1up
The big addition to this Xbox 360-exclusive title is online versus play (as well as some future downloadable content and online leaderboards). Here you jump in a match with three others and compete to nab the most of a certain item in the given time. The big change-up from single-player action is the addition of a lock-on button that allows you to target opponents before dashing into them, knocking items off for the taking. This mode offers nothing more than forgettable fun, though, at best...
Hmm, I really hoped for this to be an HD feast for your eyes, even if the mechanic was getting a bit stale. Sounds like a pass if you've played the games before and aren't craving more Katamari.

That's mine...!! A katamari of evil corruption!!

Yes, those are pantsu.
Beautiful Katamari [Akiba Blog]

Beautiful Katamari (X360)
The Prince and The King are back for more Katamari rolling goodness.

Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East (PC)
Now with more Orcs.

Fury (PC)
PvP to your heart's content.

Crash of the Titans (PSP)
Crash is back and making waves on the PSP.

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground (X360, PS2, WII, PS3, DS)
My kid can ollie over your honor roll student.

Spider-Man 3 (PSP)
Trapped in the web of love.

Victorious Boxers: Revolution (WII)
Beat the crap out of people while simultaneously wearing your arms out.

SWAT: Target Liberty (PSP)
Take out terrorists threatening NYC.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition (PS3)
Together again for the first time... on the PS3

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core (WII)
All hail Bridget.

Clerical error or something far more sinister?! It's hard to think "sinister" when one is discussing an RPG occuring in the mind of a dying Polish composer or rolling things up with a katamari, so we'll remain simply skeptical of the listings. Maybe we will know more after our trip to Tokyo next week.

Thanks to our tipsters for the heads up.

The 4-player "Thingy Battle" sounds like a good time, in which you compete to roll the most of any one thing. And there are also loads of leaderboards in the game—so many that we expect a Beautiful Katamari Leaderboard spinoff down the road.

[Meanwhile, I spent over three hours to get 35 percent of the BioShock demo, before shutting it off and going to bed last night. So, reader people, please clear a space so I can snag BioShock. Kthxbye.]

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES AMERICA INC. ANNOUNCES BLOCKBUSTER LINEUP FOR E3 2007

Powerful Lineup Features New Installments in Hit Franchises, Original Concepts and Licensed Anime Titles

Leading video games publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today revealed its blockbuster product lineup for the 2007 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Media & Business Summit in Santa Monica, CA. With 17 high profile titles on all major platforms - including the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system - being showcased at this year's event, NAMCO BANDAI Games further reinforces its position as a market leader and trend setter. Showcasing new installments of its most popular franchises as well as license-based games, its diverse lineup spans every genre for players of all ages and skill levels.

"Our E3 2007 lineup highlights NAMCO BANDAI Games' unparalleled commitment to delivering a collection of core franchises, licenses and original properties that will appeal to everyone," said Genichi Ito, president and CEO of NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. "As our industry continues to evolve and captivate the next generation of gamers, we are prepared to meet this market change and engage those who enjoy interactive entertainment with appropriate high-quality content across all platforms and genres."

Below is additional information on NAMCO BANDAI Games' E3 2007 lineup:

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation
Release date: October 23, 2007
Platform: Xbox 360

Ace Combat 6 marks the debut of NAMCO BANDAI's premiere flight action series on the Xbox 360 and is the most robust Ace Combat game to date. With photorealistic HD graphics, a massive selection of authentic licensed combat aircraft and new gameplay mechanics that let players control allied units across land, sea and air. Players can also engage in competitive and cooperative online dog-fighting for the first time in the series' history via Xbox LIVE .

Beautiful Katamari
Release date: Fall 2007
Platform: Xbox 360

The King of All Cosmos, the Prince and all his cousins are back, making their debut in high definition on the Xbox 360 in an all-new wacky adventure. With new mission types, cousins, online multiplayer support for up to four friends via Xbox Live and the series' timeless rolling gameplay, it's the most outlandish Katamari adventure yet!

Culdcept SAGA
Release date Q1 2008
Platform: Xbox 360

The strategy of board games and depth of collectible card games come together on the Xbox 360 with Culdcept SAGA. Build your own custom deck from nearly 500 unique cards, amass territory and engage the enemy to bring peace to your war-weary homeland. Players can also customize their characters and put their custom decks to the test in massive four player online clashes.

Digimon World: Dawn/ Digimon World: Dusk
Release date: Fall 2007
Platform: Nintendo DS

Parallel games with intertwining storylines, Digimon World: Dawn and Digimon World: Dusk immerse players in the Digital World on a quest to fight a dangerous virus. Both games are packed with more than 400 different Digimon across eight distinct species for players to capture, train and evolve. Furthermore, rare Digimon can only be found in each respective version of the game. Featuring full online play via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players will be able to trade and battle their unique Digimon teams against others from around the world.

Digimon World Data Squad
Release date: Fall 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2 system

Collect, train and evolve more than 140 Digimon in Digimon World Data Squad, an original role playing game based on the upcoming Digimon Data Squad animated series. With new cel-shaded graphics, a memorable storyline and voice acting by the cast of the animated series, players can get up close and personal to their favorite Digimon like never before!

Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM
Release date: Summer 2007
Platform: Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system

Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM combines the strategic fast-paced action of KOEI's Dynasty Warriors series with the rich heritage and futuristic storyline of the GUNDAM universe to create an entirely original gaming experience. Thrusting players into massive battles with hundreds of Mobile Suits battling for the fate of the galaxy, the game delivers intense combat on land and in outer space on a massive scale. Players will be able to customize their Mobile Suit and experience storylines straight from GUNDAM lore as they attempt to turn the tides of battle against impossible odds.

Eternal Sonata
Release date: September 2007
Platform: Xbox 360

Delivering an epic storyline and RPG gameplay to the Xbox 360, Eternal Sonata allows players to become part of a dream world envisioned during the final three hours of world-famous music composer Frederic Chopin's life. With a constantly evolving environment, a majestic classical music score, breathtaking cel-shaded graphics and an innovative battle system that supports up to three players, the RPG genre takes the leap to the next generation with this incredible game.

.hack //G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption
Release date: Fall 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2 system

The thrilling G.U. trilogy comes to a close in .hack//G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption, as players learn the truth behind "The World" and Haseo's ultimate sacrifice to save the real world from the grasp of evil. Evolving the series' action-RPG gameplay, Vol. 3 lets players customize their party with 22 unique characters, transform their avatars into new forms for even more destructive power, enhance their steam bikes and investigate the mysteries hidden deep within massive new dungeons.

Namco Museum DS
Release date: Fall 2007
Platform: Nintendo DS

Namco Museum DS delivers seven all-time arcade classics to the Nintendo DS - no quarters required! Featuring arcade-perfect renditions of Pac-Man, Galaga, Xevious, Dig Dug II, Galaxian, Mappy and Tower of Druaga, and the handheld debut of the critically acclaimed Pac-Man Vs. with wireless multiplayer support, there's something for every gamer in this timeless compilation.

Namco Museum REMIX
Release date: Q4 2007
Platform: Wii

The ultimate cure for gaming nostalgia, Namco Museum REMIX gives gamers a dose of classic gaming with nine arcade hits and five remixed classics. Choose from original versions of arcade hits Galaxian, Dig Dug, Mappy, Xevious, Gaplus, Super PAC-MAN, Pac & Pal, Pac-Mania and Cutie Q or put your Wii Remote to the test with all new 3D versions of Pac'n Roll, Galaga, Pac-Motos, Rally-X and Gator Panic .

NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes
Release date: August 28, 2007
Platform: PSP system

Based on the hit animated series SHONEN JUMP NARUTO from VIZ Media, the rich NARUTO universe is at your fingertips with NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes, as players assemble a team of fighters and battle for ninja supremacy with 20 recognizable characters. Developed exclusively for North America and Europe, experience 3-on-3 team-based gameplay for the first time in the series on the PSP system and upgrade your warriors to create the ultimate fighting force! Create combinations of characters to unlock hidden teams with new and powerful special abilities, rewarding players with unique skills that may help them become the ultimate ninja hero.

NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2
Release date: September 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2 system

Boasting an exciting new storyline, extensive multiplayer cooperative gameplay, multiplayer versus battles and a greatly expanded array of playable characters, NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor to deliver an original adventure with more advanced action adventure gameplay superior to its predecessor in every way. Naruto and his allies will face different challenges as they try to unravel the mystery of the Shirogane clan and their nefarious army of "puppet walkers." Players can expect action-packed ninjutsu missions as well as the chance to explore intriguing locations across the world of Naruto beautifully rendered in 3D anime style.

Smash Court Tennis 3
Release date: July 10, 2007
Platform: PSP system

Take center court with Smash Court Tennis 3! Go head to head against 16 licensed tennis greats such as Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer in intense and realistic tennis matches. Customize the look of your player and learn new skills as you progress through the game's Pro Tour mode, or put individual skills to the test in unique mini-games such as Bomb Tennis and Pac-Man Tennis.

SOULCALIBUR Legends
Release date: Q4 2007
Platform: Wii

The unparalleled weapon-based fighting series redefines itself on the Wii with SOULCALIBUR Legends, an original action-adventure that lets players battle around the world to unify the pieces of the cursed sword, Soul Edge. Bringing unprecedented combat depth to the genre, this tale of souls and swords burns with upgradeable weapons, a variety of playable characters as well as competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes.

Space Station Tycoon
Release date: Q3 2007
Platform: Wii

Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test with Space Station Tycoon! Build an intergalactic business from the ground up while managing the desires of a wacky group of space castoffs. Using the Wii Remote, create gravity points and easily expand your space station, or work together with a friend to run the competition into the ground.

Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology
Release date: July 2007
Platform: PSP system

The beloved Tales series arrives on the PSP system with an all-new storyline that reunites 19 characters from previous games in the series. Players can customize their character and take on 300 unique quests as they explore a massive colorful world and engage in thrilling real-time battles.

Time Crisis 4
Release date: Q4 2007
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 system

The definitive arcade shooting franchise arrives on the PLAYSTATION 3 system with Time Crisis 4. Featuring the all-new Guncon 3 peripheral with two analog sticks and six buttons, players will be able to take aim like never before, blasting enemies with a new arsenal of firearms and selecting different paths through each level. Packed with new ways to play including a fully interactive FPS mode and tactical Crisis Missions, Time Crisis 4 launches the genre out of the arcade and into the next generation.

Grand Theft Auto IV — ...Take Two had wanted to continue its long-standing practice of giving Sony a lengthy timed exclusivity on the game, but they didn't want it.
Newsweek says that former Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi's "radio silence" on the issue left Sony's American execs without the authority to make deals, and nothing happened. Same with...

Assassin's Creed — Again, Newsweek revealed that Ubisoft had actually gone to Sony with an offer to make the game a PlayStation 3 exclusive. Although Sony did go through the trouble of asking Ubisoft to make it seem as if their multiplatform action game Assassin's Creed was indeed PS3 exclusive , it came out shortly after E3 that it would ship simultaneously on both platforms.

In an interview with PSM, Tretton revealed that "We have a very different approach to exclusives than some of our competitors. We don't buy exclusivity. We don't fund development. We don't, for lack of a better term, bribe somebody to only do a game on our platform. We earn it." It's like respect, I suppose, but for publishers and hardware manufacturer executives. A rare breed of respect.

Tretton also evaluated the third and first party health of the Big Three, stating that "Microsoft is too dependent on the third-party community, and Nintendo is too [dependent] on first-party. We like to feel that we got a pretty good mix." You know what's a better mix, Jack? Those Planters party peanuts with the pistachios. Man, those are good.

Look for the full interview in the latest issue of PSM.

Thread: SCEA President: "We don't buy exclusivity." [GamesRadar Forums, thanks Tyler]

According to IGN, "sources close to Namco Bandai" are reporting that work has stopped on the PS3 version and those resources are being channeled into a version of the quirky rolling game for the Wii. These "close sources" cite porting issues and the PS3's poor sales performance as reasons for the cancellation.

So is it true? Is it rumor? It's hard to tell with E3 only a week and a half away and the entire game industry worked up into a frenzy, but IGN's sources are generally pretty reliable. All will likely be revealed come Namco Bandai's press conference on the 12th, so keep your eyes on Kotaku during E3 and we'll be sure to bring you the final word when it happens.

Beautiful Katamari Skips PS3, Goes Wii [IGN]

One thing we do know, however, is that the game will definitely not be an Xbox Live Arcade-only title. Gamespot's recent reference to the game as being digitally distributed over Xbox Live appears to have been in error. Michael McWhertor

Namco Bandai's fact sheet says Beautiful Katamari is an Xbox 360 exclusive [Silicon Era]

The lucky bastards over at GameSpot got a chance to do a hands on with the new Beautiful Katamari and brought back some details with them. The game will be available via Xbox Live Arcade and from the looks of it, the gameplay and art style that make Katamari great have remained untouched. There will be a ton of new content though, including eight new playable characters, new music and all new levels. It will be presented in glorious 720p HD and will also include achievements to help pump up your anemic gamerscore. As in the other games, Beautiful Katamari will have a central area where you can access all your cousins, royal presents and save/load your games called Princetown. Clever, eh?

The best news of all is that Beautiful Katamari will be rolling on to XBLA sometime in October making it a mere four months away. I just hope that it's appearance on XBLA will bring with it an appropriate price tag and some good downloadable content somewhere down the road.

No word from Gamespot on the rumored Xbox exclusivity, but if Newsweek's finger-on-the-pulse guy, N'Gai Croal, is right, we should hear all about it come E3. Flynn De Marco

Beautiful Katamari Hands-On [Gamespot]

Given that PlayStation fans have already had their fill of three Katamari titles, combined with Microsoft's desire to expand its library with non-shooters and the paltry PS3 install base, an exclusivity deal, timed or no, makes good sense. Namco Bandai and Microsoft seem like great corporate pals. I bet MS would've even let them publish Frame City Killer without a peep!

I guess we'll know if and when the PLAYSTATION 3 is getting a new-gen Katamari at E3. Exciting times, aren't they? Michael McWhertor

On A Roll, Or, How Microsoft Secured Yet Another Exclusive—Beautiful Katamari—From Namco Bandai [N'Gai Croal's Level Up]