In a move that has left office productivity plummeting, Google has unveiled an ingenious Katamari Damacy Easter egg game that has captivated users around the world. The Katamari Damacy franchise, a popular puzzle-action gaming series developed by Namco, originally debuted on PlayStation 2 in 2004 and gained immense popularity for its whimsical gameplay and unique concept.
The game revolves around a prince’s quest to restore the cosmos that was destroyed by his drunken father, the King. What set Katamari Damacy apart was its gameplay mechanics, featuring a giant magical ball that rolls around and collects various objects, creating a visually stunning and addictive experience. Over the course of two decades, the franchise has expanded to include at least 14 variations, captivating gamers with its charm and creativity.
To celebrate the franchise’s anniversary, Google has incorporated a special surprise into its search results for the term “Katamari.” Upon searching for the term on a desktop, users will notice a small Katamari ball in the Google knowledge box on the left. Clicking on the ball triggers the appearance of a rendered 3D Katamari ball in the center of the screen, accompanied by visual instructions on how to control the ball using the keyboard’s arrow keys.
Once the arrow keys are pressed or held down, the ball begins rolling in the corresponding direction. The ball’s movement is influenced by built-in momentum, meaning that the longer the arrow key is held, the faster the ball rolls and the more time it takes to come to a stop. Users can also employ their mouse to click and push the ball in any desired direction.
As the ball rolls, it acts as a magnet, collecting images and thumbnails from the search results page. The collected graphics adhere to the ball’s surface and gradually cover the ball until only the rolling thumbnail graphics are visible. Additionally, the collected graphics receive the same treatment as the 3D ball, casting shadows on the page and enhancing the immersive experience.
This Easter egg game presents a challenge of skill as controlling the ball becomes progressively more difficult as more objects are accumulated on its sticky surface. The temptation to collect every single graphic can easily lead users to spend an excessive amount of time engrossed in rolling the ball. The captivating nature of the game ensures that productivity takes a back seat.
The Katamari Easter egg is accessible on the best Android phones and iPhones, with mobile users controlling the magic ball by tapping it in the desired direction instead of using a keyboard. Unlike Google Doodles, which often appear on specific anniversary days and subsequently disappear, enduring Easter eggs like this can persist as long as people continue to search for the term.
While indulging in this delightful game is undoubtedly enjoyable, it is essential to strike a balance between entertainment and work responsibilities. So, give the Katamari Easter egg a try, indulge in a brief play session, and then return to your tasks.
