Rumors are swirling around the possibility of a new Katamari Damacy game, and fans are understandably excited. A recently filed trademark for 'Once Upon a Katamari' with the European Union Intellectual Property Office has sparked speculation that a new entry in the beloved rolling adventure series is in development. This could mark the first brand-new console Katamari game in over a decade and a half, potentially reinvigorating the franchise for longtime fans.

The Katamari Damacy series is known for its quirky humor and unique gameplay.  Players control the Prince of All Cosmos, tasked with rolling up objects into an increasingly large Katamari ball.  Starting with small items like thumbtacks and erasers, the Katamari eventually grows large enough to collect trees, buildings, and even continents. This simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with the series' signature whimsical aesthetic, has garnered a dedicated following.

While the trademark filing offers a glimmer of hope, it's important to temper expectations.  The filing is still under examination, and Bandai Namco hasn't officially announced a new game.  The most recent release, 'We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie,' was a remaster of an older title, leaving fans yearning for a truly new experience.

The last entirely original console game in the series, 'Katamari Forever,' was released back in 2009 for the PlayStation 3.  While it introduced some new elements, it also reused content from previous games. A completely fresh Katamari adventure would be a welcome return for many.

The potential new game also raises the question of how it would fare without series creator Keita Takahashi at the helm. Takahashi departed from Bandai Namco in 2010.  While he directed the first two critically acclaimed titles, subsequent entries haven't quite captured the same magic.  His unique vision and playful design were integral to the series' identity.

Despite the uncertainty, the trademark filing for 'Once Upon a Katamari' is enough to ignite excitement within the Katamari community.  Fans are hopeful that this will finally be the new adventure they've been waiting for.  The prospect of rolling up the world once again, with new challenges, levels, and quirky additions, is certainly an enticing one.