Our biggest fear about We Love is that it would end up being simply "more of the same." After all, the first game was remarkably creative, so expecting something totally different could be seen as asking too much. And if this sequel was too different, it would run the risk of losing the simple charm that made the original so much fun. Luckily, Namco seems to have struck a good balance of creating new ways to play while not straying from the formula.
That crown on the cousin is one of the new presents that you can find scattered throughout the stages.
The key is variety. There are many different goals depending on what stage you're in, so you don't feel like you're doing the same thing over and over. In addition to the basic "You have X minutes to roll a katamari of X size," there are also stages that time you on how long it takes to roll up a specified number of objects. Another stage urges you to create the most valuable katamari by rolling over expensive items. Each one you collect is added to your dollar (OK, yen) total until time runs out. There's even a stage with no pressing goal whatsoever. The "snowman" stage allows you to freely roam around at your leisure without the pressures of time or size. Just roll up as much snow (and skiers) and you like to form the head of a giant snowman. The ability to take a break and chill (hey, a snow pun!) out with such a relaxing stage is much appreciated.
A New Spin
There are other, quirkier, stages as well. One has you plowing through a gingerbread house, collecting candy to appease Hansel and Gretel. Underwater stages force you to adjust to all new physics as your katamari bounds on the ocean floor. There's a surprisingly beautiful stage that takes place at dusk where you must gather as many fireflies as you can.
