Katana Zero Reviews
Katana ZERO is pixelated samurai bliss, delivering one of the most impressively polished narrative and gameplay experiences of the year.
If you liked Hotline Miami, prepare to fall in love with Katana Zero. Imbued with a hard-edged 1980s aesthetic, it offers players a dense, well-written story coupled with fast-paced, blood-soaked action that’s rewarding and satisfying.
While I can’t say I like that the game feels like it’s hiding its true conclusion behind future DLC, the package that we have right now is still damn fun to play through. If you’re not averse to some over-the-top violence, Katana Zero is definitely a game worth checking out.
Katana ZERO is really fantastic at providing mind-bending, reality altering sequences both in gameplay and story. While I never felt like I knew where things were going, it ultimately falls short of greatness by the end. With nothing more than a tease and a wink, the game ends, feeling unfinished with too much of a setup to continue via DLC or a sequel. That said, Katana ZERO is absolutely a worthwhile slashction platformer that does unexpected things with its story to make this a must play.
Katana ZERO is an ultra-violent, samurai slashing neon-soaked mystery that's best played in one sitting, akin to a binge-worthy anime.
Katana Zero is simply a very easy recommendation. From the utterly perfect mechanics tweaked to an inch of their life to the visuals, the overarching story and inner conflict of your highly skilled protagonist and his external relationships with the world around him, counteracting with the hyper-violence he calls his work, the game finds a delicate balance between ridiculously stylish action and the more subtle downbeat moments that really bring out some wonderful character development.
GOOD - Katana Zero slashes onto the Switch with breakneck action sequences that will have the player striving for perfection despite its high difficulty. Turn the volume up and zone out to the tunes of the ‘80s and enjoy a nice throwback to the decade that popularized action flicks and cyberpunk futures.
Katana ZERO is a modern masterpiece with a nearly perfect aesthetic. The graphics are beautifully rendered and animated, the music masterfully composed, and the gameplay tight and satisfying. Almost every moment of this game is used meaningfully and, despite its overall relatively short play time, leaves you with a full story with enough twists and turns that keep you playing to the end and ultimately leave you satisfied.
Katana ZERO is a game that has a lot going for it. The visual style, music, branching dialogue options, and unique time bending abilities certainly separate it from the crowded pack of 2D side scrolling indie action games. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough to save it from repetitive and aggravating game play.
A Puzzle game masquerading as a 16-bit action title, Katana Zero is a thing of beauty that surprises and impresses from start to finish. A must buy game.
Katana ZERO is far better than what should be expected of an action-platformer. The gameplay is incredibly rewarding and challenging in all the best ways, and the combat never ceases to portray the power the player has. As the main character fights for what he is told to do and to solve the lingering questions, the game does an amazing job of showing the folly of the character and even growth he goes through. Between the combination of story and gameplay, as well as a multitude of features unique in the genre, Katana ZERO stands above all others.
Katana Zero is a very interesting first chapter of a bigger story that may be explored in future games —as well as its gameplay, simple yet well executed although it could be further explored in a sequel or DLC.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Katana Zero looked fun to me when I first saw it announced and I thought it might end up being a fairly shallow experience but I'm glad to be entirely wrong. This game pulled me in for hours at a time with its world and story and I can't recommend it enough if action platformers are your thing.
Katana ZERO is an outstanding, though unfinished, samurai slasher.
A great package that combines gorgeous graphics and sounds with very well-thought-out gameplay mechanics, while managing to differentiate itself from the insta-death genre staples.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Katana ZERO has both substance and flare, making it one of the most enjoyable games of the year, especially if you enjoy your neon colors.
Katana Zero creates a Synthwave filled atmosphere with some great visuals, wonderful gameplay and a surprising story. Taking a page of the Hotline Miami book, Askiisoft newest game is one of the hidden gems of the year. Can be a little short but definitely worth a shot.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Having said all that, it’s impossible for me not to recommend Katana ZERO. Not only is it a great game, it’s a perfect example of why I have such faith in indies. For $14.99, you get a fantastic and unique action platformer with some of the most phenomenal boss fights I’ve ever experienced. Sure, it could be longer and the plot could make more sense, but it’s still a wild and satisfying ride. And when you factor in how one ending hints at a sequel, it’s very possible my minor complaints could be cleared up in the near future. I’m really happy Askiisoft and Devolver Digital brought this gem to Switch, and I can’t wait to see the next game they have up their voluminous sleeves.
Katana Zero is a fun game that tests your patience and rewards you with an interesting story. Sometimes I do run out of patience which then I step back and take a breather. I'll be honest, I rage-quitted a few times, but I came back with perseverance just to progress with the rich story it has to offer.
Katana Zero introduced a fun combat system, different levels, and an excellent design for them, as well as a variety of enemies and characters, unique and fantastic dialogues with more than one way to answer back, but eventually, the story's ending will not be satisfactory for the gamers because the game ended on a cliffhanger.
Review in Arabic | Read full review