Katana Zero Reviews

Katana Zero is ranked in the 93rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9.5 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2019

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.

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9 / 10
Apr 23, 2019

You'll probably come for the brutal, unrelenting and deeply satisfying action, but eventually it's the original and fascinating narrative side that will win you over: simply put, Katana ZERO is the surprise hit of 2019.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.7 / 10.0
Apr 24, 2019

Katana Zero is a fast paced action game which shines thanks to its smooth, brilliant and clever gameplay, while a surprisingly good writing gives to the game an unexpected depth. It's a brand new take on the classic genre mechanics, made even cooler thanks to a lovely art style and a powerful soundtrack.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Apr 24, 2019

Katana ZERO is a stylish action platformer with a deep and engaging story.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 24, 2019

Katana Zero is super cool where it counts with very little faltering it.

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80 / 100
Apr 25, 2019

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.

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4 / 5.0
Apr 25, 2019

Despite its scattered story, Katana Zero is a thrilling action game with a fast style that makes you parched for more.

Review in Arabic | Read full review

Recommended
Apr 26, 2019

Stylish and punishing, this is a darkly compelling treat.

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3.5 / 5.0
Apr 26, 2019

The fact that a game of this stature manages to carve out a narrative and tone that is as intriguing and as inviting as it is says a lot about Askiisoft's skill in world-building here.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 26, 2019

Even with its lack of replayability, you should buy Katana Zero right now if you’re a fan of action games with great tales to tell. When its thumping music kicks in, you know it’s time for action of the highest calibre. And married with sumptuous pixel art and a mystery you can’t wait to unravel, it’s a match made in heaven. Katana Zero is hands down one of the best games released this year.

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Spaziogames
DottorKillex
Top Critic
8.7 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2019

Do not absolutely miss out on Katana ZERO if you like stylish action games and mature plots. Heck, don't miss out on Katana ZERO in any case: this is one of the best indie titles of the year, and Nintendo Switch seems the perfect home for it

Review in Italian | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Apr 28, 2019

Katana Zero was a pleasant surprise. I did not expect the emotional roller coaster I was about to embark on. It ticks all the boxes; great soundtrack, great gameplay, a well told story. I don't think there are enough words to explain how much I enjoyed this one. It is easily my favorite game of the year so far and I suggest you play it.

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7 / 10
Apr 28, 2019

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

Apr 29, 2019

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.

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GameMAG
Top Critic
9 / 10
Apr 29, 2019

Katana ZERO, an amazing action game with a nice story and a great soundtrack, is a breath of fresh air in the indie scene.

Review in Russian | Read full review

Atomix
Top Critic
90 / 100
Apr 29, 2019

Katana Zero has been a surprise for everyone since it always kept a low profile and in the midst of the number of high level pitches that we have is able to carve a niche and get up as one of the best games so far this year. Perhaps its biggest problem comes in the sense of the duration that does not end up being exact to obtain the development of the whole plot and that certainly can be exploited more. Otherwise it is an indispensable this month and perhaps this year because without much pretension shows that the heart of a video game is in what is in itself and nothing more.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

79 / 100
Apr 30, 2019

Thoughtfully-designed levels and versatile combat abilities make Katana Zero worthy of a rewind despite cookie-cutter characters.

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Metro GameCentral
Top Critic
8 / 10
Apr 30, 2019

An elegant blend of 2D action and cyberpunk storytelling, that manages to make a very distinctive experience out of some very familiar indie tropes.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 30, 2019

There is far more I can say about how much I love this game, including the audial delight that is Ludowic and Bill Kiley's soundtrack or VHS visual tricks the game employs as the narrative grows more fractured, but at this point, I've already gushed enough. It can be frustrating at times. It made me want to break my Switch in half. But even in its most aggressively exasperating moments, Katana Zero remains bleak, beautiful, bloody, and brilliant.

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9 / 10
May 1, 2019

Katana Zero is an incredibly stylish title, from the great looking pixel art to the fantastic soundtrack that accompanies the fast and brutal action. You really get to feel like you're a master swordsman as you overcome the challenges put before you, or die trying.

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