Katana ZERO

 PC
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 720 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 641 out of 720
  2. Mixed: 61 out of 720
  3. Negative: 18 out of 720

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  1. Uygurlu
    Jul 22, 2023
    8
    I'd like to start with the game's (in my opinion) most prominent feature: the story. Katana Zero has the most impressive story I've seen in a game recently. Even in your short playing time of 4-4.5 hours, the game makes you adopt its characters and make you feel happy, sad, hate and fear for them. At the same time, since we determine all the dialogues of our main character Zero, we createI'd like to start with the game's (in my opinion) most prominent feature: the story. Katana Zero has the most impressive story I've seen in a game recently. Even in your short playing time of 4-4.5 hours, the game makes you adopt its characters and make you feel happy, sad, hate and fear for them. At the same time, since we determine all the dialogues of our main character Zero, we create his character completely by ourselves. If you want, you can create an aggressive character who interrupts others before they finish speaking, or you can turn him into a good-natured and kind person. Or, as I did, I created a character who was bored with life and snapped at people at first, but when a little girl whose name I didn't even know joined the game, both me and my character changed. Of course, this diversity makes it extremely easy to put yourself in the character's shoes. On the other hand, the story presentation is very high quality and the side characters are above average. The only bad or missing part of the story for me is that it ends the game without giving the player some answers. Normally I like this storytelling as long as it's in moderation, but in Katana Zero, almost no questions are answered at the end of the game and new questions are added. This makes the ending less impressive for me.

    Let's talk about the gameplay. In terms of gameplay, Katana Zero is quite similar to Hotline Miami. Katana Zero has a structure that asks you to die multiple times in each episode, learn the episodes completely with a single life, develop special tactics for each episode and play accordingly. The level designs are really impressive and the level variety is very high. There are really 10s of different chapter types. But besides that, the number of chapters that repeat each other in terms of basic logic, if not completely, is quite high. This is one of the cons of the game for me. Although the number of boss fights is quite low, the ones that are there are quite high quality. At the same time, some bosses can really annoy you with their difficulty. This makes the player feel a sense of accomplishment very well.

    Finally, soundtracks of Katana Zero can be both moving and exhilarating at the same time and to summarize them in one word: Perfect.

    Pros
    -Excellent story and presentation
    -Adopting characters
    -Level design
    -Section diversity
    -Fast and enjoyable gameplay
    -Challenging and high quality bosses, each designed differently
    -Perfect soundtracks

    Cons
    -The story leaves many questions unanswered
    -Some sections in a repetitive style
    -Few bosses

    I would recommend everyone to play this truly impressive game.    … Expand
  2. ask_a_hat
    Apr 28, 2023
    9
    Excellent game with excellent soundtracks. You can not stop playing it after you started the game.
  3. juniorsrs
    Apr 13, 2023
    9
    literally cool:the game, what the actual **** the pixel art is amazing and you can see the hard work put in there, soundtrack is awesome and the narrative is crazy asf, a must play indie.
  4. Laranja3321
    Apr 2, 2023
    9
    Jogo excelente com gráficos lindos e uma ótima direção de arte, pra mim o seu maior triunfo e conseguir passar uma historia envolvente e profunda em tão poucas horas de jogo. A gameplay de ação e planejamento é muito divertida e tudo fica melhor ainda com a trilha sonora do jogo que é simplesmente uma das minhas preferidas com destaque para a da boss fight final (Full Confession) que é umaJogo excelente com gráficos lindos e uma ótima direção de arte, pra mim o seu maior triunfo e conseguir passar uma historia envolvente e profunda em tão poucas horas de jogo. A gameplay de ação e planejamento é muito divertida e tudo fica melhor ainda com a trilha sonora do jogo que é simplesmente uma das minhas preferidas com destaque para a da boss fight final (Full Confession) que é uma obra de arte.… Expand
  5. ibanegas
    Mar 20, 2023
    9
    I have to text something without another option if I want to rate the game: short, but enjoyable. Enough? Haha.
  6. Cool_guy1234
    Mar 15, 2023
    10
    I love literally everything about this game, the story, the gameplay, the music, and most importantly, the fact that, if you are willing to do so, your choices somewhat matter since there is a secret boss that I will not reveal, but basically you have to do the opposite of what the therapist says and choose certain dialogue choices. And it also matters in some minor elements as well, likeI love literally everything about this game, the story, the gameplay, the music, and most importantly, the fact that, if you are willing to do so, your choices somewhat matter since there is a secret boss that I will not reveal, but basically you have to do the opposite of what the therapist says and choose certain dialogue choices. And it also matters in some minor elements as well, like for example, the receptionist would either recognize your or be replaced entirely. Overall, this game is literally one of my favorites, and I am sure that the DLC would make it even greater. If it comes out of course.… Expand
  7. 3ls0ul
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.
  8. arllda
    Feb 4, 2023
    8
    its story reminds me of samurai jack very nice difficult but fun game bla bla bla
  9. farrrullll
    Jan 27, 2023
    9
    Katana Zero Katana Zero Katana Zero Katana Zero Katana Zero Katana Zero
  10. ZeMan156
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    Katana zero is a masterpiece, the game play feels crisp, it’s challenging but not unfair, and visually stunning. The game’s narrative is compelling and keeps you excited for more. The game has a unique dialogue system. You have a choice to skip the dialogue, making rude choices that can change the story, leading to different out comes. It’s is also still being supported by the developers,Katana zero is a masterpiece, the game play feels crisp, it’s challenging but not unfair, and visually stunning. The game’s narrative is compelling and keeps you excited for more. The game has a unique dialogue system. You have a choice to skip the dialogue, making rude choices that can change the story, leading to different out comes. It’s is also still being supported by the developers, working on dlc. Katana Zero will please many fans of high octane games like Hotline Miami, and other fans who will appreciate the beautiful pixel art, which you can tell has been made with real passion by the developers… Expand
  11. Snoozeess
    Jan 19, 2023
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played. Game play, audio, music, art, the main character, everything is done at the highest level. At the highest.
  12. n3wta
    Jan 18, 2023
    10
    This game is.. is awesome. Really, one of my favorites. It's story, game-play, musics, boss fights, difficulty every details are awesome. I every time listen it's musics, specially Blue Room - Tunç Çakır. Game-play already awesome. You can use katana as you wish. Time control mechanic is really wisely
  13. faret
    Jan 11, 2023
    10
    Вот она! Моя любимая игра, столько эмоций от игр я ещё не получал, не хочется эту игру разбирать, копаться в ней, просто шедевр, всё. Всем советую.
  14. bokarsh-z
    Jan 9, 2023
    5
    =======
    only worth 5 dollar or watch it utube.
    =======
    - 2.30 - 3 hour long.
    -disappointment ending (open ending), bad controls, rebitive gameplay.
    -good challenge bosses and interesting story hope make movie for this game.
    -buy hot Miami 2 full price instead.
  15. Marc0707
    Jan 3, 2023
    10
    Jogo lindo, com otimo final(creio que hajam outros além dos que consegui). Apenas belo, uma obra de arte
  16. parallelnest
    Dec 10, 2022
    9
    this is a great game with a good story, fun game play and great pixel art and animation.
  17. Linkdd2
    Nov 19, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. gráficos incríveis, Jogabilidade simples e complexa,e com uma historia tocante e emocionante, e a DLC parece estar INCRIVEL!!, Katana Zero é um daqueles jogos que te mostra que jogos 2D tbm podem ser INCRIVEIS e divertido, com uma dificuldade balanceada e em certo momentos desafiadora, e consegue contar a historia do protagonista de um jeito magnifico, e que faz o jogador tem um vinculo com o personagem rapidamente, que nem a criança, quando a gente conhece ela, a gente já considera ela meio chatinha, mas ao longo da historia, o jogo faz com que a gente AME aquele personagem, e eu espero ANSIOSAMENTE pela continuação do jogo.

    Parabéns aos envolvidos nessa MARAVILHA de jogo    … Expand
  18. Aqualonuss
    Nov 5, 2022
    10
    Katana Zero besitzt eine einzigartige Narrative. Die unfassbar gut erzählte Story macht dieses Indiegame zu einem Meisterwerk. Die spannende Geschichte überzeugt durchgehend mit spannenden Plot Twists, gut geschriebenen Dialogen und interessanten Charakteren.
    Das Gameplay ist knackig und intuitiv und das Schnetzeln, durch die unterschiedlichen Level, fühlt sich einfach gut an.
    Geniales    Katana Zero besitzt eine einzigartige Narrative. Die unfassbar gut erzählte Story macht dieses Indiegame zu einem Meisterwerk. Die spannende Geschichte überzeugt durchgehend mit spannenden Plot Twists, gut geschriebenen Dialogen und interessanten Charakteren.
    Das Gameplay ist knackig und intuitiv und das Schnetzeln, durch die unterschiedlichen Level, fühlt sich einfach gut an.

    Geniales Spiel. Indie-Meisterwerk.    … Expand
  19. mennybolt
    Oct 21, 2022
    10
    Pixel art, combat, music, storytelling is beyond amazing. Definitely one of the greatest 2D platformer.
  20. baguette_breton
    Oct 1, 2022
    0
    très bon mais une durée de vie (si on enleve le speedrun) un peu trop courte, je recomande
  21. Umur
    Sep 10, 2022
    8
    Best indie game i have ever played. At first you are like what is going on here but then the story unfolds itself and that what makes this game special.
  22. Salemidolwowore
    Aug 5, 2022
    9
    Gameplay is fun you can dodge and slowing the time but the Time slowing is bad in my opinion I like the fast paced because that I hate him and the story
    The Story Really Is Not Complete Because That I Can't See Anything About it Except The Ending It's Bad Not Good Ending For The Game And The Music Is Decent In Do Not Remember Any Ost Except Hit The Floor And Blue Room And The Art Style    Gameplay is fun you can dodge and slowing the time but the Time slowing is bad in my opinion I like the fast paced because that I hate him and the story
    The Story Really Is Not Complete Because That I Can't See Anything About it Except The Ending It's Bad Not Good Ending For The Game And The Music Is Decent In Do Not Remember Any Ost Except Hit The Floor And Blue Room And The Art Style It's Maybe The Best Pixel Art Style I Ever Seen It's Very Beautiful And The
    Katana Zero It's Very Good Game And I Wish The Sequel Or The DLC Right Now    … Expand
  23. Loganscuba
    Jul 30, 2022
    8
    Decent soundtrack
    visceral violence
    makes you feel bad-ass

    Meh story, had some potential, some cool ideas that could have been expanded upon. Why isn't there a sequel?
    New game plus options are pretty lame.
  24. george_bondo
    Jul 24, 2022
    10
    this game is just perfect with that beautiful music , characters and atmosphere
  25. Karlsefniy
    Jul 23, 2022
    8
    Storytelling, gameplay, pixel art and music is incredible. I would give this a higher score if it had a proper ending.
  26. vova22379
    Jul 18, 2022
    4
    Graphics 5/10
    Story 3/10
    Gameplay 4/10
    Soundtrack 3/10

    3.75
  27. The_D4RknesS
    Jun 29, 2022
    10
    Why hasn't 2 been done yet? what an amazing game i felt like the best ninja when i played this
  28. TekOyunculu
    Jun 22, 2022
    9
    I really didn't expect it at all but this game surprised me, it gave the best story-wise twist I've ever seen in a game, the last undertale from an indie production I experienced this in the last undertale really amazing game one of the best indie games I've played a game that every player should try

    graphic- :D gameplay-10/8 mechanical-10/9 story-10/9 scenario-10/9 characters-10/9    I really didn't expect it at all but this game surprised me, it gave the best story-wise twist I've ever seen in a game, the last undertale from an indie production I experienced this in the last undertale really amazing game one of the best indie games I've played a game that every player should try

    graphic- :D
    gameplay-10/8
    mechanical-10/9
    story-10/9
    scenario-10/9
    characters-10/9
    main character-10/10

    my score-100/92    … Expand
  29. hahaemeralds
    Jun 10, 2022
    10
    One of the best indie games I've ever played. Looking forward to a sequel sometime in the near future.
  30. WeenerEater
    May 26, 2022
    8
    Enthralling gameplay, a unique method of storytelling, and player choice in the campaign make Katana Zero a very special title in Devolver's catalog. Unfortunately, the ending comes way too fast and isn't really satisfying. I also wish your choices could lead to different outcomes, but there's really only one path. (Unless you count THAT boss).
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best PC Game of 2019
26
#26 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019
28
#28 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. GameCritics
    Jun 21, 2019
    85
    Katana ZERO is relatively short action experience, but the fast, brutal, and provocative play left me wanting more — and that’s about the highest praise I can give it.
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  2. 4P.de
    May 13, 2019
    83
    Intense and challenging arcade-action embedded in a great story.
    Read full review
  3. GameGrin
    May 13, 2019
    85
    Weighing in at over five hours, it’s not the longest game you’ll ever play, but it’s wide open for replayability, and the story is great.
    Read full review
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