Katana ZERO

 Switch
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 250 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 216 out of 250
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 250
  3. Negative: 17 out of 250

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  1. DrChocolate
    Apr 18, 2019
    10
    Sekiro meets Hot Line Miami. Although the game's systems revolve around the one-shot-one-kill mechanic, there is plenty of variety in the action and combat. The levels are absolutely thrilling, the story is great, and you can adjust all the games settings to your liking. Highly recommended.
  2. rosnk30
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    A trully masterpiece...katana zero's enjoyable game with a fastfull paced gameplay, awesome storytelling and fkn amazing OST. Certainly it deserves every buck spent on it.
  3. CheekySasquatch
    Apr 19, 2019
    10
    "The game, is fun. If it isn't fun, why bother?"- Ancient Japanese proverb

    This game gives some of the absolute best fast paced Hotline Miami style killing puzzle gameplay while also knocking it out of the park in the story department. Whereas Hotline had more of a satirical relationship between the two, Katana Zero gives you a much more detailed and immediately compelling tale to take    "The game, is fun. If it isn't fun, why bother?"- Ancient Japanese proverb

    This game gives some of the absolute best fast paced Hotline Miami style killing puzzle gameplay while also knocking it out of the park in the story department. Whereas Hotline had more of a satirical relationship between the two, Katana Zero gives you a much more detailed and immediately compelling tale to take you between levels. The game feels perfectly balanced and levels that you might blaze through in one playthrough may offer a ton of options you missed out on in a subsequent one. Graphically the game is gorgeous as well and has some fantastic world and character designs with some really fun to look at sprites and animations. An absolute gem and a ton of fun to play in handheld mode.    … Expand
  4. lord_blackghost
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    Music is fantastic. Pixel art is amazing .
    Game play is satisfying.
    I like how This game always surprise me . Blown by this game. Recomend it to anyone .
  5. menderleit
    May 7, 2019
    10
    Great art, great mood, awesome soundtrack, great story, and awesome gameplay. This is the first game in a while that I actually had fun playing. It's really well made and very fun to play.
  6. deadfox
    Apr 22, 2019
    10
    I'm absolutely in love with Katana Zero, it cured an itch I've had for games since Hotline Miami and it stuck itself up there with my favorite games I've ever played. it's really fun and everything about it is really top notch, and it's a quick play through. Absolutely worth 15 dollars, the love and care that went into this game shines through every pixel and every sound effect.
  7. Clone_Jock
    Jun 26, 2019
    10
    Katana Zero is a brilliant game. The game never feels like it’s running out of ideas and keeps you entertained with its stunning visuals, immersive story, and BREATHTAKING soundtrack.
  8. wolfie79
    May 17, 2019
    10
    This game in incredible!!! The cool factor in everything of this game is beyond belief, and then it can go cozy and I actually cared for the characters, I would've loved to see the character progress more, with news weapons during the playthrough and some leveling. But. I normally hate games where you continously die, and hate pixel design games. But this was gorgeous, ultra cool and theThis game in incredible!!! The cool factor in everything of this game is beyond belief, and then it can go cozy and I actually cared for the characters, I would've loved to see the character progress more, with news weapons during the playthrough and some leveling. But. I normally hate games where you continously die, and hate pixel design games. But this was gorgeous, ultra cool and the fighting felt more like a puzzle than anything else. Every room was a puzzle. This game is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Buy it.… Expand
  9. JPhardboiled
    Jul 7, 2022
    10
    BADASS MUSIC look up the composer Ludowic is SICK! Hard game and fun mechanics. You can slow down time due to being a super soldier on crack! LOL. Fun times and memorable game.
  10. Loo_oo
    May 2, 2019
    10
    L'un des meilleurs jeux indé de la Switch ! Un super jeux d'action/infiltration en Pixel Art mais avec de superbes animations et effets visuels complètement dingues. Le scénario est terrible et riche en rebondissement... la bande son est excellente à mettre à fond avec votre home cinéma ! Bref, un jeu à posséder absolument à un prix raisonnable
  11. PolishJohn
    May 7, 2019
    10
    Honestly it's probably a 9.5 or something but it's a really great game despite me personally being burned out on pixel throwbacks. Action feels perfect. Story is interesting. Dialog options effecting actual gameplay is cool. Watch a playthru of the first couple levels and you'll prob love it.
  12. Collaps666
    Nov 29, 2019
    10
    Очень классное приключение, важно, что игра заканчивается, пока механика игры не приедается!
  13. Predi
    Apr 18, 2019
    10
    Katana Zero has been absolutely incredible. The story is very intriguing, and does not leave you a moment of respite, making you want to continue and keep playing. An Indie masterpiece.
  14. Serginho07
    Feb 22, 2021
    10
    Потрясающая игра. Визуал, музыка, сюжет, геймплей! Все на высоте. У этой игры просто нет минусов. Это прекрасно. С нетерпением жду продолжения, если оно конечно будет.
  15. bthaxton1990
    Apr 25, 2019
    10
    This has become one of my favorite games to play on the Switch. The game play is fast and fluid. You can deflect bullets with your sword, throw objects, maneuver like a ninja and much more. The trial and error in this game is incredible and finding new ways to wipe out enemies without a scratch keeps me on my toes. I love these graphics too. takes me back to the good old days and the musicThis has become one of my favorite games to play on the Switch. The game play is fast and fluid. You can deflect bullets with your sword, throw objects, maneuver like a ninja and much more. The trial and error in this game is incredible and finding new ways to wipe out enemies without a scratch keeps me on my toes. I love these graphics too. takes me back to the good old days and the music is outstanding. Story wise, this one is a mind bender and short, but enjoyable.… Expand
  16. Lelel86
    Apr 23, 2019
    10
    Katana Zero is a masterpiece. The story is really engaging, mixing Russian mafia, government conspiracies, Samurais, and a Vietnam-ish backstory. The dialogue is amazing and interactive, so it offers some replayability to experiment with different dialogue options.
    The soundtrack is one of my favorite things from this game, it's just as good and fitting as Hotline Miami's OST. Synthwave    Katana Zero is a masterpiece. The story is really engaging, mixing Russian mafia, government conspiracies, Samurais, and a Vietnam-ish backstory. The dialogue is amazing and interactive, so it offers some replayability to experiment with different dialogue options.
    The soundtrack is one of my favorite things from this game, it's just as good and fitting as Hotline Miami's OST. Synthwave and Techno are used for the action parts of the game, and some kind of blues with Japanese vibes is used for calmer parts or dialogue.
    Gameplay-wise the game offers just the right amount of elements and skills to master, the game is never easy, but neither is it ever frustratingly hard. There's a specific skill that makes some parts of the game easier by slowing time down, but you can use it only for a couple of seconds before it needs a cooldown.
    The art style is a mixture of Hotline Miami (neon-noir), the messenger (japanese) and Mother Russia Bleeds (russian mafia, drugs and secret laboratories)
    The game itself is not very long, and ends with a huge cliffhanger, but it manages to stay original and without ever being repetitive through the whole game, which is something really hard to find nowadays.
    Definitely one of my favorite games of this year. I know I'll be replaying it over the next years and can't wait for a sequel or DLC.    … Expand
  17. Sijun
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    One of the finest pixel art action games out there for sure! It is absolutely stunning in every aspect. The only downside is the short playtime but the timed run modus adds more than up for this. Worth a buy!
  18. Rollingwithkids
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    What is this? I don't know! I came in unsuspecting, expecting a sidescroller, but I got so much more. It's Hotline Miami. It's Gunpoint. It's Leon the Professional. I don't know, but I like it A LOT.
  19. MasterYuco
    Jun 13, 2020
    10
    It is a game that surprises for good! History and narrative take you on a moral and dreamlike question. the art and gameplay are incredible as it refreshes the mechanics of the side scrolling. In order not to be an "AAA", pixel art is very successful. It is exciting, addicting and challenging
  20. Kacek1996
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    I saw it for the first time at the Nintendo Direct, I think. This game made me wanting to buy it from the first sight. "Katana ZERO!" is an indie game with pixel graphics and great soundtracks. Gameplay can seem quite challenging, since getting hit means death. However, it is a game that you won't like to stop mid game (sadly, I had to take such a break for two days while being in theI saw it for the first time at the Nintendo Direct, I think. This game made me wanting to buy it from the first sight. "Katana ZERO!" is an indie game with pixel graphics and great soundtracks. Gameplay can seem quite challenging, since getting hit means death. However, it is a game that you won't like to stop mid game (sadly, I had to take such a break for two days while being in the middle of the plot). Great game with breathtaking animations and boss fights, I would max it out again!… Expand
  21. GamingWithUno
    Feb 10, 2021
    10
    Great gameplay, unique story design, amazing soundtrack. Just so good! Must have game for the Switch!
  22. Bibbidybuff
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    What a fantastic, intriguing little treat of a game. Whenever the sequel comes out I will purchase that instantly to see where they take this world. The mechanics feel incredibly smooth and seem so finely tuned to let us feel like we can do the craziest moves without hesitation. The art style is perfectly cyberpunk and the story really had me feeling for a couple of pixel people runningWhat a fantastic, intriguing little treat of a game. Whenever the sequel comes out I will purchase that instantly to see where they take this world. The mechanics feel incredibly smooth and seem so finely tuned to let us feel like we can do the craziest moves without hesitation. The art style is perfectly cyberpunk and the story really had me feeling for a couple of pixel people running around. My only problem is that it took me so long to finally get to playing this to learn it's one of the best on the Switch. Also, thank you for not making yet another 300 hour game.… Expand
  23. AlexisO11
    Dec 19, 2019
    10
    Such an amazing game with beautiful animated sprites and a story that you just get so sucked into and with great execution too! I recommend this game to anybody who wants to sit down and invest their time in a game that will have you at your edge but also keeps itself at a warm hearted place. Absolutely amazing story and gameplay mechanics that will make you want to go for the most optimalSuch an amazing game with beautiful animated sprites and a story that you just get so sucked into and with great execution too! I recommend this game to anybody who wants to sit down and invest their time in a game that will have you at your edge but also keeps itself at a warm hearted place. Absolutely amazing story and gameplay mechanics that will make you want to go for the most optimal and fastest routes. I love it!… Expand
  24. Bcshiguemichi
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    The game is impressive. Pixel graphics are amazing the samurai moviments are very good and the story seems to be a movie!
  25. spoonish
    Mar 7, 2020
    10
    This is the ultimate platforming game. Every single aspect about this game is flawless. From the gameplay to the story, this game is truly a must play if you are a fan of platforming and trippy yet inspiring storylines.
  26. El1s0n
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    Un juego increíble en todos los sentidos, compra obligada para todo poseedor de un Nintendo Switch.
  27. Gerdo
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    Amazing M-rated and short game. It is difficult but highly approachable. Kind of noir-cyberpunk world. Masterpiece!
  28. Jacklg
    Apr 29, 2020
    10
    One of my all time favourites. I played nonstop until I beat it. Everything is done expertly, the gameplay is fun and the story is amazing, can't recommend enough
  29. FirstSame
    May 4, 2020
    10
    Katana is one of my favourite games. I love everything about. The setting is real good cause it's kinda giving a retrowave and 90's anime vibe. The main mechanic that plays with time is real good and fun to play.
  30. DMBOY
    Aug 24, 2020
    10
    Das Spiel an sich ist eine 10 von 10. Es spielt sich schnell, erzählt eine gute Story und die Grafik ist auch Klasse und Detailliert.
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best Switch Game of 2019
22
#22 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019
51
#51 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Feb 27, 2020
    80
    By the end you'll probably be left wanting more. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 18]
  2. Gameplanet
    Jul 11, 2019
    60
    Katana Zero looks fantastic and has fun fast paced combat, unfortunately the combat is broken up with a confusing and convoluted story. It was all over too quickly, but for people who want more, a dialogue system provides replayability.
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  3. God is a Geek
    Jun 21, 2019
    90
    As is often the case the Switch version adds nothing to the experience, but the graphical style and lightning pace suit the handheld screen way better than they suit a full-sized TV. The Switch, as a result, feels like the natural home for Katana ZERO, which slots perfectly into the existing catalogue.
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