Katana ZERO is a cool action platformer with a bit of puzzle-solving and a style that is unique. The version of the game I played was on the Nintendo Switch. As well as the Switch, Katana ZERO is also available on PC and Xbox One. It is a fun, but challenging game that is way more addictive than you would think.
How to Download Katana ZERO
To download the game for the platform of your choice, click on the Download button located below this review. If you like cyberpunk games, check out also our review of Cyberpunk 2077.
The Game Review
The game has a very 80s vibe to it and that is something I think is really cool. We play as a ninja assassin who has amnesia and you are trying to piece together what is going on. The storytelling in the game is quite interesting and it does tie into the actual gameplay which is a good idea. However, it does end abruptly and it left me with more questions than answers.
The visuals of Katana ZERO are very appealing. The graphics have a retro style to them and they have that 80s action movie look which is something I find very appealing. There is a lot of blood in this game and it is cool the way it flies around when you slash an enemy. The game also has a cool soundtrack that fits in very well with the 80s vibe the game is going for.
What I really loved about Katana ZERO was the gameplay. This is a 2D game and at first, you may think it is just a side-scrolling hack and slash style of game, but it is far more than that. You have four “skills” that you need to master in this game. You can use your sword to slash enemies and repel bullets, you can do this roll dodge that lets you get through enemy projectiles, you can wall jump and you can slow downtime.
Each of the games sections is broken up into smaller parts and you need to get through each one without taking a hit. This is a one-hit death game and if you get hit, the game rewinds (like a VHS tape) and you have to try again. You can do this an unlimited amount of times and this is where the puzzle aspect comes into play as you try and figure out what you did wrong and what you need to do.
The gameplay felt nice and responsive and I liked the way once you beat a level it would replay (again like a VHS tape) and this would tie into the narrative. Speaking of narrative, there are dialogue options as you progress and this can alter things slightly. As there are different dialogue options, you will have to replay levels to get the story fleshed out.
I had a great time with Katana ZERO. It is a fun and very challenging game that has some great ideas. It only takes around 6-8 hours to see all that it has to offer, but it is a fun time while it lasts. I get the impression they are setting up for a sequel and I 100 percent am in on that when and if it happens.
