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Katana ZERO |OT| The Blade Runner

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Dancrane212

Dancrane212

Member
Oct 25, 2017
13,962
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Platform(s): Switch, PC, Xbox One
Release Date:
PC/Switch: April 18th, 2019
Xbox One: October 15th, 2020​
Genre: Action
Price: $14.99
Player(s): 1
Format: Digital
Developer: Askiisoft
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Size: 200 MB


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What is Katana Zero?
"Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display."

How long is it?
~4 hours going off reviews.

So you get one life?
Yes, you can only take one hit before you "die" and the screen resets (an unlimited amount of times).

World progression?
Katana Zero is a level based action game similar to Hotline Miami.

Are enemy placements random?
Enemy behavior can vary from restart to restart but their positions are set. Askiisoft is planning on adding a speedrun mode post-launch to make things more consistent.

Can you turn off the screen shaking?
Yes, there's an option in the menu to decrease and outright eliminate screen shaking.

DualShock 4 layout?
Yes, the game has button layouts for DualShock 4 as well as the Xbox One controller.

Game Pass?
Yes, the game is part of Game Pass on both PC and Xbox One. If you are an active member of that service you can play Ikenfell for no extra cost when it launches on that service on October 15th.

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Metacritic (Switch) - TBA

Easy Allies 8.0/10



Attack of the fanboy 3.5/5
https://attackofthefanboy.com/reviews/katana-zero-review/
Katana Zero is a fantastic 2D action game, it's a great stealth game, and it has an interesting story and universe. The action is fast, fluid, and will have you coming back for more over and over again. But this is just a taste of what could be. Replayability through the story doesn't translate into the gameplay. Levels are crafted more for one-and-done style runs than more open and strategic attacks. Katana Zero leaves a solid impression, but it's not clear yet if it will be a lasting one.

Gamespot 8/10
https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/katana-zero-review-slow-motion-samurai/1900-6417126/
The uncertain future of the story that Katana Zero so brilliantly sets up is concerning, but that shouldn't deter you from diving into this compelling introductory chapter. Its combat provides an exciting challenge that tests both strategy and reflex, while also giving you clever abilities to make it as stylish as possible. The narrative contextualization of both your abilities and role within Katana Zero's world is expertly written, with a clever dialogue system letting you inject personality into character interactions. Katana Zero is bloody and brutal, but it's also a heartfelt tale that you shouldn't overlook lightly.

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Official Site
Nintendo Switch
Steam
GOG​
 
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Kaako

Kaako

Member
Oct 25, 2017
5,736
Nice OT. Didn't know it was out today. Dig the look, gameplay & premise.
 
dred

dred

Member
Oct 27, 2017
1,532
Nice OT, thanks for making it. Really looking forward to some impressions, I have a good feeling about this one.
 
Rndom Grenadez

Rndom Grenadez

Prophet of Truth
Member
Dec 7, 2017
5,633
Preloaded it a couple of weeks ago along with Cuphead. Got a flight to Paris with Katana Zero written all over it.
 
DigitalT

DigitalT

Member
Oct 27, 2017
326
I'm really conflicted whether to get this on PC or Switch, mostly worried about handheld performance
 
CHC

CHC

Banned
Oct 27, 2017
10,246
Crazy how long ago this was announced, I remember it was originally going to be put out by Adult Swim games, and I was concerned it was cancelled when they parted ways with the developer. Glad to see it's being put out by such a good pub, hope it turns out well.
 
Rehynn

Rehynn

Banned
Feb 14, 2018
737
Thanks for the OT, super-excited about the game. I can definitely see the reviews not end up being as glowing as I hope, but unless there's fundamental issues with the game (which, based on the trailers, is hard to imagine), I'm in.
 
MeltedDreams

MeltedDreams

Member
Oct 27, 2017
7,939
Cool OT. Waiting to read bunch of impressions and will most likely buy it. The little gameplay i have seen was great and the game's fast-paced combat is right up my alley. They should have let some streamers to play the game early and build up a little hype.
 
Rehynn

Rehynn

Banned
Feb 14, 2018
737
How were the dev's previous games received? I remember briefly looking into one of them but not finding too many reviews for it.
 
BlueManifest

BlueManifest

One Winged Slayer
Member
Oct 25, 2017
15,320
Anyone know if we are getting some reviewes for this today or did the reviewers have to wait to play like us
 
DarkPrince

DarkPrince

Member
Dec 2, 2017
1,053
Game has looked amazing since I first saw it and it's finally here. Now my only concern is switch performance, please be good, please.
 

HomespunFur

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
1,271
Only a few levels in but im living it so far, just feels really good to play.
And the music is pretty cool
 
Nacho Papi

Nacho Papi

Member
Oct 27, 2017
2,337
Ooooh this looks amazing! Any reason to go with PC version over Switch? (E.g. performance concerns etc).
 
Bushido

Bushido

Senior Game Designer
Verified
Feb 6, 2018
1,849
Review round-up so far:

Screen Rant: 10
Nintendo World Report: 9
Dualshockers: 9
Heypoorplayer: 9
USgamer: 9
We got this covered: 9
IGN: 8.7
Easy Allies: 8
Gamespot: 8
Game Informer: 7.8
Nintendo Everything: Thumbs up: Few games have left me as utterly engrossed as Katana Zero has with its intoxicating mixture of fine-tuned gameplay and a well-told story. Whether you're looking for the next great indie darling or the latest example of the power of storytelling in games, then yes, Katana Zero should work for you. It's among the most remarkable experiences I've had the pleasure of having on Switch.

Current Metascore (Switch version): 8.3

Looking goooood...

Plus, here's the launch trailer:

 
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Jahranimo

Jahranimo

Community Resettler
Member
Oct 25, 2017
9,008
Had this and Cuphead preloaded since the last Nindies Presentation. Looking forward to it this weekend :)
 

Deleted member 42

user requested account closure
Banned
Oct 24, 2017
16,939
Bushido said:
Review round-up so far:

Screen Rant: 10
Nintendo World Report: 9
Dualshockers: 9
Heypoorplayer: 9
Easy Allies: 8
Gamespot: 8
Game Informer: 7.8
Nintendo Everything: Thumbs up: Few games have left me as utterly engrossed as Katana Zero has with its intoxicating mixture of fine-tuned gameplay and a well-told story. Whether you're looking for the next great indie darling or the latest example of the power of storytelling in games, then yes, Katana Zero should work for you. It's among the most remarkable experiences I've had the pleasure of having on Switch.

Looking goooood...

Plus, here's the launch trailer:

Click to expand...
Click to shrink...


We fucking did it chief
 
BlueManifest

BlueManifest

One Winged Slayer
Member
Oct 25, 2017
15,320
Good reviews, getting on switch, now have to decide which to play first katana or cuphead
 
Fordy

Fordy

Member
Oct 27, 2017
188
I'm not normally sensitive, but that screen shake doesn't agree with me in those videos. Hopefully it can be dialled back.
 
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