Platform(s): Switch, PC, Xbox One
Release Date:
PC/Switch: April 18th, 2019
Xbox One: October 15th, 2020
Genre: ActionXbox One: October 15th, 2020
Price: $14.99
Player(s): 1
Format: Digital
Developer: Askiisoft
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Size: 200 MB
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.
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.
Official Site
Nintendo Switch
Steam
GOG
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