| AnaitGames |
Víctor Manuel Martínez García |
7 / 10 |
04-28-2019 |
Katana Zero is a very interesting first chapter of a bigger story that may be explored in future games —as well as its gameplay, simple yet well executed although it could be further explored in a sequel or DLC. |
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| Atomix |
Iván Román |
90 / 100 |
04-29-2019 |
Katana Zero has been a surprise for everyone since it always kept a low profile and in the midst of the number of high level pitches that we have is able to carve a niche and get up as one of the best games so far this year. Perhaps its biggest problem comes in the sense of the duration that does not end up being exact to obtain the development of the whole plot and that certainly can be exploited more. Otherwise it is an indispensable this month and perhaps this year because without much pretension shows that the heart of a video game is in what is in itself and nothing more. |
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| Attack of the Fanboy |
Kyle Hanson |
3.5 / 5 stars |
04-18-2019 |
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. |
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| COGconnected |
James Paley |
88 / 100 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero kicked me into a bloody pulp, but I’m compelled to continue regardless. If not for the challenge, then for my raw hunger to soak in every scrap of this exceptional story. Don’t sleep on this one, friends. |
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| Cultured Vultures |
Jay Krieger |
9 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana ZERO is pixelated samurai bliss, delivering one of the most impressively polished narrative and gameplay experiences of the year. |
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| Destructoid |
CJ Andriessen |
9 / 10 |
04-30-2019 |
There is far more I can say about how much I love this game, including the audial delight that is Ludowic and Bill Kiley’s soundtrack or VHS visual tricks the game employs as the narrative grows more fractured, but at this point, I’ve already gushed enough. It can be frustrating at times. It made me want to break my Switch in half. But even in its most aggressively exasperating moments, Katana Zero remains bleak, beautiful, bloody, and brilliant. |
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| Digital Chumps |
Eric Layman |
7 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero’s blade isn’t sharp enough to cut through its self-indulgent idiosyncrasy. Inventive action sequences that neatly divide improvisation and orchestration and a novel time-rewinding mechanic both suffer under an overwrought style miserably impressed with its own posture. Katana Zero works best when it’s not auditioning to change its title to Edge Lords. |
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| DualShockers |
Grant Huff |
9 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero ties an incredibly dark and thrilling narrative directly into fast and deep gameplay to create one of the best games of the year. |
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| Easy Allies |
Bradley Ellis |
4 / 5 stars |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero is a fast-paced action platformer with precise combat and and an intriguing story. |
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| Eurogamer |
Christian Donlan |
Recommended |
04-26-2019 |
Stylish and punishing, this is a darkly compelling treat. |
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| Everyeye.it |
Marco Mottura |
8.8 / 10 |
04-23-2019 |
You’ll probably come for the brutal, unrelenting and deeply satisfying action, but eventually it’s the original and fascinating narrative side that will win you over: simply put, Katana ZERO is the surprise hit of 2019. |
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| Explosion Network |
Dylan Blight |
8 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana ZERO is an ultra-violent, samurai slashing neon-soaked mystery that’s best played in one sitting, akin to a binge-worthy anime. |
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| FingerGuns |
Rossko Keniston |
9 / 10 |
04-17-2019 |
Katana Zero is simply a very easy recommendation. From the utterly perfect mechanics tweaked to an inch of their life to the visuals, the overarching story and inner conflict of your highly skilled protagonist and his external relationships with the world around him, counteracting with the hyper-violence he calls his work, the game finds a delicate balance between ridiculously stylish action and the more subtle downbeat moments that really bring out some wonderful character development. |
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| Game Informer |
Joe Juba |
7.8 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero starts strong on all fronts, but it doesn’t evolve or cohere in ways that sustain the excitement of its early stages |
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| Game Revolution |
Alex Santa Maria |
3 / 5 stars |
04-18-2019 |
All of this leads to Katana Zero being a tough game to enthusiastically recommend. If you can ignore gameplay flaws and focus on style, you might fall in love with its VHS trappings. However, if you want something beyond style, if you want an interesting interactive tale or a precise action game, you should look elsewhere. |
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| Gameblog |
Gianni Molinaro |
8 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana ZERO is magnificent action game with a fantastic atmosphere. Its story and characters are as sharp as its gameplay, that offers some true puzzling moments wondering how to kill efficiently, by using a very useful slow-motion mechanic. Unfortunately, at the time we’re done with it, as it is a very compelling experience, we’re still hungry. Let’s hope for a sequel. Quick. |
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| GameGrin |
Andrew Duncan |
8.5 / 10 |
05-11-2019 |
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. |
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| GameMAG |
Unknown |
9 / 10 |
04-29-2019 |
Katana ZERO, an amazing action game with a nice story and a great soundtrack, is a breath of fresh air in the indie scene. |
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| Gameplanet |
Oliver Grainger |
6 / 10 |
07-11-2019 |
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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| Gamer Escape |
Josh McGrath |
8 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
While I can’t say I like that the game feels like it’s hiding its true conclusion behind future DLC, the package that we have right now is still damn fun to play through. If you’re not averse to some over-the-top violence, Katana Zero is definitely a game worth checking out. |
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| Gamersky |
金闪闪老里 |
8.8 / 10 |
05-08-2019 |
Katana ZERO flings you into a challenging playground with intense battles and tricky time control skills. The story is a bit plain but still acceptable. |
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| GameSkinny |
Ashley Shankle |
9 / 10 |
04-19-2019 |
If I have one complaint about Katana ZERO, it’s that there’s not already a sequel. |
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| GameSpew |
Richard Seagrave |
9 / 10 |
04-26-2019 |
Even with its lack of replayability, you should buy Katana Zero right now if you’re a fan of action games with great tales to tell. When its thumping music kicks in, you know it’s time for action of the highest calibre. And married with sumptuous pixel art and a mystery you can’t wait to unravel, it’s a match made in heaven. Katana Zero is hands down one of the best games released this year. |
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| GameSpot |
captionbarbosa |
8 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero’s excellent writing, stylish and thoughtful combat, and gorgeous artwork make its unsatisfyingly short journey well worth taking. |
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| Gaming Nexus |
Russell Archey |
9 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana ZERO is a game I’ve been interested in from the moment I saw the trailer for it and once again Devolver Digital and Askiisoft didn’t disappoint. From the nice graphics and awesome music, to the fluid controls and the engaging story with different ways to respond to dialogue and take out enemies in each area, Katana ZERO was an enjoyable game from start to finish, even with the story getting a little bonkers after several stages. Then again, it’s that bit of craziness that kept things interesting throughout the game and I’m perfectly okay with that. |
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| GamingTrend |
Bryan Lawver |
80 / 100 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero is a game that I loved playing, but I walked away from it with some major reservations. On top of its tight, excellent swordplay, fun time-shifting powers, and pitch-perfect soundtrack, Katana Zero packs some interesting storytelling tricks that I wasn’t expecting. On the other hand, it uses its innovative structure to tell a story rife with ill-conceived takes on disturbing subject matter without a content warning in sight. Katana Zero is an extraordinarily fun experience for the few hours it lasts, but the bad taste it left in my mouth lingered much longer. |
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| Geeks Under Grace |
Maurice Pogue |
8.5 / 10 |
05-10-2019 |
Katana ZERO is an outstanding, though unfinished, samurai slasher. |
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| Hardcore Gamer |
Jordan Helm |
3.5 / 5 stars |
04-26-2019 |
The fact that a game of this stature manages to carve out a narrative and tone that is as intriguing and as inviting as it is says a lot about Askiisoft’s skill in world-building here. |
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| Hobby Consolas |
Alberto Lloret |
82 / 100 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana ZERO it’s a beautiful and speedy action game that made interesting choices, both in mechanics and narrative… but is falls short in lenght and always left the feeling that it could have gone even farther, with some mechanics not used at full. The 12 levels left 6-7 gameplay hours as much, but it’s kinda replayable thanks to the decissions. |
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| IGN |
Mitchell Saltzman |
8.7 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero’s adrenaline pumping action is incredible and its presentation is stellar, but its story feels cut short. |
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| IGN Italy |
Davide Mancini |
8.7 / 10 |
04-24-2019 |
Katana Zero is a fast paced action game which shines thanks to its smooth, brilliant and clever gameplay, while a surprisingly good writing gives to the game an unexpected depth. It’s a brand new take on the classic genre mechanics, made even cooler thanks to a lovely art style and a powerful soundtrack. |
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| IGN Spain |
Miguel Ángel Escudero |
8 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
A unique proposal as fun as interesting despite it falls too short and sometimes is too hard even for experienced players. |
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| Metro GameCentral |
GameCentral |
8 / 10 |
04-30-2019 |
An elegant blend of 2D action and cyberpunk storytelling, that manages to make a very distinctive experience out of some very familiar indie tropes. |
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| New Game Network |
Christian Kobza |
73 / 100 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana ZERO proves that the Hotline Miami formula still works as a side-scroller, but mechanical missteps and narrative blunders hamper the game’s otherwise excellent combat and enticing story. |
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| Niche Gamer |
Ryan Pearson |
9.5 / 10 |
04-21-2019 |
All considered, Katana Zero will set you back the price of a good meal, while being more fulfilling than than certain AAA studios’ safe and bland attempts for over double that price. In the words of Katana Zero itself: Yes, that should work |
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| Nintendo Enthusiast |
David Giltinan |
9 / 10 |
04-24-2019 |
Katana Zero is super cool where it counts with very little faltering it. |
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| Nintendo Life |
Mitch Vogel |
9 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
If you haven’t gleaned it already from reading up to this point, Katana Zero is unmistakably a game that you need to add to your Switch collection at earliest opportunity. |
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| Nintendo Times |
Tony Matthews |
7.5 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
GOOD |
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| NintendoWorldReport |
David Lloyd |
9 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
In so many aspects I was left wanting more. I want to play more as the secondary character, I want to understand the story better, and in so many cases I just want to know what the hell is going on. Katana Zero is such a wild drug-crazed adventure that I just can’t get enough of and I will continue to be getting my fix of it for weeks to come. |
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| OnlySP |
Chris Hepburn |
5 / 5 stars |
04-17-2019 |
Katana ZERO is far better than what should be expected of an action-platformer. The gameplay is incredibly rewarding and challenging in all the best ways, and the combat never ceases to portray the power the player has. As the main character fights for what he is told to do and to solve the lingering questions, the game does an amazing job of showing the folly of the character and even growth he goes through. Between the combination of story and gameplay, as well as a multitude of features unique in the genre, Katana ZERO stands above all others. |
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| Oyungezer Online |
Mert Köse |
8.3 / 10 |
04-22-2019 |
Whether you’re an action-lover or prefer story-based games, you definitely should give Katana Zero a chance. |
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| PC Gamer |
Lauren Morton |
79 / 100 |
04-30-2019 |
Thoughtfully-designed levels and versatile combat abilities make Katana Zero worthy of a rewind despite cookie-cutter characters. |
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| Player2.net.au |
Matt Hewson |
Recommended |
04-21-2019 |
A Puzzle game masquerading as a 16-bit action title, Katana Zero is a thing of beauty that surprises and impresses from start to finish. A must buy game. |
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| Polygon |
Russ Frushtick |
Recommended |
04-18-2019 |
It’s a cynical and sometimes ugly story told with unusual warmth and sincerity. |
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| PowerUp! |
Jayden Williams |
9.2 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
If you liked Hotline Miami, prepare to fall in love with Katana Zero. Imbued with a hard-edged 1980s aesthetic, it offers players a dense, well-written story coupled with fast-paced, blood-soaked action that’s rewarding and satisfying. |
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| Rock, Paper, Shotgun |
Graham Smith |
Recommended |
06-25-2019 |
For all its hurried stabbing and spilled blood, Katana Zero is a beautiful game, from the juicy text boxes onwards. |
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| Saudi Gamer |
نواف النغموش |
8 / 10 |
04-25-2019 |
Despite its scattered story, Katana Zero is a thrilling action game with a fast style that makes you parched for more. |
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| Saving Content |
Scott Ellison II |
4 / 5 stars |
04-18-2019 |
Katana ZERO is really fantastic at providing mind-bending, reality altering sequences both in gameplay and story. While I never felt like I knew where things were going, it ultimately falls short of greatness by the end. With nothing more than a tease and a wink, the game ends, feeling unfinished with too much of a setup to continue via DLC or a sequel. That said, Katana ZERO is absolutely a worthwhile slashction platformer that does unexpected things with its story to make this a must play. |
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| Screen Rant |
Niv M. Sultan |
5 / 5 stars |
04-18-2019 |
Katana ZERO, a time-warping samurai escapade, boasts stunning visuals, music, mechanics, and writing. It’s one of 2019’s best games thus far. |
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| Shacknews |
Ozzie Mejia |
8 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Overall, Katana Zero is an inspired effort. |
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| SpazioGames |
DottorKillex |
8.7 / 10 |
04-27-2019 |
Do not absolutely miss out on Katana ZERO if you like stylish action games and mature plots. Heck, don’t miss out on Katana ZERO in any case: this is one of the best indie titles of the year, and Nintendo Switch seems the perfect home for it |
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| TechRaptor |
Samuel Guglielmo |
9 / 10 |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero’s gameplay is genuinely fantastic. It’s the perfect choice for someone looking for the next frantic and challenging indie darling. |
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| The Digital Fix |
Chelsea Beardsmore |
9 / 10 |
04-28-2019 |
Katana Zero was a pleasant surprise. I did not expect the emotional roller coaster I was about to embark on. It ticks all the boxes; great soundtrack, great gameplay, a well told story. I don’t think there are enough words to explain how much I enjoyed this one. It is easily my favorite game of the year so far and I suggest you play it. |
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| The Games Machine |
Daniele Dolce |
9 / 10 |
04-24-2019 |
Katana ZERO is a stylish action platformer with a deep and engaging story. |
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| TheSixthAxis |
Aran Suddi |
9 / 10 |
05-01-2019 |
Katana Zero is an incredibly stylish title, from the great looking pixel art to the fantastic soundtrack that accompanies the fast and brutal action. You really get to feel like you’re a master swordsman as you overcome the challenges put before you, or die trying. |
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| TrueGaming |
Unknown |
8 / 10 |
04-22-2019 |
Katana Zero is more recommended to you if you value execution and quality over size and content. it is a short game, but narrative is surprisingly strong and gameplay mechanics are excellent. |
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| Unboxholics |
Θοδωρής Μακρής |
Recommended |
06-26-2019 |
A great package that combines gorgeous graphics and sounds with very well-thought-out gameplay mechanics, while managing to differentiate itself from the insta-death genre staples. |
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| USgamer |
Mike Williams |
4.5 / 5 stars |
04-18-2019 |
Be the ultimate badass and kill your enemies in slow-motion. There are a lot of games that try to be like Hotline Miami, moving from area-to-area murdering with sheer ruthlessness, but few games match the execution and style like Katana Zero. Great pixel art, a wonderful use of color, and fantastic synthwave soundtrack. From start to finish, it’s a fever dream worth having. |
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| We Got This Covered |
David Morgan |
4.5 / 5 stars |
04-18-2019 |
Katana Zero is a singular piece of art, with an earnest intensity rarely seen in gaming. Moving, exciting, and beautiful, it’s something best left played rather than explained. |
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