Rewinding is a novel effect because most of the still alive enemies will continue their patrols or just stay at their station while dead ones will resurrect where they first started. As in Hotline Miami, the player will die multiple times, then go back to the beginning of a section with a retro-style VHS rewind effect.
The combat is easier described than performed. The one-hit health bar makes winning feel impactful because bosses take multiple hits to defeat and none of them fight the same. Bosses in Katana ZERO feel far more powerful than the player and the rest of the sword-fodder, as some can teleport or grab the player to deflect attacks. Similarly to other action platforming games, the match-up starts off challenging until the pattern is learned and then becomes exploitable. The player can smash open doors, killing anyone on the other side, or even throw stuff at an exposed pipe to fill an area with steam.Ī few times throughout the game, players will face off against a boss in battle. Moreover, the interactions feel like more than just random gimmicks. In most cases, the interactions are simple or subtle and ensure the game never feels repetitive. The smoke works wonders when trying to get past a turret or take down a group of shotgun-wielding foes like a true ninja ( shinobi ).Įach level has interactive elements, with the main one being doors, but many other aspects help make each mission shine. For example, explosives are used to take out a group of enemies or detonate an area covered in red barrels. On many occasions, these items become useful in specific situations. Nevertheless, players have many opportunities to get the drop on enemies, having the ability to strike from under the floor or from wall-jumps to cover distance quickly thanks to the level design.Īmong the levels, the player gains access to a multitude of different tools, from throwing cleavers and explosives to smoke grenades that allow the player to stay hidden, attacking freely while unseen. However, any combat attempt can be ended in a moment’s notice thanks to even the smallest slip-up. The main character can slash down multiple foes standing together and deflect any bullets within range. Each slice sends enemies flying with action-film-esque blood splatter that paints the wall, further making each attack feel more powerful. Attacking with the sword can be done in eight directions. Players cannot mash buttons to win rather, timing and reflexes are needed to land a beautiful slash. Slicing down enemies or even putting them into a vulnerable state before landing the killing blow never stops being satisfying.
Katana ZERO does a fantastic job of making the player feel like an action hero. The game gives players two ways to pick up throwable items: pressing the pick up and throw button or dodging through an object, the latter making the player feel more powerful and reactive in the heat of battle. In addition to the protagonist’s samurai skills, the player can pick up and throw various items to get the upper hand. Going into concentration mode can be the difference between life and death thanks to the small window it opens up. Tackling each area with a plan of attack is the best course of action, as enemies will react at a lightning speed, meaning dodging and the concentration mechanic that slows down time become necessary to survive. Similarly to Hotline Miami, Katana ZERO relies on a one-hit kill mechanic for both the player and enemies. Put together an intriguing world, story, and blood-pumping combat, and Katana ZERO creates an experience unlike any other. What keeps Katana ZERO hovering above its contemporaries is a mysterious story filled with exciting and unique moments players will not want to miss. Developer Askiisoft has created a highly polished game worthy of a franchise, as it brings players into a unique world of murder and medication. Katana ZERO is the trippy, action-packed platformer fans of Hotline Miami -style games have been waiting for.