Risk of Rain 2
Risk of Rain 2
Game
Game2019
Katana ZERO
Developer Askiisoft
Katana Zero is a 2019 platform game developed by American indie studio Askiisoft and published by Devolver Digital. Set in a dystopian metropolis, the neo-noir storyline follows Subject Zero, a katana-wielding assassin with amnesia who can slow down time and predict the future. Zero unravels his past while completing assassination contracts. Katana Zero features side-scrolling hack-and-slash gameplay in which the… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
495 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy, Mastodon) · newest Nov 5, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
96
LovedLoved
311 positive · 12 negative
95% range 94–98%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 311 | 12 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 73 | 1 | 66 |
| Lemmy * | 1 | 0 | 21 |
| Mastodon * | 3 | 0 | 7 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Overwhelmingly Positive
25,978 of 26,560 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
97% recommend · 253 yes, 7 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 260 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (74,732 of 76,328 positive).
Players praise the gameplay, music, and story as exceptional. [1][2][3] Many note the game ends on a cliffhanger with no DLC after 7 years. [4][5][6] Some find the trial-and-error gameplay frustrating or the 60fps lock causes motion sickness. [7][8]
Liked
Representative posts
- [4]
Vague kino, definitely a must play if you enjoy Hotline Miami games, but seeing "To be continued" at the end when the game is 7 years old already was rather disappointing...
- [1]
A masterpiece that casts a shadow greater than its inspirations.
- [3]
Masterpiece Katana ZERO has the best synergy between gameplay features and story elements of any game ever made. The levels are masterfully crafted and introduce new elements at the right time to prevent the player from getting bored. The animations are smooth and responsive. The fast-paced gameplay is accompanied by a great soundtrack. The end of the game doesn't conclude the story, leaving the door open for future …
- [2]
Soundtrack slaps, gameplay is exciting, and you can interrupt people. Yes, that should work.
- [5]
7 years after the games release and still waiting for the dlc... I still believe...
Summarised from 34 of the 389 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 11, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked Katana ZERO talk about gameplay is fast-paced and satisfying; those who didn't talk about game ends on a cliffhanger with no DLC. Which matters more to you?
Critics, per Wikipedia
Katana Zero received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregate website Metacritic, and a "Mighty" approval rating from OpenCritic. Critics considered Katana Zero stylish and well designed. IGN said it "refines the tried and true one-hit-kill formula in a manner that makes it feels fresh, exciting, and innovative", while Nintendo Life and Nintendo World Report considered it a standout in the Nintendo eShop library. Destructoid's reviewer said Katana Zero was "bleak, beautiful, bloody, and brilliant" and changed how he viewed video games. Critics praised the 16-bit visuals. They enjoyed the retro VHS aesthetic and visual effects—though some wrote their intensity could…
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 495 · most liked firstGame OSTs I recommend exploring: Bloodborne Warhammer: Mechanicus Ace combat greatest hits Punishing: Gray Raven NieR Final fantasy (all) Ghost of Tsushima Katana Zero Monster Hunter themes Guilty Gear Strive Countless indie games you’ve never heard of that are terrific
neutral · AI labelView post →Katana Zero doodles. I love this game 💕#KatanaZERO
positive · AI labelView post →It’s nice to play a game designed for moderate difficulty with options to increase it (time trials, secret levels etc) rather than the other way around. Also it’s kiiiiind of a ripoff of Katana Zero which you should go play immediately if you haven’t already!
neutral · AI labelView post →I grew up with no console or computer, so before this, I mostly just played random games on mobile, and cracked minecraft. In 2020 during the covid pandemic, I need a computer for online classes, so my dad got me an old laptop running on window 8, I think it only had around 3gb ram. I'm using it then I found a website that let you download many games for free, then somehow this game catch my eye, so I just downloaded and try it, at first it got me surprised because it ran very smoothly, I…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Happy Saturday y’all! 🫶🏽 Started Katana Zero for the first time last night and this game fucks!! Perfect game to lead up to the release of Doom. The OST is such a bop too, can’t believe I slept on this for so long Hope everyone here has a fantastic weekend!
positive · AI labelView post →Just finished Katana Zero, a "kill-everyone-in-the-room" style game that scratches a big Hotline Miami itch for me. It feels a little incomplete though, apparently there's a huge amount of free DLC coming for it, but there's no release date set.
neutral · AI labelView post →Coelacanth's Steam NextFest Report. I spent the past week dredging through the slop, trying to unearth interesting gems that are (as far as I can tell) free from generative AI. While it demanded a lot more effort and time than usual, I am happy to report that there are still promising, interesting and *human* indie games out there being made. --- # Standouts --- ## [Inkblood](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4114100/Inkblood/)…
neutral · AI labelView post →Vague kino, definitely a must play if you enjoy Hotline Miami games, but seeing "To be continued" at the end when the game is 7 years old already was rather disappointing...
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Twenty-eight years in that godforsaken jungle. Killing soldiers wasn't so bad. I hardly remember it. But burning those villages, watching those naked peasants cry... I see it every day. It's not PTSD, it's the drug. It's only been a week, but it feels like a year. Every word is getting longer, the mosquitoes are getting louder. When the drug runs out, time stops, and you're stuck in the jungle forever. It's... grains of sand in a shrinking hour glass. I know what comes…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Katana Zero - Free DLC Trailer.
neutral · AI labelView post →7 years after the games release and still waiting for the dlc... I still believe...
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Our team's Katana ZERO Game Jam 2025 entry: kizilejderha.itch.io/leons-epic-b... This year's theme was "KZ Characters but with mundane jobs", so we decided to turn Leon into a bartender Hope you have fun! #KatanaZERO
neutral · AI labelView post →I really like the concept and the overall vibe of Fear and Hunger a lot and I respect the fuck out of it, but I just can't get into this extreme "trial and error" type of stuff. It's not just about this game, that's why I can't get into Hotline Miami, Katana Zero and stuff.
neutral · AI labelView post →Chibis + some of my favorite portraits I did for our Katana ZERO gamejam game #KatanaZERO #art
neutral · AI labelView post →Katana zero fan animation I did for my favorite scene in the game #katanazero #blender #b3d #3dart #npr #animation
neutral · AI labelView post →Katana ZERO. One of my favorite screenshot of a game.
positive · AI labelView post →I hear people say "Why dont we have a John Wick game?" Just play Katana Zero, trust me, people.
neutral · AI labelView post →Game Completed: Katana Zero Can't believe I slept on this game. Action packed gameplay with vibes reminiscent of Hotline Miami in a way, killer OST with several bops I actually really enjoyed the story as well, and the presentation of it all is awesome. I am now joining the DLC wait train.
positive · AI labelView post →Twenty-eight years in that godforsaken jungle. Killing soldiers wasn't so bad. I hardly remember it. But burning those villages , watching those naked peasants cry... I see it every day. It's not PTSD , it's the drug. It's only been a week , but it feels like a year. Every word is getting longer , the mosquitoes are getting louder. When the drug runs out , time stops , and you're stuck in the jungle forever. It's... grains of sand in a shrinking hour glass. I know what comes next. I need to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →HEY! ITS THAT TIME ONCE AGAIN! IM STREAMIN :3 This time with the community chosen game Katana ZERO Come on by if ya wanna hang out some ;3 www.twitch.tv/maplemashed
neutral · AI labelView post →Soundtrack slaps, gameplay is exciting, and you can interrupt people. Yes, that should work.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Masterpiece Katana ZERO has the best synergy between gameplay features and story elements of any game ever made. The levels are masterfully crafted and introduce new elements at the right time to prevent the player from getting bored. The animations are smooth and responsive. The fast-paced gameplay is accompanied by a great soundtrack. The end of the game doesn't conclude the story, leaving the door open for future content. My request to Justin Stander (Askiisoft) Whenever you conclude the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Katana ZERO: Community for all thing about Katana ZERO game. [[email protected]](https://lemy.lol/c/katanazero?dataType=Post)
neutral · AI labelView post →nice(?) thing about faith being sick is that I'm replaying a lot more random games on the couch while she rests. I just replayed Katana Zero yesterday and that game fuuuucks
positive · AI labelView post →Katana One, when? Played as a schizophrenic heroin addict with a sword. 10/10 Ultra satisfying gameplay Amazing pixelated art Excellent sound design Best music (chef's kiss) Compelling, mind-twisting narrative, depression alert!!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →We never get Hotline Miami 3, but we have this banger of indie development as a spiritual successor. In a form of completely different gameplay and new unrelated story, I've got everything I liked about HM - fast paced risky combat, surreal vibe and the same satisfaction.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I was left speechless and with a dropped jaw at the end of this game the music is incredible the gameplay is incredible and I can't make justice to the graphics with just words
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've been working on a project recently, and it's coming along quickly! This is a Windows GameMaker TASing program, and although it's not quite ready yet, it can already record/play back gameplay and display a list of inputs. Here's an image of some testing I was doing using the game Katana ZERO:
neutral · AI labelView post →[Thread] Similar games like Katana ZERO. I know we all are waiting for DLC or want more game like this. So, Here is list of games which I think is similar to Katana ZERO. Not in any order. Enjoy!! ＼(￣▽￣)／ *No one **paid me** for this and also my personal note about game is in comment.* --- ## - Released Games ---  * **Hotline Miami 1&2** : Hotline Miami is a high-octane action…
neutral · AI labelView post →GOAT, best game ever, 100/10 peak music, peak gameplay, peak visuals, great story, but where's dlc, i can't completely tell how good your story if you just never release it fully. Also try SANABI btw.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →great game yall should def play really fun gameplay, excited for the upcoming DLC
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Every person should play this absolute gem of a game which is razor sharp, properly crafted and presented piece of a media. Slice and Dice until it is done!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →As an indie game developer, one of my biggest inspirations in indie games is Katana Zero. A solo dev handling so much to create a true masterpiece... Easily one of the best indie games ever made. How about you? What’s your 'indie inspiration' game? #IndieGame #GameDev #PixelArt #GameDevelopment
positive · AI labelView post →Katana ZERO: Community for all thing about Katana ZERO game. cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/45496375 > [[email protected]](https://lemy.lol/c/katanazero?dataType=Post)
neutral · AI labelView post →"Oh my, I sure do wonder how many Gamma NULLs got introduced so far in the hit video game Katana ZERO!" The ever so knowledgeable Leon von Alvensleben:
neutral · AI labelView post →Katana ZERO DLC - Official Teaser Trailer. Not sure how many people here played [Katana ZERO](https://store.steampowered.com/app/460950/Katana_ZERO/) but it looks like it'll be getting a free DLC soon.
neutral · AI labelView post →Great game, music and combat is great. Getting all achievements is extremely hard and at points annoying. Overall very good, and for DLC, still waiting, still patient.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Ghostrunner 1 & 2 are great. Basically Katana Zero in first-person, and extremely polished and pretty. The first game goes on deep sale pretty often too.
neutral · AI labelView post →Katana Zero feels like Hotline Miami but with a sword instead multiple weapons (and no gun for the player to use). The heart of the game is trial and error; you are meant to die over and over again and try new things. It's fun, but the constant repetition means you don't get a nice flow of carnage going. Beautiful pixel art, film noir vibes, decent music and a promising story that leaves multiple threads open- pretty good game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Amazing game. I came for the fun looking gameplay, but didn't expect the quality of writing and presentation. Great soundtrack too.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →36) Tower of Heaven Askiisoft, known best now for Katana Zero, made this game in GameMaker in 2010. It's very short, but very difficult, and has genuinely some of the best chiptune tracks in all of gaming. It's free, so go find a way to download it and finish it. askiisoft.com/games/tower-...
neutral · AI labelView post →Katana Zero is a great game with its biggest issues stemming more from what it lacks rather than anything already present. The core gameplay is excellent, focusing on fast-paced movement and attacks that encourages aggressive play thanks to both how the enemies react and the quick rewinds upon death. There’s a great deal of satisfaction in clearing out a room full of enemies with a series of precisely coordinated slashes, throws, and dodges that all come together in the span of just a few…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →KATANA ZERO! Freakin' LOVE that game. In fact? Whatever my 2019 GotY was, I was wrong, it's Katana Zero.
positive · AI labelView post →Katana Zero DLC update... Here's 015 from 2024 ... let me pay for your game sniffl #art #katanazero
neutral · AI labelView post →Just finished an indie game that I haven't seen before, Katana ZERO!!! It was amazing, cool ending and beautiful pixel art, not to mention the music is boppin'! Zero and Snow are really cool, but I like that long haired Chronos maker the best Also heard a DLC is in the making... Can't wait for it!
positive · AI labelView post →Katana Zero is a big inspiration for my game. I spent time making a custom lighting shader for these rim lights! It's all automatic, no normal maps or sprite masks. Might post a tutorial in the future if there's a demand for it. #indiedev #indiegame #pixelart #ドット絵
neutral · AI labelView post →I was planning on making a standalone post with slightly more commentary, and I still might (let me know if there is interest in that), but I could give some short cliff notes here I suppose. * [Curse of Resthaven](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3796150/Curse_of_Resthaven/) - Pentiment meets Euro-style board game, with a time loop setup and Lovecraftian setting. Fully voiced, beautiful hand-drawn art, feature complete, very promising and unique merge of narrative investigation and…
neutral · AI labelView post →::: spoiler long list **Hyper Light Drifter** **9 Years Of Shadows** **Voidigo** **vvvvvv** **Star Of Providence** **Wadjet Eye Point & Clicks** **Rain World** **Colt Canyon** **Gross** **Omega Strikers** **Jazzpunk** **Lyne** **Mixolumia** **Shovel Knight** **Alwa's Legacy** **Souldiers** **Volley Blast** **Strange Horticulture** **Katana Zero** **Rivals Of Aether** **RACCOIN: Coin Pusher Roguelike** **Fez** **Petal Crash** **Apico** **Atomicrops** **Blazing Beaks**…
neutral · AI labelView post →pretty nice short game, a good story, pretty badass effects, i really like the glitches, achievements arent that terrible to get (tho i dont think ill get the last 2) unfortunately seems to end in a ''to be continued'' cliffhanger and its been 7 years lol, who knows maybe we get a sequel one day, gameplay is ok, the story is the main deal imo
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good game, fast with precise controls and a crazy story. I played this years ago and decided to buy on Steam now to have in my collection for a quick speedrun. The game can be finished in 3 to 4 hours. The level of challenge is nice, not that difficult but satisfying trial and error. Recommended for a quick play.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →> what more could u ask for? The Katana Zero DLC.
neutral · AI labelView post →I reviewed Haneda Girl by @studiokobagames.bsky.social and they COOKED with this game. It's fun, fast, frenetic, and BRUTAL. Still, the game is sick and definitely worth playing if you love Celeste or Katana Zero. Vid below: youtu.be/fB65a3x4VLs?... #indiegame #indiecreators
neutral · AI labelView post →Season 7 of Underplayed kicks off on January 7th! Our upcoming featured game lineup includes: 🦷 Inscryption 🥷 Katana ZERO 🟨 FEZ 💡OneShot: World Machine Edition 🪿 Untitled Goose Game 📑 Papers, Please 🦀 Another Crab’s Treasure 📼 Her Story 🦘 ANIMAL WELL 🐙 Octodad: Dadliest Catch See you NEXT WEEK!! 💜
neutral · AI labelView post →Great game with unique graphics, but man can it be rage inducing. The first time I played I genuinely nearly threw my controller and I'm usually a very calm person. Otherwise, it's decently rewarding and has a fantastic story, so it's worth the time spent learning everything and redoing it over and over.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Absolute cinema! The gameplay is incredibly satisfying. When you nail a clean run it feels like you just directed your own stylish fight scene! The story was surprisingly good. It is a tense and trippy narrative with a cool atmosphere, like something you would expect from Tarantino.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Is this Chronos from the hit video game Katana ZERO
neutral · AI labelView post →I have noticed switching my gaming to more indie titles to be easier for me to pick up and play. The big games with the big stories are just too much. I still having finished AC:Black Flag, but I enjoyed sailing around. I think there was just too much to do in big games. I'm playing Blasphemous now, but there are so many games to check out. Most people know Hollow Knight or Ori series, but Katana Zero was interesting. If you like reading Disco Elysium is a fun game that you need to read. And…
neutral · AI labelView post →An absolute masterpiece! Died. Rewound time. Died again. Repeated 50 times. Cleared the level like a god. All topped off with a killer soundtrack. Easily the best pixel art action game I’ve ever played! 10/10 P.S. Special thanks to Bugivara for the gift!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The dev really put a door in the game that says "Locked... I should come back in a few months.", announced a free dlc to finish the incomplete story, never released it. Door still says "months". 7 years on and the dev cant be arsed to change one word in the code from months to years. This game is like a really great action movie with a really great idea for a plot... which then fumbles it by trying to be more than it is and ultimately just leaves you feeling let down, too many unanswered…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is SAD I first opend it and played for about an hour and was ready to refund it but then the story hit. this game's story goes for the horrifying and sad fealings at the same time and for that it is a game I greatly recommend
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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