Katana Zero experience

December 31, 2025 - Reading time: 2 minutes

I've been checking off a number of shorter, older games I've had my eyes on for a while. I remember many years ago, Katana Zero came on top of many "top indie games of the year" lists. Very well-deserved! I went into it knowing nothing.

• This game is a great example of respecting that the player is smart enough to piece together what is happening without hand-holding.
  • I was so confused at first by what they meant by "Press X to plan", then followed by a replay of that level after completion.
  • But it didn't take long for me to understand that it was a way to explain the main character's precognition skills.
• Simple and satisfying game mechanics. I don't have to remember too many controls/moves.
  • Really liking the 1-hit kills, deflecting bullets, and the bullet time mechanics.
• I really liked the EDM soundtrack
• Trippy AF story that really made me think even when not playing the game.
  • The withdrawal symptoms of Chronos really sounds like one of my worst existential nightmares.
  • Any kind of experience that alters the sense of time is at least a little frightening.
  • To feel time come to a standstill, especially during moments of suffering, is like hell.
• I hope a sequel gets made, even though there's been no new content for many years now.
• It took me about 5 hours to finish the main game.