Katana ZERO
Release Date: April 18, 2019
Action, platformers, 2D, ninja, indie games, 80s, singleplayer
Steam
A retro pixel art game developed by the independent studio Askiisoft. The title is a combination of platform game and a dynamic action game. Katana ZERO takes place in a city full of contrast, during the eighties’ of twenty century. Next to rich districts there are slums with night clubs that attract shady people. The player controls a ninja warrior who wants to have his revenge.
Katana ZERO is a hybrid of a platform game and a dynamical action game. It is the first title developed by independent studio Askiisoft. The PC version of the title was published by Adult Swim Games, a company that also released titles like Volgarr the Viking, Death’s Gambit and HeadLander.
Plot
Katana ZERO takes place in a city full of contrasts, during the 1980s. The metropolis is not only filled with night clubs that attract shady people – during the game the player will also visit rich districts, slums and even an old cathedral. The protagonist is a ninja warrior driven by a need for revenge. The titular katana is accompanying him in achieving his goal.
Mechanics
Action in Katana ZERO for PC is presented from a side perspective. The gameplay focuses on traveling through linear levels and on fighting encountered enemies. The protagonist has many moves available – he can run very fast, jump on long distances, climb walls, dodge and sneak past enemies.
The battles are very fast. The key to victory lies in agility and reflex. In many cases the player will need to use the so-called Chronus – a special drug that enables the ninja protagonist to slow time, for example in order to repel a bullet. Murderous laser traps that can be frequently encountered are an additional threat. The game features high difficulty level and the protagonist can die after a single shot or hit.
Technical aspects
The two-dimensional graphics of Katana ZERO can be liked – the game features pixel art style enriched with modern special effects. The ninja’s vendetta is accompanied by fast electronic music.
Last updated on September 6, 2017
Videos and Screens
[1:09] Katana ZERO - DLC Teaser Trailer
[1:07] Katana ZERO trailer #1
GAMERS Score
Average score from 162 votes. 6 players anticipated the game.
Katana ZERO Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows April 18, 2019
Xbox One October 15, 2020
Android May 21, 2024
Apple iOS May 21, 2024
Nintendo Switch April 18, 2019
Developer: Askiisoft
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Age restrictions: 16+
Katana ZERO System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Pentium E2180 2.0 GHz, 1 GB RAM, graphic card 256 MB GeForce 7600 GT or better, 200 MB HDD, Windows 7/8/8.1/10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i3-3240 3.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB GeForce 8800 GTS or better, 200 MB HDD, Windows 7/8/8.1/10 64-bit
Katana ZERO developer assures fans that DLC is still coming
To close out today's Triple-i showcase, Katana ZERO announced that DLC for the beloved indie action game is still on the way. But that's about all we know.
video games
Matt Buckley
April 10, 2025