Author's Note: This review was written after one playthrough. There is more to experience that I have not gone through yet to 100%.

While relatively short, Katana ZERO is a shining example of quality over quantity. One of the few games that actually integrates its core mechanics game loop into the plot, Katana ZERO manages to provide another level of immersion, interaction, and investment. Through sharp effects, interesting dialogue trees, and engaging plot points, the main mechanic of determining your perfect pathing using deflect/slash/bullet-time options stays fresh for hours.

The music compositions are perfect pairings to the gory, violent, dark and melancholy nature of the game - enhancing and putting the polish on an already solid production.

Overall, because of the attention to the minutiae of the game, the trivial becomes significant, and has easily become one of my all time favorites. While you will find many games these days are entertaining ways to pass time, this may become one of those experiences you find yourself actually talking about long after you stop playing.

Author's Note: This review was written after one playthrough. There is more to experience that I have not gone through yet to 100%. While relatively short, Katana ZERO is a shining example of quality over quantity. One of the few games that actually integrates its core mechanics game loop into the plot, Katana ZERO manages to provide another level of immersion, interaction, and investment. Through sharp effects, interesting dialogue trees, and engaging plot points, the main mechanic of determining your perfect pathing using deflect/slash/bullet-time options stays fresh for hours. The music compositions are perfect pairings to the gory, violent, dark and melancholy nature of the game - enhancing and putting the polish on an already solid production. Overall, because of the attention to the minutiae of the game, the trivial becomes significant, and has easily become one of my all time favorites. While you will find many games these days are entertaining ways to pass time, this may become one of those experiences you find yourself actually talking about long after you stop playing.