Katana Zero

Katana Zero is a single-player side-scrolling action game. The story follows a nameless assassin known as the Dragon, a swordsman who undertakes contract killings in a city plagued by crime and corruption. Guided by a psychiatrist who provides both assignments and medication, the protagonist experiences recurring visions and fractured memories. As he carries out increasingly dangerous missions, the line between reality and hallucination blurs, forcing him to question his past and the motives of those who control him.

Gameplay is built around fast-paced, one-hit-kill combat where precision and timing are central. Each stage is divided into rooms filled with enemies, traps, and hazards. The player uses a katana to cut down opponents, deflect bullets, and interact with the environment. Because both the protagonist and enemies are killed in a single strike, success relies on planning movements carefully and executing them without mistakes.

A distinctive feature is the time manipulation mechanic. The protagonist can slow time temporarily, allowing players to dodge projectiles, deflect attacks, or chain multiple actions together with greater accuracy. Levels often require experimentation, as failed attempts reset instantly, encouraging players to refine their approach until a perfect sequence of moves is found. Environmental elements, such as throwable objects and explosives, can also be used strategically in combat.

Outside of action sequences, the game integrates narrative choices through branching dialogue. Conversations with the psychiatrist, employers, and various characters shape the understanding of the story. Dialogue is timed, and some responses allow the player to interrupt or alter conversations, influencing tone and outcomes. These narrative interactions affect how events are perceived and may alter certain sequences.