Katana Zero is referred to many as Hotline Miami, but as a samurai side-scroller. Those people are right, but it brings a much more contemporary and fast-paced flair that might be lost on a single play-through. The game stops when it needs to, and keeps story and level design fresh at all times. It feels as though the game was much larger and then edited down, and that is a big plus, because in this era of dollar to hour comparisons it's hard to recommend a game someone can beat in one sitting.

There is something to be said about how much Katana Zero wears its inspiration on its sleeve. Turning the pace of a game up to eleven feels like a drug, and that services the ludonarrative cohesion in Katana Zero's case because Zero is constantly chasing the high he gets while on Chronos.

Katana Zero also allows itself to be interrupted, and altogether abruptly breaks the flow of the game to introduce more supernatural and psychological elements to its story. The lack of a concise ending sours said story, but besides that this tale of an exploited vet getting answers and revenge makes for an engaging experience in and out of combat.

Altogether Katana Zero brandishes a gleaming story and polished gameplay that combine to bring the player a veritable thriller from start to finish. The frame-perfect combat is endlessly replayable, and the soundtrack is best in class. Bravo to Askiisoft and best of luck on the DLC