Katanaut
" Fast-paced action roguelite with fluid combat and cosmic horror but some skill balance issues "
Katanaut Review
Katanaut is a fast-paced roguelike action game that combines tight, skill-based combat with a cosmic cyberpunk horror atmosphere. Players praise its smooth movement, satisfying katana slashes, and impactful sound design, which make every encounter feel powerful and engaging. The pixel art style and eerie sci-fi setting provide a unique identity, immersing players in a haunting world full of diverse enemies and challenging bosses. The game offers a great variety of weapons, skills, and builds, encouraging experimentation and replayability.
While it wears its Dead Cells influence openly, Katanaut brings its own flavor with vertical exploration and a blend of melee and ranged combat. Some players note minor balance issues and a casual save/load system, but overall the gameplay rhythm and progression are well-received. The developer's active community engagement and ongoing updates add to the experience. Katanaut delivers a polished, addictive, and atmospheric indie title that is highly recommended for fans of roguelikes and action games.
Highlights
Players especially praise Katanaut's fluid and responsive combat mechanics, where every slash and dash feels impactful and satisfying. The game's pixel art style and cyberpunk cosmic horror atmosphere are noted as standout features, creating an immersive and eerie world. The variety of weapons and build options adds depth and replayability, while the sound design and soundtrack amplify the tension and excitement. Many highlight the game's smooth movement and vertical exploration as enhancing the gameplay flow.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include some balance issues with skills and upgrades, where certain builds become dominant, reducing incentive to diversify. The save/load system feels too casual for some players, impacting challenge. A few mention the lack of clarity in skill descriptions, making it hard to understand mechanics fully. Some reviews point out repetitiveness after extended play and occasional stiff movement early on. A minor number of players find the game less polished or optimized compared to similar titles.
Pros
- • Combat is fluid, tight, and highly satisfying with impactful katana slashes.
- • Unique cosmic cyberpunk horror atmosphere with immersive pixel art style.
- • Varied weapons and skills allow for creative and diverse builds.
- • Smooth movement and vertical exploration enhance gameplay dynamics.
- • Excellent sound design and soundtrack that heighten tension and immersion.
- • Developer actively listens to feedback and frequently updates the game.
- • Boss fights provide challenging and rewarding encounters.
Cons
- • Skill balance issues lead to repetitive dominant builds and less variety.
- • Save/load system feels too casual, reducing the game's challenge.
- • Some skill descriptions lack clarity, causing confusion about mechanics.
- • Repetitive enemy types and gameplay after extended sessions.
- • Movement can feel stiff initially before becoming smooth.
- • Minor optimization issues reported by some players.
- • Lack of alternative routes or biomes reduces exploration depth.
Rating Criteria
Katanaut is a fast-paced, Metroidvania-inspired action roguelite blending fluid combat and cosmic horror. Slash, dodge, and wield powerful abilities as you battle through a station sprawling with twisted, once-human horrors. Adapt, survive, and descend into the shadows to uncover dark secrets.