Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Katana ZERO (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Katana ZERO on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: CrossCode, which both cyberpunk, science fiction, story-rich and difficult.
- Katana ZERO is tagged Pixel Graphics, Action, Great Soundtrack, Story Rich, Platformer, Cyberpunk, 2D Platformer, Indie by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
CrossCode
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Indie and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2018).
A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.
CrossCode at a glance Released 2018 Studio Radical Fish Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,408 Price $19.99 Pixel GraphicsIndieGreat Soundtrack2DStory RichRetroSci-fiDifficult
- 2
Furi
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Hack and Slash, Difficult and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2016).
The jailer is the key, kill him and you’ll be free. Fight your way free in this ultra-responsive, fast-paced sword-fighting and dual-stick shooting game.
Furi at a glance Released 2016 Studio The Game Bakers Player sentiment 90% positive of 14,026 Price $19.99 Hack and SlashDifficultSci-fiStory RichCyberpunkFast-PacedViolentIndie
- 3
RUINER
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Cyberpunk, Great Soundtrack and Violent; published by the same company; released around the same time (2017).
RUINER is a brutal action shooter set in the year 2091 in the cyber metropolis Rengkok. A wired psychopath lashes out against a corrupt system to uncover the truth and retrieve his kidnapped brother under the guidance of a secretive hacker friend.
RUINER at a glance Released 2017 Studio Reikon Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 12,481 Price $19.99 CyberpunkGreat SoundtrackViolentIndieGoreDifficultSci-fiHack and Slash
- 4
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Hack and Slash and Fast-Paced.
Developed by Kojima Productions and PlatinumGames, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE takes the renowned METAL GEAR franchise into exciting new territory with an all-new action experience. The game seamlessly melds pure action and epic story-telling that surrounds Raiden – a child soldier transformed into a half-human, half-cyborg ninja who...
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance at a glance Released 2013 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 96% positive of 88,848 Price $29.99 Great SoundtrackHack and SlashFast-PacedNinjaGoreStory RichCyberpunkDifficult
- 5
Hacknet
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Cyberpunk; released around the same time (2015).
Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.
Hacknet at a glance Released 2015 Studio Team Fractal Alligator Player sentiment 94% positive of 26,101 Price $1.49 Story RichGreat SoundtrackCyberpunk2DDifficultSci-fiIndie
- 6
Cave Story
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Cave Story at a glance Released 2004 Studio Daisuke Amaya Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,305 Price $14.99 PlatformerIndieGreat SoundtrackPixel Graphics2DRetroDifficultStory Rich
- 7
The Surge
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Sci-fi, Difficult and Hack and Slash; released around the same time (2017).
Welcome to CREO, the megacorporation saving the world! A catastrophic event has knocked you out during the first day on the job… you wake up equipped with a heavy-grade exoskeleton, in a destroyed section of the complex.
The Surge at a glance Released 2017 Studio Deck13 Player sentiment 75% positive of 12,215 Price $14.99 Sci-fiDifficultHack and SlashViolentCyberpunkGoreStory Rich
- 8
The Surge 2
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Violent, Sci-fi and Difficult; released around the same time (2019).
In a bid to survive, explore the sprawling, devastated Jericho City. Fight ferocious threats in brutal, unforgiving combat, slashing and tearing the limbs off your opponents to steal their equipment.
The Surge 2 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Deck13 Player sentiment 75% positive of 9,558 Price $29.99 ViolentSci-fiDifficultCyberpunkGoreHack and SlashStory Rich
- 9
Ghostrunner
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Cyberpunk, Fast-Paced and Difficult; released around the same time (2020).
Ghostrunner offers a unique single-player experience: fast-paced, violent combat, and an original setting that blends science fiction with post-apocalyptic themes. It tells the story of a world that has already ended and its inhabitants who fight to survive.
Ghostrunner at a glance Released 2020 Studio One More Level Player sentiment 91% positive of 66,721 Price $29.99 CyberpunkFast-PacedDifficultHack and SlashViolentSci-fiGreat SoundtrackNinja
- 10
Celeste
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Difficult, Pixel Graphics and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2018).
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Celeste at a glance Released 2018 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,352 Price $4.99 DifficultPixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackIndiePlatformer2D Platformer2DStory Rich
- 11
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Gore and Pixel Graphics; published by the same company; released around the same time (2015).
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is the brutal conclusion to the Hotline Miami saga, set against a backdrop of escalating violence and retribution over spilled blood in the original game.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number at a glance Released 2015 Studio Dennaton Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 79,987 Price $14.99 Great SoundtrackGorePixel GraphicsViolentFast-PacedDifficultRetroIndie
- 12
VVVVVV
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Platformer and Indie.
VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?
VVVVVV at a glance Released 2010 Studio Terry Cavanagh Player sentiment 96% positive of 10,540 Price $4.99 Pixel GraphicsPlatformerIndie2D PlatformerGreat SoundtrackDifficultRetro2D
- 13
Hotline Miami
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Violent and Indie; published by the same company.
Hotline Miami is a high-octane action game overflowing with raw brutality, hard-boiled gunplay and skull crushing close combat.
Hotline Miami at a glance Released 2012 Studio Dennaton Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 127,794 Price $9.99 Great SoundtrackViolentIndiePixel GraphicsGoreFast-PacedRetroDifficult
- 14
Super Meat Boy
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Platformer, Difficult and Indie.
The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!
Super Meat Boy at a glance Released 2010 Studio Team Meat Player sentiment 94% positive of 39,100 Price $14.99 PlatformerDifficultIndie2D PlatformerPixel Graphics2DGreat SoundtrackFast-Paced
- 15
Nine Sols
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Difficult, 2D and Platformer.
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
Nine Sols at a glance Released 2024 Studio RedCandleGames Player sentiment 94% positive of 45,195 Price $29.99 Difficult2DPlatformerStory RichIndieGoreSci-fi
- 16
Flashback
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Retro and Sci-fi.
FLASHBACK™, the hit action-adventure game with over 2.2 million units sold, is back!
Flashback at a glance Released 1992 Studio Delphine Software International Player sentiment 78% positive of 603 Price $9.99 PlatformerRetroSci-fi2DCyberpunkPixel GraphicsDifficult
- 17
Pizza Tower
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Great Soundtrack, 2D Platformer and Fast-Paced; released around the same time (2023).
Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.
Pizza Tower at a glance Released 2023 Studio Tour De Pizza Player sentiment 98% positive of 72,574 Price $19.99 Great Soundtrack2D PlatformerFast-PacedIndiePlatformerPixel Graphics2DDifficult
- 18
CARRION
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Gore and Indie; published by the same company; released around the same time (2020).
CARRION is a reverse horror game in which you assume the role of an amorphous creature of unknown origins, stalking and consuming those that imprisoned you.
CARRION at a glance Released 2020 Studio Phobia Game Studio Player sentiment 94% positive of 35,626 Price $3.99 Pixel GraphicsGoreIndieViolent2DSci-fiPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
- 19
Gunpoint
Why it matched: both science fiction and story-rich; shares 8 player tags including Indie, 2D and Pixel Graphics.
Gunpoint is a stealth puzzle game that lets you rewire its levels to trick people. You play a freelance spy who takes jobs from his clients to break into high security buildings and steal sensitive data.
Gunpoint at a glance Released 2013 Studio Suspicious Developments Player sentiment 98% positive of 13,326 Price $9.99 Indie2DPixel GraphicsNoirPlatformerGreat SoundtrackStory RichSci-fi
- 20
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including 2D Platformer, Platformer and Indie.
This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.
Braid at a glance Released 2008 Studio Jonathan Blow Player sentiment 93% positive of 9,957 Price $14.99 2D PlatformerPlatformerIndieTime Manipulation2DGreat SoundtrackDifficultStory Rich
- 21
Strider
Why it matched: both cyberpunk and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Ninja and Hack and Slash.
Strider returns in a brand new adventure, complete with incredible side-scrolling action, and lightning fast combat all in a massive interconnected world! Download the full game February 19th and become the original assassin!
Strider at a glance Released 1989 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 81% positive of 4,245 Price $4.49 PlatformerNinjaHack and SlashRetroFast-PacedSci-fi2DCyberpunk
- 22
Cortex Command
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Indie, 2D and Pixel Graphics.
Choose between different factions, with their own set of expendable soldiers, mechas, and weapons. Protect your brain, mine gold, and destroy the enemy cortex in his bunker complex!
Cortex Command at a glance Released 2012 Studio Data Realms Player sentiment 72% positive of 6,034 Price $19.99 Indie2DPixel GraphicsSci-fiDifficultGorePlatformerViolent
- 23
Return of the Obra Dinn
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Indie and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2018).
Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.
Return of the Obra Dinn at a glance Released 2018 Studio Lucas Pope Player sentiment 97% positive of 35,093 Price $19.99 Story RichIndieGreat SoundtrackDifficultRetroViolentNoir
- 24
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Difficult, Ninja and Story Rich; released around the same time (2019).
Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice at a glance Released 2019 Studio FromSoftware Player sentiment 95% positive of 354,843 Price $59.99 DifficultNinjaStory RichViolentHack and SlashGoreGreat Soundtrack
Common questions
What game is most like Katana ZERO?
CrossCode, on the evidence we have. It both cyberpunk, science fiction, story-rich and difficult. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Katana ZERO" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Katana ZERO. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.