Katana Rama is a premium action game from Ghost Machine Games. This is a fast-paced 3D platformer that heavily relies on timed attacks, dodges, and general maneuverability. It offers a unique way of visualizing its premise: you are a hacker program trying to break through layers of cybersecurity defenses. Instead of lines of code, you are a sword-wielding polygonal figure fighting against vividly colored enemies in 3D.

Its high-resolution graphics, vivid color palettes, and engaging techno soundtrack make Katana Rama an unexpected entry that will make your heart race. It’s similar to Furi or a faster Risk of Rain 2.

Make your escape across a computer system

As soon as you open Katana Rama, you are greeted with a barrage of neon colors and a multilayered fading effect reminiscent of 80s sci-fi works. It’s not overwhelming, though, since the rest of the background uses highly contrasting colors that make every edge and corner distinguishable. To top its high-resolution graphics and its fun-looking retrowave colors, it uses a good range of techno soundtracks.

For the gameplay, you are a katana-wielding warrior who can move around quickly. You can dash to avoid attacks and obstacles or move to the next target as you chain attacks. Longer chains give bonuses since you can defeat most enemies with a single slash. As you rack up energy, you can start destroying obstacles or enemy shields, adding the need for on-the-fly decision-making skills.

Despite having a straightforward premise, you’d do well not to underestimate this game. It has a solid difficulty progression, with boss fights serving as regular skill checks for the player. Later levels need virtually non-stop movement and attacking to chain combos and avoid getting hit. With this much energy and hype, it’s almost too bad that the game has a pretty short playthrough.

A fun and challenging action game

Overall, Katana Rama is a fun game, especially if you want a quick adrenaline fix. It’s good use of high-resolution models and neon-colored lighting only highlights the smooth, fluid animation that goes with it. Even the soundtrack is on point. All these factors contribute to creating a fast-paced action game that steadily increases in difficulty. Aside from the short playthrough and the regular difficulty spikes, this is mostly enjoyable.