Living surrounded by cosmic terrors is hardly anyone’s dream. However, for horror fans with a soft spot for roguelite action, Katanaut is a feast. The game is a curious fusion of Dead Cells and Dead Space, fittingly, they even share half their name, yet each follows a distinctly different style of gameplay. The former is rooted in the fast-paced, demanding roguelike genre, while the latter leans on iconic moments of suspense and horror in a third-person shooter perspective.
Katanaut embraces a frantic pace, throwing the player into corridors swarming with enemies aboard a space station infested with bizarre creatures, each with unique attack patterns. The goal is simple: adapt to this blood-soaked environment, survive, and uncover the secrets behind the catastrophe that devastated the station.
As you progress, secondary characters appear to aid Naut, the protagonist, along his path. Being a roguelite, progression unfolds through a well-branched skill tree, allowing the hero to grow stronger with every run. The arsenal evolves alongside this growth: two distinct katanas, one swift and mobility-focused, the other slower but devastating, are complemented by firearms with varied ammo types and firing modes. The sense of impact and the responsive controls stand out, offering precision and immediate feedback.
While it doesn’t bring major innovations to the genre, Katanaut succeeds in creating a captivating universe where cyberpunk and horror intertwine, with neon-lit corridors splattered in blood at every new section. The art direction is consistent, featuring dramatic lighting and sound effects that heighten the tension. The electronic soundtrack, though understated, reinforces the oppressive atmosphere.
Above all, it’s a fun and technically solid game, but without that extra “spark” to set it apart from many similar titles already on the market. Those seeking something entirely new may find it familiar. Still, for fans of the genre, especially players who enjoy demanding melee combat in a roguelite, Katanaut is a strong choice. Add to that a vast array of unlockables and achievements, and you have plenty of hours of “just one more run” replayability.
