SANABI is a 2D action platformer that combines fast-paced movement with combat in a cyberpunk setting. Released in 2023, this indie title puts you in control of a retired veteran equipped with a chain-hook prosthetic arm, navigating a chaotic mega-city to unravel a mystery.
Gameplay
In SANABI, the core mechanics revolve around the chain-hook arm, which serves as both a traversal tool and a weapon. You swing across gaps, climb skyscrapers, and pull yourself through hazardous environments filled with traps and bullets. Combat involves using the hook to yank enemies or strike them directly, demanding precise timing and quick reflexes. Exploration plays a key role as you delve into the depths of the city, solving light puzzles with the help of a hacker companion named Mari, who can disable security systems and expose vulnerabilities. The controls emphasize momentum, allowing for fluid sequences of dashes and hooks that build speed and height.
Boss fights integrate these elements, requiring you to adapt hook-based strategies against large foes with patterned attacks. The game encourages replaying sections to master routes, with checkpoints that reduce frustration from failures. Visuals feature pixel art in a dystopian style, complemented by a soundtrack that enhances the tension during high-speed chases.
Game Modes
SANABI focuses on a single-player campaign that follows the main story through linear levels, blending platforming challenges with narrative progression. There are no multiplayer options or competitive modes.
A free DLC titled A Haunted Day, released in November 2025, adds a separate prequel campaign. This expansion introduces a new protagonist and fresh combat mechanics over a two-hour story, expanding on the original game's universe without altering the base experience.
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds in the mega-city MAGO, once controlled by a corrupt conglomerate until a blackout led to the disappearance of its inhabitants. As the veteran, your objective is to track down the entity known as SANABI while piecing together corporate conspiracies. Interactions with Mari provide backstory and assistance, adding layers to the plot through dialogues and revelations.
The cyberpunk theme influences level design, with neon-lit ruins and industrial zones that reflect societal decay. Story sections intersperse action, though some players note they can slow the pace.
Is It Worth Playing?
SANABI holds an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam, with 95% of 4,529 English reviews being positive and a total of 39,995 reviews also Overwhelmingly Positive. Recent reviews from the last 30 days show 94% positive feedback from 537 users. Critics highlight the satisfying grappling mechanics and emotional story, though pacing in narrative parts receives mixed comments.
The game suits those who enjoy precise platformers like Celeste or Katana Zero, especially with the recent free DLC that keeps content fresh. If you prefer action-heavy single-player experiences with a strong hook mechanic, SANABI delivers value, particularly at its current discounted price. For players seeking ongoing multiplayer or frequent updates beyond the DLC, it might not fit, but its focused campaign makes it a solid choice for solo play.
