The Citadel similar games & best alternatives
The Citadel
2020
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Quick resume
The Citadel is a brutal first person shooter, and a love letter to classic games such as Marathon, Doom and Wolfenstein 3d. Descend into the depths of a dark citadel, and fight through 6 Episodes and 30 levels of action packed with 6 challenging bosses. Go forth, Martyr.
Global score
93/100
Genres
Action, Casual, Indie, Puzzle
Pros
- Satisfying and tactical gunplay
- Unique anime and sci-fi aesthetic
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay
- Varied weapons with upgrades and alternate fire
- Interesting lore and atmosphere
Cons
- Technical instability and crashes
- Visually repetitive environments
- Punishing death and checkpoint system
- Somewhat sparse story
- Platforming sections can be frustrating
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players have freedom to choose weapons, tactics, and movement styles including tactical leaning, manual reloads, and platforming."
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Competence4
"The game is challenging with tactical combat, requiring skillful aiming, resource management, and strategic positioning."
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Competition-3
"Focus is on individual progression and personal skill rather than competing against others; no mention of multiplayer or leaderboards."
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Continuation3
"Players report multiple playthroughs and replay value due to weapon upgrades and secrets, indicating habitual engagement."
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Cooperation-5
"Single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements mentioned."
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Creativity3
"Players can customize weapons with upgrades and alternate fire modes; some exploration and secret hunting."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is solo and balanced."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game as a unique, immersive experience to escape reality with dark sci-fi and anime aesthetics."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or pressure."
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Experimenting3
"Game encourages trying different weapons, tactics, and movement mechanics; some novelty in gameplay."
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Exploration2
"Players explore levels for secrets and upgrades, though environments are visually repetitive."
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Expression2
"Some character customization in terms of outfit options; weapon upgrades allow personal playstyle expression."
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Fantasy4
"Strong sci-fi, religious, and cosmic horror themes with anime-style characters and surreal narrative."
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Fellowship-5
"No social or community features; strictly single-player experience."
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Growth4
"Players learn tactical combat, weapon management, and movement skills; progression through upgrades."
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Health-5
"No physical activity involved; sedentary gameplay with no rehab or exercise elements."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention due to tactical combat and platforming; not casual or background play."
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Intimacy-5
"No close social relationships or emotional sharing; solo gameplay."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements; player acts independently."
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Progression4
"Players accumulate weapons, upgrades, and abilities; unlock new features and secrets."
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Relaxation-2
"Gameplay is tense and challenging with punishing death mechanics; some moments of flow but overall high tension."
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Sensation4
"Strong sensory stimulation from detailed gore, sound design, and impactful gunplay."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or ranking systems; focus is on individual experience."
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Story2
"Sparse but intriguing lore and narrative fragments; story is not a major focus but present."
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Strategy4
"Requires tactical thinking, resource management, and planning; encourages careful approach and positioning."
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Thrill3
"High stakes combat with risk of death and punishing mechanics create suspense and excitement."
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Value3
"Players find the game worth the price for its unique gameplay and replayability, though some mention crashes."
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Violence5
"Extremely graphic and detailed gore with brutal dismemberment and visceral combat."
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Survival3
"Players must manage health, ammo, and resources carefully to survive challenging encounters."
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Last update: 06/03/2026