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The Citadel

Web browser, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 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

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose weapons, tactics, and movement styles including tactical leaning, manual reloads, and platforming."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game is challenging with tactical combat, requiring skillful aiming, resource management, and strategic positioning."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on individual progression and personal skill rather than competing against others; no mention of multiplayer or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report multiple playthroughs and replay value due to weapon upgrades and secrets, indicating habitual engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements mentioned."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players can customize weapons with upgrades and alternate fire modes; some exploration and secret hunting."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is solo and balanced."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a unique, immersive experience to escape reality with dark sci-fi and anime aesthetics."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Game encourages trying different weapons, tactics, and movement mechanics; some novelty in gameplay."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore levels for secrets and upgrades, though environments are visually repetitive."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some character customization in terms of outfit options; weapon upgrades allow personal playstyle expression."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong sci-fi, religious, and cosmic horror themes with anime-style characters and surreal narrative."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; strictly single-player experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn tactical combat, weapon management, and movement skills; progression through upgrades."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity involved; sedentary gameplay with no rehab or exercise elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention due to tactical combat and platforming; not casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social relationships or emotional sharing; solo gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player acts independently."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate weapons, upgrades, and abilities; unlock new features and secrets."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Gameplay is tense and challenging with punishing death mechanics; some moments of flow but overall high tension."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation from detailed gore, sound design, and impactful gunplay."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or ranking systems; focus is on individual experience."

  • Story
    2

    "Sparse but intriguing lore and narrative fragments; story is not a major focus but present."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires tactical thinking, resource management, and planning; encourages careful approach and positioning."

  • Thrill
    3

    "High stakes combat with risk of death and punishing mechanics create suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    3

    "Players find the game worth the price for its unique gameplay and replayability, though some mention crashes."

  • Violence
    5

    "Extremely graphic and detailed gore with brutal dismemberment and visceral combat."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must manage health, ammo, and resources carefully to survive challenging encounters."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026