Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Indie, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Citadel: A Hardcore Co-op Survival Roguelike
Citadel is an indie cooperative survival game with rogue-like elements, developed and published by Thomas Brush. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux in September 2016.
In Citadel, players take on the role of prisoners trapped in a mysterious and deadly labyrinth. The goal of the game is to escape the labyrinth by finding the exit on each level. However, the labyrinth is constantly changing, and players must use their wits and teamwork to overcome the many challenges that await them.
Citadel is a challenging game, but it is also fair. Players who are willing to learn the game’s mechanics and work together can succeed. The game’s difficulty is also adjustable, so players can find a difficulty level that is appropriate for their skill level.
Gameplay
Citadel is played from a top-down perspective. Players control one of four characters, each with their own unique abilities. Players must work together to overcome the game’s many challenges, which include:
- Enemies: The labyrinth is filled with a variety of enemies, from simple melee units to powerful bosses. Players must use their weapons and abilities to defeat enemies and progress through the labyrinth.
- Traps: The labyrinth is also filled with a variety of traps, which can damage or kill players. Players must be careful to avoid traps, or they will quickly find themselves overwhelmed.
- Time: Players only have a limited amount of time to complete each level. If they fail to find the exit before the time runs out, they will be forced to start the level over.
Synergy
Synergy is a key resource in Citadel. Synergy can be collected from enemies and objects throughout the labyrinth. Synergy can be used to:
- Heal: Synergy can be used to heal players and restore their health.
- Activate portals: Synergy can be used to activate portals, which allow players to travel between different parts of the labyrinth.
- Unlock new abilities: Synergy can be used to unlock new abilities for each character.
Co-op multiplayer
Citadel is a cooperative game, and it is best played with friends. Players can team up to take on the labyrinth together, and they can use their combined skills to overcome the game’s many challenges.
Citadel also features a unique drop-in/drop-out multiplayer system. This allows players to join and leave games at any time, without interrupting the game for other players.
Reception
Citadel received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, its unique art style, and its strong co-op multiplayer. Citadel was also nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Design.
Conclusion
Citadel is a challenging and rewarding cooperative survival game with rogue-like elements. The game’s unique art style, its strong co-op multiplayer, and its adjustable difficulty make it a great choice for fans of games like Dead Cells and Enter the Gungeon.
Review Score
8/10