Kotama&Academy Citadel
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About Kotama&Academy Citadel
Kotama and Academy Citadel is a 3D Metroidvania from Atomstring Games, published by 2P Games in January 2026. It drops you into the role of Kotama, an exchange student navigating the labyrinthine Academy Citadel to earn the title of Carmel Star. The game blends vertical and horizontal exploration, with a focus on unlocking pathways through skill upgrades and puzzle-solving. Set in a steampunk-inspired academy, it’s built for players who enjoy methodical world-building and nonlinear progression. The core loop revolves around mastering environments and combat to access new areas.
Gameplay
You’ll spend most sessions backtracking through Citadel wings after unlocking abilities like double-jumps or grappling hooks. Combat mixes melee strikes and projectile attacks, with enemies requiring specific strategies to defeat. The world is segmented into distinct zones, each with unique hazards and collectibles. You gather fragments to upgrade Kotama’s abilities, which are tree-structured and nonlinear. Controls are tight but not arcadey; movement feels deliberate. Sessions often involve mapping shortcuts, battling bosses, and revisiting locked areas with new tools. The game nudges you to experiment with ability combos for puzzle-solving.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 4.2/5, with an average playtime of 18 hours and 62% completion. Community moods skew curious (68%) and determined (54%), though 19% label it "frustrating." Critics praise exploration but note repetitive side quests. 73% of players finish the main story, while 43% achieve 100% completion. The game’s 50 achievements (75% average completion) reward item collection and skill chaining. One user wrote: “The Citadel’s design is genius, but the combat needs more variety.” It holds a 84/100 critic score but underperforms in replayability compared to peers.
PlayPile's Take
This is a solid pick for Metroidvania fans who appreciate environmental storytelling and 3D exploration. At $39.99, it offers decent value for its 18-hour average playthrough. The achievement system (50 total) and branching skill tree add depth but can’t mask grindy side content. Skip if you dislike backtracking or want fast-paced combat. It’s a niche but polished experience that’s worth the price if you enjoy figuring out layered worlds.
Game Modes
Single player
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