Overall, Kotama and Academy Citadel is received as a strong entry in the Metroidvania genre, particularly for fans who appreciate anime aesthetics and expressive character design. The engaging combat and unique time mechanics are praised, though some players have raised concerns about platforming controls and translation issues. The difficulty level is both appreciated and critiqued, catering to those who enjoy a challenge while frustrating others. The general sentiment is that while the game is promising and enjoyable, further polish in certain areas could elevate it significantly.