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Kotama and Academy Citadel
Action
Adventure
Indie
RPG
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

In the Academy Citadel, strength reigns supreme: only the most powerful survive and thrive. Fight your way through the high-tech Academy in your quest to get the highest of honors for a student, and uncover secrets that can save it in its direst crisis in this 2.5D side-scrolling Metroidvania.

Developers: Atomstring Games
Publishers: 2P Games
Release Date: Jan 14, 2026
Price (USD): $19.99
Current Players: 27

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Positive(100%)
character design
engaging combat
time mechanic
anime aesthetic
exploration
difficulty
lore depth
anime style
platforming issues
story development
translation
control customization
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.

Positive Points

  • The character design is praised for being detailed, expressive, and animated well, adding to the game's appeal.
  • Combat is engaging and responsive, offering an interesting system with parries, multiple weapons, and a fluid build-up mechanic.
  • The exploration and map design are well-crafted, making it enjoyable for players to navigate through the game.
  • The time mechanic is unique and adds depth to the exploration and progression, making it stand out from typical games in the genre.
  • Visually, the game is appealing with great graphics and fitting animations for the anime aesthetic.

    • Negative Points

  • Some players found the platforming to be frustrating due to inconsistent controls and a 'floaty' feeling of movement.
  • The story, while containing interesting elements, is criticized for being underdeveloped and not coming together effectively.
  • There are translation issues that affect the clarity of tutorials and dialogue.
  • A lack of control customization is seen as a downside by some reviewers.

    • Mixed Points

  • The difficulty of the game is noted as both a plus and a minus. It's challenging, which some players enjoy, but others find it unfair in certain encounters.
  • The lore and world-building have depth and are considered a positive aspect by some, while others find it confusing due to translation and exposition issues.

    • Common Themes

  • Kotama and Academy Citadel is noted for its anime-inspired art style and strong character designs.
  • The game's combat system is frequently highlighted as a strong aspect.
  • Exploration and time mechanics are consistently mentioned as unique features that enhance the gameplay.
  • While visually appealing, the game has some technical issues that need addressing.
    • Updated 1/16/2026, 12:01:03 AM UTC
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