12 people found this review helpful
Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 18.5 hrs on record
Posted: 11 Jan @ 1:15am
Product received for free

Beyond Citadel? Where Retro Fury Meets a Haunting Future! (ฅ'ω'ฅ)

"Beyond Citadel merges 90s-inspired shooter chaos with unsettling anime aesthetics to deliver a brief yet deeply immersive experience. In this grim, neon world, every brutal encounter reminds us that hope and despair often dwell side by side, urging players to rediscover their will to press on."

[1] Intro :

The indie scene for retro-inspired shooters is alive and well, and Beyond Citadel is a prime example of why this genre remains so enticing. Billed as a 90s throwback FPS with modern flair, anime aesthetics, and realistic gunplay, it aims to blend the charm of old-school shooters like Doom, Wolfenstein, and Marathon with a distinct futuristic-anime twist. From the moment you step foot into the mechanical fortress, you’re greeted by a barrage of high-energy gunfights, unnerving screams, and hauntingly dark corridors, all aiming to immerse you in a world on the brink of the Apocalypse. Yet while Beyond Citadel successfully hammers home its oppressive atmosphere and frantic combat, it’s not without a few cracks in the armor that can hamper the overall experience.

[2] Game Experience :

From the outset, gunplay is the shining centerpiece. Borrowing cues from classic games of the 90s, the movement is fluid, enemies are relentless, and each encounter tests both your reflexes and your resourcefulness. The arsenal is impressively varied, ranging from black powder firearms to futuristic energy weapons, each requiring distinct handling and reloading mechanics. Weapons can jam if overused or improperly maintained, adding a layer of tension and realism—a feature that both retro enthusiasts and modern FPS fans will appreciate. Shooting animated adversaries often results in explosive displays of gore, and while certainly not for the squeamish, it contributes to the game’s brutal sense of realism. If you’re uncomfortable with excessive violence, the gore toggle and difficulty customization options help tailor the experience to your comfort level.

Beyond Citadel also stands out through its anime-inspired 2.5D art style, which gives the world a unique, slightly surreal look. The fortress environments are rife with futuristic machinery, towering walls, and hidden passageways that beg to be explored, though some players have noted a lack of visual variety in later levels. The subdued color palette helps maintain a dark, almost claustrophobic ambiance—which is undeniably effective—but can lead to mild navigation issues. On the bright side, the haunting soundtrack and oppressive sound design go a long way in fleshing out the world; hearing the tormented screams of once-human enemies adds to the grim and tragic context of your mission. The game is noticeably short, but it compensates with replayability through secret difficulty modes, hidden levels, and customization sliders for weapon jamming, enemy aggression, and more.

One particularly polarizing aspect of Beyond Citadel is its handling of adult content and gore. User reviews mention everything from “disturbingly oppressive atmosphere” to “hearing the screams of anime girls as they’re torn apart,” reflecting the stark brutality of this setting. Despite the stylized look, the violence can be jarring and deeply unsettling. However, if you approach it as a horror-infused sci-fi shooter and appreciate the developer’s intention to craft a dystopian, heavy-hitting world, these elements can be seen as integral to the game’s identity. The fleeting glimpses of erotic or revealing character designs—especially for the player’s avatar, the Martyr—align with the anime aesthetic but never overshadow the action or narrative. In many ways, the adult themes add a provocative edge that might appeal to fans craving something darker, more mature, and thematically challenging than a typical run-and-gun shooter.

Where Beyond Citadel struggles the most is in performance and technical hiccups. Several players have reported frame drops in large-scale battles, occasional crashes during level transitions, and some underexplained gameplay mechanics. Features like hunger gauges, mech controls, or hidden difficulty modes can feel obtuse for newcomers, since the game doesn’t always convey them clearly. The short campaign and repetitive level designs may also leave some yearning for more depth. Still, considering that this is a labor of love from a small team (or possibly a single developer), the passion behind it shines through. Regular patches and updates could remedy some of the biggest issues, suggesting the game’s potential for growth in future iterations—or in the rumored sequel that fans are already looking forward to.

[3] Final Thoughts :

Overall, Beyond Citadel remains a compelling venture into old-school shooter chaos with a decidedly unique personality. It deftly combines fast-paced, retro-style gun battles, oppressive sci-fi horror, and anime-inspired artistry into an adrenaline-fueled experience. Yes, it can be polarizing with its intense gore and disturbing themes, and it may not boast the polish of a big-budget release. Yet, for fans of retro FPS titles or those seeking something outside mainstream comfort zones, Beyond Citadel offers a dark, unrelenting dive into a neon abyss that ultimately proves greater than the sum of its parts. If you can stomach the gore and look past some technical shortcomings, you’ll find a memorable world brimming with haunting beauty, furious gunfights, and a grim narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

[5] Side Note : Nyanco Channel?
Looking for more indie game insights, reviews, and hidden gems? Join us at Nyanco Channel! Dive into a world of unique and offbeat gaming experiences, curated by a passionate team that loves uncovering stories and titles you won’t find everywhere else. Whether you’re here for retro nostalgia, anime aesthetics, or just great games, Nyanco Channel has something for everyone. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest adventures in gaming! 🐾✨

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