Beyond Citadel

Beyond Citadel is a highly praised sequel to The Citadel, standing out as a deeply immersive boomer shooter with a unique blend of tactical gunplay and retro-inspired aesthetics. Players laud its complex and satisfying weapon mechanics, including manual reloading and weapon durability, which add depth and skill to combat. The game expands on its predecessor with larger, more open levels, diverse enemies, and richer storytelling delivered through notes, dialogues, and flashbacks. Its dark, bleak atmosphere is amplified by intense gore, evocative sound design, and a melancholic soundtrack that complements the apocalyptic sci-fi setting. The story explores themes of loss, identity, and redemption through the protagonist, The Martyr, with strong gnostic and biblical motifs. Although the game’s erotic and violent content is polarizing, many appreciate how it ties into the narrative and worldbuilding. Performance is generally solid, though occasional frame drops and minor translation issues are noted. Overall, Beyond Citadel is celebrated as a masterful, challenging, and emotionally impactful shooter experience.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the deep and rewarding gunplay mechanics, especially the innovative manual reloading system and weapon upgrades. The variety of weapons and tactical options keep combat engaging throughout. The art style and character designs are lauded for their striking blend of 90s anime influence with grotesque, detailed gore. The story and lore provide a compelling, dark narrative that enriches the game world beyond typical shooters. The level design is appreciated for balancing open exploration with intense combat scenarios. Sound design and soundtrack receive compliments for enhancing immersion and atmosphere. The game’s ability to blend fast-paced action with strategic resource management is a key strength noted by many reviewers.

Criticisms

Some players find the game’s eroticized violence and guro elements off-putting or excessive, which may limit its appeal. The story delivery through fragmented text and poor translations can be confusing or difficult to follow. A few mention that weapon durability and ammo scarcity become frustrating late-game, occasionally forcing players to avoid combat. Level pacing and length are criticized by some for feeling bloated or repetitive, with certain vehicle sections dragging gameplay. Performance issues like frame rate drops in specific areas and lack of cloud saves are noted. Additionally, some desire more enemy animation variety and boss fight improvements.