Embark on a Shadowy Escape: Navigate a Megastructure of Mystery and Danger
The Renaissance of Classic Gaming Influences
The current gaming landscape is thriving for enthusiasts of seminal titles such as Thief: The Dark Project and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic. Not only are modern updates for these beloved games on the horizon, including a remastered Thief with an expanded campaign and a community-driven edition of Dark Messiah offering cooperative play and new features, but a wave of spiritual successors is also emerging. Games like Gloomwood capture the essence of stealth, while Fatekeeper and Alkahest channel the combat prowess of Dark Messiah.
The Citadel Project: A Unique Fusion
Until recently, a game that seamlessly blended the core mechanics of both Thief and Dark Messiah seemed elusive, with the notable exception of Dishonored, developed by the creators of Dark Messiah. However, The Citadel Project has now entered the scene, ingeniously combining these influences. Developed by Reliquary Software, this indie title immerses players in a sprawling, dark medieval fortress, echoing the megastructure trend prevalent in contemporary indie gaming. Players assume the role of a prisoner, armed with a sickle, whose primary goal is to escape this vast structure patrolled by reanimated guards.
Stealth and Physics: Core Gameplay Mechanics
The game's stealth elements prominently display its Thief heritage. Environments are cloaked in deep shadows, compelling players to rely on cunning and discretion. Your character is equipped with a crossbow capable of firing diverse bolts, including water bolts for extinguishing lights and moss quarrels for silencing footsteps. The influence of Dark Messiah is evident in the game's robust physics engine, allowing for dynamic interactions where players can physically manipulate enemies, pushing them into dangerous traps or off precarious ledges.
Exploring the Fortress and Unraveling its Lore
A playable demo of The Citadel Project offers a glimpse into its subterranean caverns, which serve as the initial escape route from captivity. While the stealth mechanics are straightforward, and some combat interactions could benefit from refinement, the game excels in crafting a foreboding atmosphere and presenting environments of impressive scale. Adding a touch of Dark Souls inspiration, the game features checkpoint-like bonfires where characters can be upgraded, and its narrative unfolds through item descriptions and collectible notes, encouraging exploration and discovery.
Anticipating the Full Release
Despite the inclusion of combat and a parrying system, The Citadel Project firmly establishes itself as a stealth-focused experience, less demanding than the challenging RPGs from FromSoftware. The demo provides an engaging preview of its moody corridors and strategic gameplay. With early access scheduled for November 11 on Steam, and the highly anticipated releases of Thief Remastered in December and Dark Messiah's community edition arriving around the same time, it's an exciting period for fans of these classic genre
