News - Citadelum: A Stylish Retro Adventure with Room for Growth

In a landscape bustling with new game releases, Citadelum, developed by Abylight Studios, carves out a niche by attempting to blend retro gaming aesthetics with modern flair. Released for the Nintendo Switch 2, the game has been both anticipated and critiqued for its combination of nostalgic design and a few forward-thinking elements. Upon its January 2026 release, Citadelum quickly garnered attention within the gaming community. The allure of its pixelated charm and the promise of a nostalgic journey appealed to veteran players while the stylish overhauls aimed to captivate a new generation. The game's setting, inspired by classic 2D platforms, is both a homage to its predecessors and a new territory ripe for exploration. Critics, including Sarwar Ron from NoobFeed, have lauded the game's visual appeal. The blend of sophisticated color palettes and intricate level designs creates an impressive visual story. Despite this, Citadelum's depth has come into question. Ron suggests that while the game successfully draws you in with its aesthetics and initial gameplay, it lacks the complexity and variation that many expect from a title touting itself as a modern classic. The gameplay, though engaging at first glance, could benefit from expanded mechanics and features. As of its current iteration, Citadelum offers a straightforward adventure with linear progression, which may not satisfy players looking for a more intricate experience with twists and turns. The developers, aware of these criticisms, have expressed intentions to further develop Citadelum post-release. Abylight Studios remains committed to the ideology that games can grow and evolve, often reflecting the input of its player base. Feedback gathered from initial reviews and player experiences will likely be instrumental in shaping the game's trajectory. In conclusion, while Citadelum already possesses a unique identity in the gaming world, its future success hinges on how effectively Abylight Studios can implement more complexity and depth into the existing framework. The potential for expansion is vast, and with the right enhancements, Citadelum could very well transform from a visually appealing game into a truly legendary experience within the retro gaming spectrum.