Master Time and Shatter Rivals in High-Speed Metroidvania Kotama and Academy Citadel, Out Now
After amassing over 130,000 wishlists, the highly anticipated side-scrolling Metroidvania Kotama and Academy Citadel officially launches today on Steam at 18:00 PST.
Developed by Atomstring Games and published by 2P Games, this atmospheric adventure challenges players to master time-bending mechanics and uncover the deep-rooted secrets of the academy. The game is available for $19.99, with a 10% launch discount for the first 14 days. Best of all, it is Steam Deck Verified, ensuring a seamless experience for players on the go.
Kotama and Academy Citadel is a fast-paced, atmospheric metroidvania blending stylish, high-intensity combat with deep exploration. Players follow Kotama, a mysterious transfer student, as she navigates a labyrinthine futuristic academy to compete for the prestigious title of 'Carmel Star.'
Combat emphasizes fluid movement and precision, combining jumps, dashes, and parries with unique time-manipulation abilities to turn the tide of battle. Building upon the demo, the full release features overhauled combat mechanics, four massive new academy districts filled with secrets, and four selectable difficulty levels.
To celebrate the release of the game, the studio revealed a new trailer for Kotama and Academy Citadel. Watch it below.
STEP INTO THE ENCLOSED ACADEMY
The story unfolds at Carmel Academy, a pinnacle of cutting-edge science governed by a strict rule: strength is the only law. Players assume the role of Kotama, a mysterious transfer student who arrives to compete for the "Carmel Star," a symbol of ultimate honor coveted by every student.
As the academy celebrates its 100th anniversary, the selection process begins. Players will navigate a labyrinthine campus where magic and science fiction collide in surreal landscapes, boarding trains that traverse space-time distortions to uncover the dark mysteries hidden within.
The entire city functions as a living battlefield. Each district boasts a distinct visual identity filled with enemies, bosses, and secrets. Exploration is strictly bound to the flow of time: with every room entered, time advances, dynamically altering environments, dialogue, and enemy behavior. As the day progresses, foes grow more dangerous, but the rewards for defeating them become far greater.
FIGHT TO BECOME THE CARMEL STAR
Kotama arrives with a singular goal, and in Carmel Academy, there is no room for hesitation or weakness. Players will face both elite students and bizarre enemies in intense, fast-paced combat where timing and precision are paramount. Master a diverse arsenal of weapons and skills to create unique combat styles, executing dazzling combos during bullet time and unleashing Kotama’s signature ability, "Fluid Detonation," to turn the tide.
Unlike traditional metroidvanias that often gate progress behind punishing difficulty, Kotama and Academy Citadel is designed to ensure players of all skill levels can experience the full story. To aid in battle, Kotama can consume Luminite to heal on the fly, allowing for recovery during intense moments. Furthermore, with four selectable difficulty levels available from the start, players can tailor the challenge to their liking-whether seeking a narrative-focused journey or a hardcore test of reflexes.
MEET ELITE STUDENTS
In the pursuit of the Carmel Star crown, players will encounter a wide range of classmates, each with their own stories and motivations. By engaging with these characters and assisting them in their personal challenges, players can shape both the ending of their journey and the fate of the academy itself.
However, this grand contest of honour is only the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the glamorous surface of the academy lie many mysteries yet to be revealed. Change the course of the story, rescue the academy from crisis, uncover a century-old grand design hidden within the city, and unravel the secrets of Kotama’s true origins.
