Reliquary Software's upcoming stealth game, The Citadel Project, draws heavy inspiration from classics like Thief and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, aiming to deliver a unique first-person stealth experience.
The game casts players as a sickle-wielding prisoner attempting to escape a sprawling medieval megastructure filled with undead guards. Environmental design emphasizes shadow and atmosphere, reminiscent of Thief, while a robust physics engine allows for environmental interactions and combat maneuvers akin to Dark Messiah. Players can utilize a crossbow with various bolt types, including water and moss bolts, to navigate and disable enemies.
The Citadel Project incorporates elements seen in modern immersive sims and Souls-like games. Bonfire-style checkpoints serve as upgrade stations, and the narrative is delivered through collected item descriptions and notes. Despite the inclusion of combat and a parry system, the primary focus remains on stealth gameplay, distinguishing it from the demanding combat of FromSoftware titles.
A demo is currently available, allowing players to experience the initial escape through subterranean caverns. The demo highlights the game's moody atmosphere and the impressive scale of its environments, though some player-enemy interactions may benefit from further refinement. The full game is slated to launch into Steam Early Access on November 11.