2P Games has officially launched 'Cotama & Academy Citadel,' a side-scrolling action metroidvania developed by Atomstring Games, on Steam.

'Cotama & Academy Citadel' is a blend of hardcore metroidvania mechanics and subculture aesthetics. You step into the shoes of Cotama, an exchange student, exploring the Academy Citadel to uncover its hidden secrets. You can assemble a party of characters or hunt down scattered videotapes throughout the city to piece together the academy's grand design and the mystery of your own origins.

The game boasts a vibrant, high-saturation visual style paired with polished Live 2D illustrations. It features a 'Battle Damage System' where character sprites shift according to their combat status, and boss fights include specific CG outcomes upon defeat.

Combat revolves around the 'Flow Burst' system, which forces you to cycle between offense and recovery by chaining light and heavy attacks. You will need to master reactive dodges and parries to survive, but if things go sideways, you can always rely on the 'Rewinder' ability to manipulate time and slip out of a tight spot.

The game opts for a non-linear exploration structure where your movement and traversal abilities unlock as you progress. It features map layouts that shift with the flow of time, alongside space-time puzzles that demand clever use of the 'Rewind' mechanic. For those who prefer a tailored experience, there are segmented difficulty settings and a 'Memory Option' system.

'Cotama & Academy Citadel' is fully Steam Deck verified. The game is priced at 21,500 KRW, with a 10% launch discount currently available.