Citadale: The Legends Trilogy is an action indie game for PC that packages three short 8-bit style releases into a single collection. The game follows a family line across generations as they confront a persistent Dark Lord using the Shadow Blade and other weapons against undead and demonic foes.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on side-scrolling platforming combined with direct combat. Players move through linear stages, jumping between platforms while striking enemies with swords, axes, shurikens, and additional tools. Each chapter features its own protagonist, distinct levels, and chiptune soundtrack. Combat requires precise timing against fast or numerous opponents, and the overall difficulty stays consistently high throughout the three chapters. Exploration rewards players who search for hidden items or paths that lead to alternate endings in the first two chapters. The visual style stays faithful to late 1980s pixel art, and progression remains strictly stage-based rather than open-ended.
Game Modes
The package contains three main chapters played in sequence. Chapter 1 follows Sonja Dorleac as she enters Citadale castle. Chapter 2 shifts to her son Gabriel. Chapter 3 concludes with her grandson Christopher facing the final confrontation. Completing the first chapter with the good ending unlocks a boss rush mode for that chapter. Alternate endings for the initial two chapters become available after meeting specific performance conditions during play.
Story and Setting
A recurring Dark Lord threatens the land across multiple eras. The narrative advances through three connected but self-contained stories that span grandmother, son, and grandson. Each protagonist wields the Shadow Blade while battling creatures of the night in castle and surrounding environments. The plot remains straightforward and serves mainly to frame the action sequences.
Technical Notes
The game runs on PC with keyboard controls as the primary input method. Some gamepads, including certain 8BitDo models, may experience compatibility problems due to engine limitations. Players encountering issues can switch to keyboard or test alternative controllers. No additional updates or expansions have altered the original content since release.
Is It Worth Playing?
Steam user reviews sit at mixed status based on a small number of ratings. The experience suits players who enjoy short, challenging retro platformers with Castlevania-inspired combat and linear stage design. Those seeking longer campaigns or modern quality-of-life features may find the package brief and occasionally frustrating. Completionists can invest extra time hunting secrets and unlocking the alternate endings plus boss rush. Availability remains limited to the original 2017 build with no ongoing support or seasonal content.
