ROG CITADEL XV Review Summary

Stunning visuals and engaging bonus minigames are let down by missing basic features, poor optimization, and unintuitive broken controls.

Excellent product showcase: The game is widely appreciated as a detailed showcase for ASUS/ROG products, allowing players to inspect hardware like laptops and mice in 3D space. Many noted it effectively highlights product features and encouraged upgrades to newer ROG models.

Stunning visual presentation: Players consistently praised the game for its impressive visual fidelity, including high-quality models, detailed environments, and a polished overall look. The graphics are often compared favorably to major AAA releases like Cyberpunk 2077.

Novel concept well executed: Players appreciate the novel concept of using a game to showcase products, often calling it a 'better than a large CES event' and a 'unique marketing approach.' The execution is seen as clever and well-received.

Engaging bonus minigames: The inclusion of interactive minigames such as an aim trainer, drone shooting, and a parkour challenge with leaderboards was well-received. Players enjoyed the fast-paced gameplay and the opportunity to achieve high scores.

Adorable robot companion: The robot character named Omni is a standout feature, described as cute and enjoyable to interact with. A specific detail, such as pressing a button on Omni after a target, was noted as a fun surprise.

Missing basic game features: Missing common game features like health bar, jump/crouch, ample ammo, control customization, graphics options, retry button, replayability, and proper controller support.

Poor optimization across hardware: Frequent complaints about poor optimization causing low framerates, lag, and unplayability even on high-end or specific laptop hardware.

Missing product information: Missing or poor product information: no Steam Points items, no prices/purchase links, limited accessories, missing expected products, and low-quality official images.

Stuttering and lag spikes: Stuttering, lag spikes, hitching, and lower actual FPS than displayed, even on low settings or fast storage.

Unintuitive and broken controls: Controls are unintuitive or broken: ship movement confusing, DLC parkour clunky, only QWERTY supported, cannot change to AZERTY, and controls lack maturity.

Shooting range core gameplay: The feedback repeatedly mentions a shooting range with online leaderboards and multiple modes. Players consistently describe the game as just a shooting gallery, indicating that the shooting range is the main or only gameplay activity.

Walking sim with mixed controls: The game is labeled a walking simulator with movement via controller but some interactions requiring keyboard. This hybrid control scheme may cause confusion or frustration.

Interactive tech demo experience: Players view this as an interactive tech demo or virtual exhibition where they walk around and interact with objects. The environment is described as a futuristic station with in-game videos and art.

Asus Aura Sync integration: The game integrates with Asus Aura Sync hardware, changing RGB colors on compatible components and connecting with keyboard backlights. This hardware integration is a notable feature for Asus ecosystem users.

Spaceship piloting in futuristic stations: The game features spaceship piloting within futuristic stations. This sci-fi navigation aspect provides a distinct gameplay element beyond the shooting range.

Extreme lag and low FPS: Multiple reports describe low frame rates, lag spikes, and unstable performance even on mid-range to high-end hardware like RTX 2070S or GTX 1060.

Poor overall optimization: General complaints state the game is poorly optimized, with bugs and performance issues across various hardware configurations.

Decent performance on GTX 1060: A player reports good performance on a GTX 1060 with at least 30 FPS, suggesting playability at lower expectations.

Good hardware stress test: One positive comment highlights the game's value as a benchmark for testing computer hardware, despite its issues.

Concept praised as interesting: Reviewers express a positive overall sentiment, highlighting the game's novel concept or interesting nature. However, the praise is general and lacks specific gameplay details.

Free price is key draw: Multiple reviewers state that the game is worth trying because it is free, or that its free status makes the experience acceptable. This suggests that the price point is a key factor in positive assessments.

Negative or optional recommendation: A few reviewers express negative or neutral recommendations, citing unspecified problems or stating that the game is not necessary to play. This suggests mixed quality or technical issues.

Achievements unappealing for hunters: Reviewers caution achievement hunters that achievements are either missing, require heavy grinding, or rely on luck. This suggests poor or frustrating achievement design.

Hardware optimization suggested: One reviewer specifically notes that the game works best with ASUS or Aura Sync hardware, indicating a potential hardware dependency or optimization focus.

Story completion: 2.0h.

Hardware Benchmarker: Launches the game, observes graphics and FPS, then minimizes to research settings – treats it as a tech demo. Motivation: To stress-test and display the capabilities of their gaming rig. Stance: sale.

Achievement Hunter: Grinds achievements but abandons when requirements seem unreasonable. Motivation: Completing all achievements, but frustrated by artificial difficulty and luck elements. Stance: no buy.

Casual Story-Seeker: Plays through once in about 2 hours, seeking narrative payoff. Motivation: Enjoy a brief story-driven FPS campaign. Stance: deep sale.

Review bombing or bribery: The feedback is a request for ROG branded merchandise in exchange for a positive review, which offers no gameplay related insight or constructive criticism.