Info about ROG CITADEL XV:

Official game description:
ROG Citadel XV is a single-player, free to play FPS, combined with cutting-edge ROG product display. Dive into the new chapter to experience the story and challenges in this flying fortress.  
Chapter Two – Crash Course:  
A new threat approaches! Explore Section 15, fight against invading enemies and save the day…..or die trying!  
Gallery:  
Next-gen product lineup! Check out all the products and distinctive features we have to offer.  
Shooting Range:  
New weapons require practice! Try out the renewed training modes and hone your skills to reach higher scores!

Release date: Jan 12, 2021

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Shooting Range, Interactive Tech Demo, Walking Simulator, Hardware Benchmark


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: 2.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Two quotes directly state that the first playthrough (story) takes about 2 hours, supporting a storyCompletion of 2 hours. One quote mentions a 20-minute session of strolling around the citadel, indicating a typical session length of 20 minutes (0.33 hours). No evidence supports game completion (total playtime including all content) or endgame playtime, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes:
  - Hardware Benchmarker (sale)
    - Motivation: To stress-test and display the capabilities of their gaming rig.
    - Playstyle: Launches the game, observes graphics and FPS, then minimizes to research settings – treats it as a tech demo.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Achievement Hunter (no buy)
    - Motivation: Completing all achievements, but frustrated by artificial difficulty and luck elements.
    - Playstyle: Grinds achievements but abandons when requirements seem unreasonable.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: achievement hunter
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual Story-Seeker (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoy a brief story-driven FPS campaign.
    - Playstyle: Plays through once in about 2 hours, seeking narrative payoff.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: GTA San Andreas
  - Polish & Authenticity Seeker (no buy)
    - Motivation: Playing a well-crafted game without commercial interruptions.
    - Playstyle: Critically evaluates controls, performance, and design; focuses on gameplay integrity.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Excellent product showcase (weight 0.97): 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 (weight 0.89): 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 (weight 0.51): 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 (weight 0.5): 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 (weight 0.34): 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.
- Excellent audio and soundtrack (weight 0.34): The audio design is a highlight, with players commending the soundtrack, sound effects, and a specific music video by Emi Evans. Good voice acting also contributed to the immersive experience.
- Impressive cutscenes and CG (weight 0.32): Multiple players appreciated the high-quality cutscenes, CG sequences, and artistic direction. The game is described as something that 'delights the eyes and gamer's heart,' with exciting visual storytelling.
- Meticulous product details (weight 0.3): The attention to detail in product models and the interactive HUD, which shows full 3D renders with feature markers, was highly appreciated. This meticulous display allows for in-depth product inspection.
- Innovative hardware integration (weight 0.28): The integration of real hardware, such as keyboard RGB lighting that changes based on on-screen action, was highly praised. This feature enhances immersion and cleverly demonstrates the hardware's capabilities.
- Engaging selling pitch (weight 0.28): The game's concept and presentation are described as an 'interesting selling pitch' and 'original communication method.' Players enjoyed the challenge of identifying equipment and the overall communication of brand features.
- Surprisingly good storyline (weight 0.27): Despite being a promotional demo, the game features a surprisingly engaging story that left some players wanting more. The narrative is described as short but effective, with cinematic cutscenes.
- Fun overall experience (weight 0.21): Overall, players describe the experience as simply 'fun' and 'fast-paced,' making it an enjoyable way to spend time. The positive vibe of the game is consistently mentioned across many reviews.
- Good for testing hardware (weight 0.08): Some players found the game useful for stress-testing their computer's graphical capabilities, noting it runs well and provides a good benchmark for hardware.
- Pandemic-friendly demo (weight 0.08): A review mentioned the game's relevance during the pandemic, as it provided a substitute for in-person tech events. This context added value for players who could not attend CES or similar events.

Common complaints:
- Missing basic game features (weight 0.7): 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 (weight 0.63): Frequent complaints about poor optimization causing low framerates, lag, and unplayability even on high-end or specific laptop hardware.
- Missing product information (weight 0.5): 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 (weight 0.45): Stuttering, lag spikes, hitching, and lower actual FPS than displayed, even on low settings or fast storage.
- Unintuitive and broken controls (weight 0.43): Controls are unintuitive or broken: ship movement confusing, DLC parkour clunky, only QWERTY supported, cannot change to AZERTY, and controls lack maturity.
- Game is just advertisement (weight 0.43): Multiple reviewers state the game is a commercial or advertisement rather than a proper game, with little to no real gameplay.
- Blurry and low-quality graphics (weight 0.37): Graphics are described as blurry, low-resolution (only up to 720p), dark, or having a weird filter that makes items look bad.
- Frequent crashes and softlocks (weight 0.35): Game crashes frequently, especially on weaker computers, causing softlocks or system instability.
- Unbalanced and unfair bosses (weight 0.34): Boss fights have excessive HP, one-hit kills, cyclic enemy spawning, and sharp difficulty spikes, making them unfun.
- Underdeveloped and unpolished (weight 0.34): Game feels underdeveloped, unpolished, with early access vibes, and requires significant improvements to mechanics.
- Only one weapon available (weight 0.28): The game only offers one weapon and a single aim trainer mode, making combat repetitive and shallow.
- Excessive storage requirements (weight 0.21): Game size (20GB) and large hard drive space required are excessive for what is perceived as an advertisement.
- Poor modeling and physics (weight 0.21): Objects are poorly modeled, ship physics are poor, and object render distance is problematic.

Gameplay feedback:
- Shooting range core gameplay (weight 0.36): 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 (weight 0.22): 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 (weight 0.18): 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 (weight 0.17): 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 (weight 0.16): The game features spaceship piloting within futuristic stations. This sci-fi navigation aspect provides a distinct gameplay element beyond the shooting range.
- Exploring with cute character Omni (weight 0.16): A cute character named Omni appears, and players explore places with Omni. This character may serve as a mascot or narrative guide.
- Ad with bot, shooting range, story (weight 0.1): The game is described as an ad for products with a cool bot, shooting range, and little story. This concise summary captures the promotional and gameplay elements.
- Fan-oriented game design (weight 0.09): The game is described as fan-oriented, suggesting it targets enthusiasts of the brand or related franchises. This niche appeal may limit its mainstream reach but satisfies dedicated fans.
- In-game videos and art included (weight 0.09): In-game videos and art are included, adding narrative or visual content beyond gameplay. This enriches the experience for players interested in the brand's lore.
- Includes a campaign mode (weight 0.09): The game features a campaign mode, providing structured progression. This gives players a clear goal beyond freeform exploration.
- Combat simplicity (weight 0.08): Combat mechanics are described as simple, possibly making the game accessible but lacking depth. This simplicity may appeal to casual players but disappoint those seeking complex action.
- Pinball minigame included (weight 0.08): A pinball minigame is included as additional content. This offers variety from the main shooting and exploration activities.
- Aim trainer mode present (weight 0.08): An aim trainer mode is available, likely enhancing the shooting range experience. This may appeal to players wanting to improve accuracy.
- Robot interaction triggers surprise (weight 0.08): Pressing E on a robot triggers a surprise event. This interactive detail adds a memorable moment for players.

Performance notes:
- Extreme lag and low FPS (weight 0.58): 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 (weight 0.47): General complaints state the game is poorly optimized, with bugs and performance issues across various hardware configurations.
- Decent performance on GTX 1060 (weight 0.08): A player reports good performance on a GTX 1060 with at least 30 FPS, suggesting playability at lower expectations.
- Good hardware stress test (weight 0.08): One positive comment highlights the game's value as a benchmark for testing computer hardware, despite its issues.

Recommendations:
- Concept praised as interesting (weight 0.28): 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 (weight 0.22): 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 (weight 0.21): 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 (weight 0.15): 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 (weight 0.08): One reviewer specifically notes that the game works best with ASUS or Aura Sync hardware, indicating a potential hardware dependency or optimization focus.
- Virtual exhibition value noted (weight 0.08): One reviewer strongly recommends the game as a virtual exhibition, framing it as a way to experience an event rather than as a traditional game.
- Related game recommended (weight 0.08): A reviewer points out that playing Devolverland Expo is also worthwhile, suggesting that the game is part of a genre or series of similar promotional experiences.

Other player notes:
- Review bombing or bribery (weight 0.06): The feedback is a request for ROG branded merchandise in exchange for a positive review, which offers no gameplay related insight or constructive criticism.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Players experienced frustration due to poor optimization, especially on ASUS ROG laptops, with frequent crashes and frame drops even at low settings. Bugs, poor gameplay, and unintuitive menus further exacerbated the negative experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): Disappointment stemmed from low-quality graphics, poor physics, underdeveloped gameplay, and optimization issues including audio bugs. Expectation for hardware like the Falchion keyboard and PG32UQX monitor not being present added to the letdown.
- Anger (weight 0.08): Anger was triggered by poorly designed gun mechanics and a general sense that the game felt sadistic and unplayable, leading to a strongly negative emotional reaction.
- Amusement (weight 0.08): Amusement came from the game being an obvious sales pitch, the satirical context of seeing sexy computer parts for free, and a funny interaction when pressing E on a robot.
- Admiration (weight 0.08): Admiration was directed at the RGB integration with components and the quality of the advertisement and graphics, particularly the keyboard integration.
- Delight (weight 0.04): Delight arose from hardware being brought to life with strong visual appeal, making the experience engaging and pleasing.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.04): Dissatisfaction resulted from the game being perceived as merely a commercial with a large file size, lacking genuine gameplay value.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance was caused by a long, unskippable advertisement that interrupted the user experience.
- Gratitude (weight 0.04): Gratitude was expressed because the game motivated users to upgrade their hardware, implying a positive outcome from playing.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Satisfaction came from the model precision and CG quality, as well as the 3D inspection feature being superior to traditional media for examining products.
- Desire (weight 0.04): Desire was triggered by the want for Steam Points items such as ROG badges, indicating a craving for collectible rewards.
- Sarcasm (weight 0.04): Sarcasm was conveyed through dark humor about missing family, reflecting a cynical take on the game's narrative or presentation.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement was generated by the cute OMNI character, delicate design, great music, and cool display elements during the experience.
- Approval (weight 0.04): Approval was given because the game was considered better than a real CES event for appreciating products, highlighting its educational value.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Appreciation was felt for the cool demo and showcase of Gladius 3 mice, which effectively highlighted the product's features.}