Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows stays true to its dungeon-crawling roots, delivering relentless hack-and-slash action that’s easy to pick up yet offers surprising depth. You’ll choose from the classic quartet—the Warrior, Valkyrie, Elf, and Wizard—each bringing a distinct playstyle. Whether you’re cleaving through hordes with brute force, darting around with swift strikes, raining arrows down from afar, or unleashing devastating spells, combat feels satisfying and immediate.

Puzzles are present but simple, mostly revolving around finding keys, pressing switches, and activating portals to advance through each labyrinthine level. These light challenges break up the waves of enemies without demanding overly complex problem-solving. The pacing remains brisk, ensuring that you stay in the rhythm of battle rather than getting bogged down in brain-teasers.

Character progression is straightforward yet rewarding. Vanquishing foes grants experience points that you can allocate to three core stats, allowing you to tailor your hero’s strengths to your preferred approach. Scattered throughout the levels are chests containing improved armor and weapons, while gold earned in combat can be spent on new moves, letting you expand your combat repertoire as you delve deeper.

Multiplayer is where Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows truly shines. Up to four players can team up in local co-op or online matches, coordinating attacks and strategies to tackle tougher foes and imposing bosses. The online feature seamlessly replicates the in-room experience, connecting friends (or strangers) across different consoles. Cooperation, resource sharing, and class synergy elevate the replay value, making each run feel fresh.

Graphics

Seven Sorrows marks a significant upgrade over its predecessors, boasting richly detailed environments and dynamic lighting that bring the dark dungeons to life. Flickering torches cast ominous shadows on moss-covered walls, while splashes of blood and magical effects glow vividly against the stone. The result is an atmospheric world that feels immersive rather than static.

Character models are crisp and colorful, each hero featuring distinctive armor sets and fluid animations. The Warrior’s heavy swings send dirt flying, the Valkyrie’s acrobatic flips feel agile, the Elf’s bowstrings twang with verve, and the Wizard’s spell effects burst in showers of light. Enemy designs vary from skeletal minions to hulking golems, ensuring that combat encounters remain visually engaging.

Level variety helps prevent monotony: winding corridors give way to flooded catacombs, fiery forges, and crystalline caverns. Subtle particle effects—sparks, embers, and mist—enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming the action. Even on modest hardware, performance stays steady, allowing you to focus on the thrill of battle rather than technical hiccups.

While not a showcase for cutting-edge graphics, Seven Sorrows strikes a balance between visual flair and functional clarity. Important elements—like traps, doors, and treasure chests—stand out clearly, ensuring that you’re never left wondering where to go next. This pragmatic design keeps the game accessible to newcomers and veterans alike.

Story

At the heart of Seven Sorrows lies a tale of regret, redemption, and ancient betrayal. The Emperor, once the steadfast benefactor of four legendary heroes, betrayed them by crucifying them to a magical tree in pursuit of immortality. Centuries pass before the Emperor, reduced to a remorseful ghost, realizes the extent of his folly and vows to set things right.

Freed from torment, the four heroes embark on a quest to defeat the Emperor’s six former advisors—each a formidable boss lurking at the end of sprawling dungeons. Though the narrative unfolds through brief cutscenes and NPC dialogue, it effectively motivates your journey. The themes of loyalty and atonement resonate as you slash your way toward each advisor’s lair.

While the story isn’t the game’s primary focus, it provides a coherent backdrop for the hack-and-slash mayhem. Boss encounters feel meaningful, with each advisor’s design and lair reflecting their individual corruption. The narrative pacing aligns well with the gameplay, ensuring you always have a clear objective: undo the Emperor’s wrongs by vanquishing his once-trusted council.

For players seeking deeper lore, scattered runes and inscriptions reveal snippets of backstory. These optional collectibles encourage exploration and add layers to the world’s history. Though not essential for enjoying the core experience, they reward completionists with intriguing insights into the Emperor’s descent into madness.

Overall Experience

Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows delivers a robust dungeon-crawler that balances classic hack-and-slash thrills with accessible progression and co-op fun. Whether you’re playing solo or teaming up with friends online, the loop of clearing rooms, unlocking doors, and upgrading your hero remains consistently engaging. Short respawn times and clear level layouts keep frustration minimal, letting you focus on the joy of slaying monsters.

Replay value is high, thanks to the four distinct classes and the lure of better gear hidden in every corner. Experimenting with different character builds—maxing out your Wizard’s mana pool or turning your Valkyrie into a whirling tempest—keeps subsequent playthroughs fresh. The six unique boss battles offer satisfying challenges that test both skill and coordination in multiplayer.

Although the hack-and-slash formula may feel familiar to veterans, Seven Sorrows refines and polishes it with improved visuals, streamlined progression, and reliable online multiplayer. Its moderate puzzle element and cohesive story lend context to the carnage, making each victory feel purposeful rather than mere button-mashing.

For fans of classic dungeon-crawlers and cooperative fantasy adventures, Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows is a worthy addition to the series. Its blend of solid gameplay, atmospheric graphics, and a straightforward yet compelling narrative creates an experience that’s both accessible to newcomers and satisfying for longtime devotees. Whether you seek solo challenges or epic four-player battles, this title offers hours of dungeon-delving enjoyment.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10