Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows

Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Predecessor	Gauntlet Legends, Gauntlet Dark Legacy
Founded	2005
Headquarters	San Diego , United States
Owner	Midway Games

Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows serves as the follow-up to Gauntlet Legends and Gauntlet Dark Legacy. This title merges fantasy-themed hack-and-slash gameplay with tactical role-playing mechanics, offering single-player, cooperative, and online multiplayer experiences. While multiplayer functionality on Xbox Live was supported until April 15, 2010, it remains accessible online through the alternative Xbox Live service, Insignia.

Gameplay

Players can choose from the original quartet of heroes: the wizard, elf, warrior, and valkyrie. Each character gains access to purchasable combos and unique special moves after completing each world. Unlike Gauntlet Dark Legacy, this installment limits playable characters to these four, with no additional unlockable or customizable skins. Character progression occurs exclusively after world completion, as there is no central hub or in-game store for upgrades.

Plot

Long ago, four immortal champions served an emperor who coveted their eternal life. However, his six counselors betrayed him by crucifying these heroes upon a massive tree. The emperor, burdened by remorse yet inflicting six additional sorrows, was ultimately slain by these same advisors. Prior to his demise, he reversed his initial sorrow, liberating the heroes. Now powerless, they must restore their abilities to confront the emperor’s monstrous advisors and reverse his catastrophic impact before it leads to global ruin.

Development

The revival of the Gauntlet action RPG series at Midway's San Diego studio was initially spearheaded by industry figures John Romero and Josh Sawyer. Both departed from Midway prior to the game's release. Characters they introduced—Lancer and Tragedian—were omitted from the final version.

Reception

Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows garnered mixed feedback on all platforms. The PlayStation 2 edition averaged approximately 60% on GameRankings and 59/100 on Metacritic, while the Xbox version received slightly better ratings with 65% on GameRankings and 61/100 on Metacritic. Reviewers typically assigned scores between 5 and 7 out of 10, noting several flaws. For instance, IGN and GameZone both awarded a 7/10 for the Xbox iteration, while Electronic Gaming Monthly rated it 6.33/10. Conversely, outlets such as Eurogamer and GameSpot offered lower evaluations near 5 out of 10. Overall, the game was seen as a modest commercial venture met with tepid critical response.