– Advertisement –
Seven Doors is an inexpensive puzzle title that has been around for a few years. However, recently it had its console debut, and that’s where I step in. This dark and eerie experience tests your mental prowess, logical thought process, and agility. As such, it blends multiple genres and squeezes them into a short but enjoyable endeavour.
Developed by Indigo Studios and published by SOEDESCO, this is a puzzle and trivia title. What’s more, it has some distinct escape room mechanics and is uncomfortably sinister. Moreover, the small rooms and claustrophobic spaces have unique themes with creepy undertones. Accordingly, it is an enjoyable but uncomfortable mental test.
Seven Doors tells a secretive tale.
Seven Doors does its best to keep you in the dark. Now, I’m talking both literally and metaphorically. As such, the plot is shrouded in mystery and the aesthetics are dark, haunting, and grim. Subsequently, you are kept on the edge of your seat as you attempt to progress.
The game opens with you locked in a corridor and no explanation of why you are there. However, within moments, a booming voice invites you to solve each puzzle you face. The journey comprises 7 unique problems that are located in 7 special rooms. Each area tests a different skill, but logic and problem-solving remain at the fore. Accordingly, if you manage to clear each room and open each of the Seven Doors, you’ll come face-to-face with your captor.
A straightforward idea.
Seven Doors doesn’t overcomplicate things. Instead, it relies on an interesting blend of trivia, riddles, and logic to define its puzzles. Alongside this, there are some clichéd horror moments that’ll make you jump. Normally, I’d despise these well-trodden elements, but I appreciated the change of pace. Furthermore, the moments that tested your dexterity and reactions were equally good.
The aim of each room is to complete the test, unlock the skull, and open the door. However, this is easier said than done. Whether you are gathering items, scouring paintings for clues, or avoiding traps, you’ll be pushed to your limits. Thankfully, the various tests at hand ensure that you’ll struggle at some point. Subsequently, this is an excellent experience for players of all abilities.
Seven Doors is potentially too dark.
I loved the sombre and oppressive nature of Seven Doors. Yet, its reliance on muted tones and low light was off-putting. At times, the developers relied on this seedy approach too much. Consequently, its impact was reduced. Instead, I’d have preferred to experience some surreal rooms that juxtaposed the sinister edge. Had this occurred, the action would have been more refreshing and exciting to observe.
This to one side, the first-person perspective enhances the feeling of claustrophobia. Moreover, the easy-to-read text helps you to work out what was required. Yet, at times, it was tough to find specific items. Unfortunately, the aforementioned low light made it tough to explore some of the rooms.
Where the developers excelled was the moody audio. The dramatic soundtrack and basic sound effects complement one another. What’s more, it wasn’t too loud, and it didn’t overpower each scene. Instead, it created an uncomfortable ambience that worked with the creepy theme.
A PC port.
Some PC-ported games work brilliantly. Age of Empires 2 blew my mind. However, Seven Doors wasn’t so spectacular. Disappointingly, the cursor lacks accuracy and the action buttons are poorly explained. Yet, once you overcome the issues and get used to the problems, it is a comfortable title to play.
Another shortcoming is the length of the gameplay. Unfortunately, Seven Doors is finished far too quickly. However, its inexpensive price point mitigates this issue while enhancing its desirability.
Seven Doors just about gets it right.
Though I’ve been thorough and highlighted a few issues, Seven Doors is a good puzzle experience. The blend of challenges and excellent audio will keep you entertained. Additionally, the jump scares and traps increase the difficulty further still. Accordingly, I liked it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you overcome each obstacle and unlock every door? Search for clues, collect the skulls, and find the exit.
