I asked OpenAI’s GPT-3 to generate 31 different videogame ideas, one for each day of Blaugust, each dealing in some way with that particular day of the month. Here’s its idea for August 7th: “The Seven Sages”. I found out later this was a Zelda reference…
In “The Seven Sages”, you play as one of the seven ancient sages of mystery, who must journey through a vast and dangerous world to gather the seven magical artifacts that will save the realm from a great evil. The general play is similar to Megaman, in that you start off as a newbie sage and must then explore the world, fighting enemies and collecting items to help you on your quest. However, this is a Metroidvania game, so there will be plenty of exploration and backtracking as you uncover new areas and abilities that allow you to progress further.
The game world is also filled with secrets to discover, and each of the seven sages has their own unique abilities that will help you in different ways. As you discover and defeat your fellow sages, you’ll absorb their power and become even stronger, until you’re finally ready to face the ultimate challenge: the evil that threatens the world. The evil, you ask? It’s none other than the Dark One, a powerful being who was sealed away long ago but has now returned to wreak havoc.
It’s up to you and your fellow sages to stop him before he can gather the seven magical artifacts and use them to destroy the world. This is a tough game, and you’ll die often as you learn the ropes and explore the huge game world. But don’t worry, because death is just another opportunity to start again and try a different approach.
The Sages
The Seven Sages are a group of powerful mages who protect the world from evil. They each have their own unique abilities, and together they are a force to be reckoned with.
Leader of the group is Sage Solus, a wise and experienced mage who has seen many battles in his long life. He wields a staff that can shoot fireballs, and he knows how to use it to great effect.
Next is Sage Aeternus, a young man with a passion for adventure. He’s always looking for new challenges, and he’s not afraid to take risks. He carries a sword and shield, and he’s an expert at using them both in combat.
Then there’s Sage Ignis, a cunning strategist who always has a plan up her sleeve. She prefers to stay out of direct combat, but her magic is just as deadly. She wields a staff that can shoot lightning, and she knows how to use it to great effect.
Sage Terra is a strong and courageous warrior who always puts others before himself. He’s skilled with both a sword and a shield, and he’s not afraid to use his fists if necessary.
Sage Aquila is a gifted healer who uses her magic to help those in need. She carries a staff that can shoot beams of plasma, and she knows how to use it to great effect.
Last but not least is Sage Nox, a mysterious figure who keeps to the shadows. Not much is known about him, but he always seems to be there when you need him most. He wields a staff that can shoot devastating waves of sound, and he knows how to use it to great effect.
The Graphics & Gameplay
The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the game world is vast and filled with secrets to discover.
Players who use controllers will find the controls to be tight and responsive. Those who prefer mouse and keyboard, however, may find the controls to be a bit more floaty and imprecise. We recommend using a controller if possible. A player mod for mouse and keyboard controls is in the works and will be released soon.
Sound & Music
The sound design is top-notch, with a mix of catchy tunes and atmospheric tracks that set the perfect mood for exploration. The sound effects are also well done, and they really add to the game’s overall immersion. The most memorable tune plays when you’re close to discovering one of the seven magical artifacts. It’s sure to get your heart racing!
Meta
This game is a sequel to the award winning “The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest“. In that game, the sages sealed away the Dark One using the seven magical artifacts. Now, centuries later, the Dark One has returned and it’s up to you and your fellow sages to stop him. It came out for the PlayStation 4 on December 12, 2016, and is remembered as one of the best Metroidvania games ever made. Fans have been anticipating a sequel for years, and “The Seven Sages” finally delivers.
Reviews have been very positive, with many calling it a must-play for fans of the genre. IGN said, “The Seven Sages is a masterclass in Metroidvania design, and a must-play for fans of the genre.” But “Beyond XBox” pointed to some flaws in the game’s design, saying “The Seven Sages is a solid Metroidvania title that falters due to some poor level design choices.”
Either way, this is a game that Metroidvania fans will not want to miss.
DLC
The Seven Sages: The Dark One’s Return is a DLC pack for The Seven Sages that introduces a new game+ mode as well as a number of new areas, enemies, and bosses to the game. It’s available now for $4.99.
There is also an in-game cash shop that offers a variety of cosmetic items, such as new outfits for the sages. These are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay.
Difficulty
The difficulty in The Seven Sages is just right. There are some challenging areas and bosses, but overall the game is fair. Players who die often will find that the game does a good job of gradually teaching them what they need to know in order to progress. Those who want an even greater challenge can try their hand at the new game+ mode, which ramps up the difficulty considerably.
The Seven Sages is a great Metroidvania game that offers plenty of challenge, exploration, and secrets to discover. Fans of the genre will not be disappointed.
