7th Sector is a puzzle-platformer set in a mysterious cyberpunk world, with control passing between a robot, a drone, a gun-toting robot and a human. The protagonist begins as a spark of a robot that gains sentience, the story told through scattered terminals and posters.
The sense of escalation is the story’s strength, as a small spark grows into something far larger over the course of the world. The narrative offers little explanation, leaving the world open to interpretation in the same spirit as Inside.
The puzzles are the core of the experience, creative in design with randomised elements that keep replays fresh. Many are extremely obtuse, however, and a solution can work without being understood, which dulls the sense of achievement.
The control scheme is the game’s weakest area, with controller aiming mapped to the d-pad and no right-stick support, making the gun sections awkward. The car and crane-driving sections are the low point, repeatedly singled out as the worst parts of the experience.
Turrets are a recurring annoyance because they cannot be seen until they open fire, and one late puzzle’s layout does not line up. A late-game bug can also leave the scene stuck in an empty void, requiring a reload.
The presentation holds up well for a game of its era, with the humanoid robot designs leaving a lasting impression. Despite the frustrations, the game remains enjoyable throughout, with the puzzles staying engaging even at their most obscure.
Overall, puzzle design and the escalating cyberpunk journey make 7th Sector a satisfying, atmospheric experience. The controller scheme and car sections are the main obstacles, but the creative puzzles carry it through.