Sega Mega Drive: Gauntlet 4

Year: 1985
Genre: Hack ‘em up
Players: 2
Our Rating: 7/10

Mini Review

Gauntlet, Gauntlet, Gauntlet… Now this is a game that is engrained in to the minds of those that survived the ‘80s. There are various editions, versions, numbering systems of this title. When we speak of Gauntlet we speak of a phenomenon. For the purpose of this entry I will focus on the game “Gauntlet” AKA “Gauntlet IV (4)” as it was known in Europe for the 16-bit consoles. Inspired by the dungeons and dragons role playing era you will be given the option of four heroes:

Thor the Warrior
Merlin the Wizard
Thyra the Valkyrie
Questor the Elf

With each there’s a pay off between strength, armour and damage.

I personally favour either the wizard for power or the elf for his running away abilities. The Mega Dive/Genesis outing includes additional Quest and Battle Modes. As always the main premise is to adventure in dungeons collecting, potions, food and keys (the use of each is fairly obvious). As you attempt to find the small black square marked “Exit” on each floor you will be set upon by hoards and hoards of enemies. Most of which will regenerate from a hub/home. The one player version is mercilessly hard once you reach later floors and you will beg friends to help you to divert enemies and cover your back. One thing worth mentioning about this game is the digitized voice over. Phrases such as “Green Elf Shot the Food!” and “Wizard is about to die!” just add to the home made feel of the game. I’m a huge fan of digitized speech in retro games, the poor quality just defines the feel of the 1980s gaming world. Although this hasn’t been much of a review as such, I really hope that you can pick up a copy of this game. The ultimate version for me is still the 4 player arcade and the Amiga “Gauntlet II” edition comes in a very close second. If a video isn’t already up yet I will post one of the game play soon, it will explain more than words ever could. Happy questing!