Gauntlet 4
| a game by | Tengen, and Atari Co. |
| Genres: | Action, Arcade Classics |
| Platform: |
 Genesis
|
| Editor Rating: | 8/10, based on 3 reviews |
| User Rating: | 9.0/10 - 2 votes |
| Rate this game: | |
| See also: | Gauntlet Games |
Downloads
Discussion More than a few gamers cut their teeth on Gauntlet, an arcade classic and one of the original games that made the NES so popular. This Genesis version, Gauntlet IV, comes through with classic arcade-style action and some intriguing new styles of play.
ProTip: It's worth watching the Demo Mode to pick up tips.
Gotta Getta Gauntlet
The name of the game's the same -- and it looks the same, too. All four modes of play -- Arcade, Quest, Battle, and Record -- feature traditional Gauntlet-style overhead-view action. As one of the famous foursome (Warrior, Valkyrie, Wizard or Elf), you run through each maze-like level in search of power-ups and the Exit to the next level. Along the way, it's a nonstop battle against skeletons, evil wizards and the rest of Gauntlet's familiar hordeof enemies. Each character has strengths and weaknesses, including the level of health they begin the game with. Gauntlet aficionados always have a favorite character and never agree on which is the best (Elf is quickest, Warrior is' strongest).
Don't shoot the Potions or the Food. You'll destroy them.
For a very cool variation on the original check out the new modes of play. The Quest Mode adds a role-playing dimension to Gauntlet. Players earn Experience Points, Weapons and Health by fighting battles while they try to solve the mystery of the tower. Even better, the Battle Mode pits up to four Gauntleteers against one another in a really entertaining head-to-head confrontation, where each player shoots it out in a winner-takes-all survival contest. In the Record Mode, players battle in different rooms of the castle, competing by doing damage and trying to complete a level in the shortest amount of time.
Gauntlet's graphics aren't impressive by current Genesis standards, but they look just like Gauntlet always looked!
- If you get stuck in a maze, just hang out. If you wait long enough, eventually all of the exits open!
- Stand between corner blocks and shoot diagonally. You're invulnerable to damage from the enemies on the other side od the blocks and you can take out generators and enemies easily.
- The best strategy in the Treasure Rooms is to first locate the Exit, scoop up all the Treasure Chesis you can and pop into the Exit at the last possible second.
Those familiar with the original won't notice anything out of line. Sound-wise, the tunes are somewhat tinny and annoying, but digitized voices repeat the comforting, familiar (although somewhat hard to figure out) Gauntlet phrases, such as "Wizard shot the food." Gauntlet's game play, even in the Quest Mode, is easy for even beginning gamers to learn. The controls are straightforward, and the action is at its most hysterical and entertaining when four players plug in with the adapter.
- When one of the Gauntieteers dies, any other player can run over and grab the stuff they leave behind -- Keys, Potions, etc.
- In the Battle Mode, if you fall into the Exits, you lose. The advantage to that is you can try to shoot at your competitors and knock them into the Exits and out of the competition.
Here Today, Gauntlet Tomorrow
If you loved Gauntlet, this 16-bit collector's edition is a game you'll enjoy. Even though the graphics are somewhat dated, the game play's as fun as it always was, especially in the multiplayer modes.
Download Gauntlet 4
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
- Game modes: Single game mode
Player controls:
- Up, Down, Left, Right - Arrow keys
- Start - Enter (Pause, Menu select, Skip intro, Inventory)
- "A" Gamepad button - Ctrl (usually Jump or Change weapon)
- "B" button - Space (Jump, Fire, Menu select)
- "C" button - Left Shift (Item select)
Use the F12 key to toggle mouse capture / release when using the mouse as a controller.
Game Reviews
- Manufacturer: Tengen
- Machine: Genesis
- Theme: Action/Adventure
People say:
The first four-player title for the Genesis! Boy, does it shine! Staying exactly the same from the arcade to the cart, this one is all the original and more! Cool Bosses to fight and TONS of levels to explore! The voices are near perfect and the difficulty, well, it really is quite a difficult quest. That is about the only problem with this cart. Add a four-player tap and the games a rollin' for four-player exploration fun!
Fantabulous! This version of Gauntlet IV is absolutely awesome! Terrific additions have been made like a lengthy Quest Mode and a blood-thirsty Battle Mode for a bunch of your friends. This game may get my vote as having the best music heard on the Genesis. It's orchestrated perfectly. And with the addition of being able to use the Sega Tap and EA's Four Way Play, the options are limitless.
This is the way a classic arcade game should be done. This is a carbon copy of its arcade cousin with tons of enhancements that make it even better. The four-player option is blast and it's the only way to play once you've been hooked. The graphics are good and the music is above average. The cart really shines in the game play department, with tons of levels plus hours upon hours of difficult adventure.
Very faithful to the arcade version, Gauntlet IV is a four-player game that will keep a quartet glued to the television for hours! The levels are huge and some of the Boss characters (like the giant fire-breathing dragon) are a knockout! The game is a little on the hard side, but there are tons of levels to explore and the game never seems to end! Yet, the four-player simultaneous play does inhibit individual "exploring.
Tengen is about to release a hot version of Gauntlet called Gauntlet IV (for four-player, that is). This game has four complete modes of play, and can have up to four players simultaneously on the screen. If you're a traditionalist, play the Arcade Mode. Or for a challenge, go against your friends in the Battle Mode. Try for the best score in the Record Mode to see how good you really are. And... for the ultimate player, there is a brand new quest game built in. If you like Gauntlet, you'll love this one. It even brings back all the original voices! It's the ultimate Gauntlet game!
Snapshots and Media
Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Screenshots
