Gauntlet
Gauntlet is a clone of Defender.
SCREENSHOTS
PHYSICAL
HISTORY
Gauntlet is a clone of Defender written by Chris Terran published in the UK by Micro Power. Described as "a very competent implementation of one of the most popular arcade games", it was initially released for the Acorn Electron, and later made available for the BBC Micro, with an Amstrad CPC version arriving in 1985.
Gameplay
The player controls an X15 spacecraft, protecting canisters from the hostile Reeg forces. In the game, Reeg landers search the landscape for canisters. If a lander grabs a canister and makes it to the top of the screen, it turns into a mutant. The player must shoot the enemy ship to release a grabbed canister, but if it falls too far, then it's destroyed on impact. There are also other ships such as cruisers, which when hit, unleash buzzer ships.
The player has smart bombs available which destroy all on-screen enemies. On the higher levels there are additional enemy ships such as mine layers which are capable of launching killer ships, unless the player can destroy them quickly. If the player allows destruction of all canisters, then a hoard of mutants attack and the landscape completely disappears.
1CC RUNS
One-credit clears we point to as the benchmark for this game.
REVIEWS
Published elsewhere, collected here. Every score is the outlet's own, on the outlet's own scale. Follow the link for the full review.
“Gauntlet: Slayer Edition is still well-worth a play, especially for fans of hack-and-slash action. It's a streamlined dungeon-crawler with easy-to-learn combat and a great selection of time-tested characters. Things may start to feel repetitive after a while, but playing with your friends and taking breaks every couple of levels can help things feel fresh again.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Gauntlet: Slayer Edition. While playing single player can be fun, this game shines at its brightest when played with friends at its hardest difficulty. Simply put, Gauntlet: Slayer Edition is a great lark about with buddies, and Arrowhead almost hit the bullseye with this one, if only the visuals and music were a bit more interesting.”
“Arrowhead has managed to capture the essence of the original Gauntlet in this fast and fun co-op experience.”
“A welcomed release on the PS4 that is a blast with friends for satisfying, short player sessions.”
“Gauntlet is a fun game when you can find others to play and this modern interpretation successfully combines the best elements of the original and throws in a few 21st century twists. The biggest letdown of Gauntlet for me are the graphics which does seem a little basic. Thankfully the gameplay works, especially in four player co-op and if you're looking for a great walk down memory lane, than Arrowhead Game Studios definitely delivers one of the best interpretations of this classic arcade game.”
“The newest installment in the Gauntlet franchise is a lot of fun, and the gameplay is strongly reminiscent of classic gaming, while taking advantage of some modern conventions. All of the characters handle differently, and each world has a distinct flavor to it. I like how the leveling system works, since it depends on multiple playthroughs- it fits very well with what I expect from a Gauntlet game. Unfortunately, the lack of variety in levels doesn't warrant more than a couple playthroughs. Which really hampers a game that hinges on you and your friends beating it and coming back for more.”
“This title cries "let's play" and would be right at home on a console, regardless if it's a past-generation or current generation title. That said, Arrowhead has gone on record and stated that there are no plans to bring this title to the consoles, a real shame. That said you can't go wrong with Gauntlet and while it is a bit short, it is a fun game especially when you're playing with others. The title is solid and I highly recommend it and a few friends to slash the night away.”
“I would say pick it up, but if you do, try to at least convince one or two friends to pick it up with you. You'll all have a more enjoyable time together.”
“Arrowhead made a very true-to-source Gauntlet game, no doubt, but the source is 30 years old, and could use some modern accouterments. Gauntlet is as much fun as it has ever been, but it'll get old fast for those who still remember slogging through the original.”
“A retro-restoration that's fun with friends for a while, but the repetitive levels and a lack of any relevant progression set the stage for a mundane mix.”
“Gauntlet is good and fun, but I don't think about it much between sessions. And that's about it. I feel like I've said more than is necessary at this point, really. It's competently made and enjoyable and you might forget you have it if you don't play it for a week.”
“As gamers, we've certainly become a lot more demanding for original and varied content across the stretch of a game, and while repetition and score-beating held up well 30 years ago, it's not the case anymore. For series fans looking for a temporary time machine this'll do the trick, for most other gamers, it's a simple reminder of gaming's brilliant, but dated, past.”
“There are moments in Gauntlet: Slayer Edition that shine. Whether it's successfully taking out a room full of enemies with your three co-op partners or, even better, single-handedly, because your friends already died and now they owe you a debt. These are the moments that people will play for despite its repetitive nature, but that repetition is ultimately the deal-breaker and the other issues only serve to reinforce that there are other games in the genre that do it better.”
“Gauntlet: Slayer Edition on the PS4 is great fun with some friends, but the end-game consists of too much repetition and endlessly grinding for gold coins.”
“Personally, I was happy to have finished the game because I was so worn out by the monotony that I just wanted to stop. If I didn't feel compelled to finish every single level in the campaign for review purposes, I probably wouldn't have bothered seeing the ending. Yet despite everything I've just said, I will say that Gauntlet: Slayer Edition does suffice as a multiplayer experience. It's serviceable enough that, if you and a couple of friends want to get together to play games over some drinks, you're not going to have too bad of a time with this title. It's still a such mindless button mash”
“This could have been much better if it had made a few more modern day concessions like random loot drops and a proper XP system. Still, if you're a retro gamer who fancies a change to Diablo III, it's undeniably fun for an evening session while you catch up with friends or even with randomers online.”
“There are some neat little deviations from the formula here, but it's far too safe to linger in your memory once you've had your fill of slaying monsters.”
“If you're going to get it do so now, because there won't be anyone around to play with by Christmas. Gauntlet needs fun, badly.”
“There is a lot of customization in terms of the various equipment you can outfit each character with, but it doesn't come close to the variety of builds that would have been available had the game employed a traditional loot system. Alas, Gauntlet isn't that game.”
“Don't spend the $20 asking price, but consider it for a weekend jaunt if you can get a sale price on a four-pack.”
Reviews are the work of the outlets named. Titles, scores and quoted excerpts are reproduced for identification and criticism; each links to the original.
SCORES
RELEASES 13 systems
PHYSICAL RELEASES 1 box
