Summary

• Release Year: 1986
• Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
• Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, ZX Spectrum
• Publishers: Atari Games, Mindscape, Inc., U.S. Gold

Gauntlet II: A Legendary Dungeon Crawl

Released in 1986, Gauntlet II is a top-down dungeon crawl arcade game that quickly became a classic. Developed by Atari Games, it is the sequel to the highly successful Gauntlet, released two years prior. Gauntlet II introduces several new features and improvements that enhance the gameplay experience, making it a beloved title among arcade enthusiasts and dungeon crawler fans.

Gameplay: A Cooperative Adventure

Gauntlet II follows the same core gameplay as its predecessor. Players control one of four fantasy characters—Warrior, Valkyrie, Wizard, or Elf—and embark on a quest to collect treasure and defeat hordes of monsters in a series of randomly generated dungeons. The game supports up to four players simultaneously, encouraging cooperative gameplay and teamwork.

One of the key innovations in Gauntlet II is the ability for players to choose identical classes. Unlike the original game, where each joystick was assigned a specific character, players can now select the same class and differentiate themselves by color. This allows for more flexible party compositions and strategies.

New Features and Challenges

Gauntlet II introduces several new gameplay elements that add depth and variety to the dungeon crawling experience. These include:

• Altered Level Designs: Levels can now be encountered in different orientations, with the playfield rotating in 90-degree increments. This adds an extra layer of challenge and forces players to adapt their strategies on the fly.

• Enemy “It”: The dreaded “It” enemy makes its debut in Gauntlet II. Upon contact, “It” curses a player, making them the target of all other enemies. The only way to break the curse is to touch another player or reach the level’s exit, turning the game into a frantic game of tag.

• Special Pick-ups: New power-ups can be found throughout the dungeons, including the ability to ricochet shots off walls, acid puddles that inflict damage, and a dragon that requires multiple hits to defeat.

Level Elements and Secrets

Gauntlet II also adds new level elements that enhance the gameplay and challenge. These include:

• Invisible Walls: Some walls are invisible, making it difficult to navigate the dungeons and potentially leading players into traps.

• Magic Walls: These walls transform into monsters or items when struck, adding an element of surprise and danger.

• Stun Tiles: Stepping on these tiles stuns the player, leaving them vulnerable to enemy attacks.

• Fake Exits: Some levels feature fake exits that lead to dead ends or traps, requiring players to be observant and find the true exit.

Secret Rooms and Rewards

Completing specific achievements within a level, such as finding the real exit without being fooled by a fake one, grants access to secret rooms. These rooms contain valuable items such as food, magic potions, and power-ups that can significantly aid the players in their quest.

The Gauntlet Theme Tune

Gauntlet II is also notable for introducing the iconic Gauntlet theme tune, which has become synonymous with the franchise. Composed by Tim Follin, the theme is a simplified Baroque fugue that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere of adventure and excitement.

Legacy and Impact

Gauntlet II was a critical and commercial success, solidifying the Gauntlet series as a staple of the arcade gaming scene. It has been ported to numerous home platforms over the years and continues to be enjoyed by fans of dungeon crawlers and classic arcade games.

The game’s innovative gameplay features, such as the ability to choose identical classes and the introduction of new enemies and level elements, have influenced countless other dungeon crawlers and action RPGs. Gauntlet II remains a beloved and influential title that continues to entertain and challenge players to this day.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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