1993 · Action · Adventure

Gauntlet IV

Sega exclusive

Choose again from Thor the Warrior, Thyra the Valkyrie, Merlin the Wizard and Questor the Elf (each with their own advantages/disadvantages) and 1 to 4 players(supports Sega's four-player adapter).

Released: 1993
Platforms: Sega Genesis
Genres: Action Adventure Beat 'em up
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Themes: Action

About

Gauntlet IV is a 1993 action video game developed by M2 and published by Tengen for the Sega Genesis. It includes a four player port of the original Gauntlet, as well other exclusive modes such as a new RPG Quest Mode and head to head battle mode, it was well received by critics.

Keywords

ghosts
wizards
magic
death
elves
action-adventure
multiple protagonists
multiple endings
dwarves
warriors
human
bow and arrow

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Gauntlet IV features four different modes with different game play styles:

"Arcade mode", a port of the original arcade game, has up to four players exploring a sequence of dungeons shooting at masses of enemies with projectile weapons, collecting keys to open locked doors and finding potions that wipe out all enemies onscreen. The players health decreases constantly as the game progresses and has to be replenished by collecting food items and each stage often has multiple exits which send you to different levels.

Development

Gauntlet IV began as a port of the original Gauntlet for the X68000 as a project by a group of friends in Japan who would later form the development studio M2. It was picked up by Atari Games, the makers of the original game, and used instead as the basis for a sequel for the Genesis published by Tengen, their home-publishing imprint. The game's soundtrack was composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata.

Reception

Upon the game's release in 1993, MegaTech said that "the action is flawless" and had stood the test of time well. They continued that it was "a brilliant game, and one that warrants immediate attention". Mega praised the longevity of the game, saying it was "huge fun and a must-buy" and placing the game at No. 19 in their list of the best Mega Drive games of all time.