Gauntlet Legends

"Ah Gauntlet... it's back... and better than ever"

Ah... nostalgia... anyone who hasn't played the original Gauntlet in either the arcades or on the NES truely can't appreciate the fun that this game is. However... I'll address that below.Gameplay: 8 - The controls are a bit awkward to get used to. No, mashing the attack button isn't that hard, it's the inventory controls that are difficult to get used to. After a while they become smoother. However, the camera sweeps and swoops into almost the perfect places when it needs to. It's not that hard to see... unless its supposed to be. However, this game is a definate improvement over the arcade version. #1 best improvement... your health doesn't degenerate. Spend all the time you want in a level, plus, you can revisit the ones you have beaten. If you play the game, you'll know why.Story: 7 - Decent story. A bit short, but it works with what you are doing. Most of the game is taking place in the levels, but the story does provide you with a good reason for killing literally endless hordes of monsters.Graphics: 10 - While not as awe-inspiring as the arcades, if you slap an expansion pak in your N64, this game pulls off great things.Sound: 10 - Did I forget to mention nostalgia? If you HAVE played the original Gauntlet, you will immediately recognize the opening theme to the game. As you get farther into it, you will eventually come to the best track of music. The Gauntlet theme remixed Techno style with an organ! You have to hear it to believe it. Also, the other levels all have appropriate music.Replayability: 8 - If you enjoy blasting thousands upon thousands upon thousands of monsters over and over and over, or you've got a lot of friends to play with, this game can give you a lot of fun times. (Believe me... with friends you'll have to go through the levels a few more times to make up the experience you would've gotten if you were by yourself.) Still... good party game.Buy or Rent? This one actually depends. If you have a lust for a whole hell of a lot of multiplayer jam-sessions, then this game is for you. However, it is possible to beat it in 5 days. (I did it in 3.) So renting is an option.Overall score: 8 - This game does well in my books. Partially for the nostalgia factor, and partially because it's the only game my girlfriend will play. However, the game is quite fun to play. You'll love what happens when you beat it. Go ahead and give it a whirl!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/23/00, Updated 02/23/00