Gauntlet Dark Legacy

"A fun multiplayer hack fest."

Overview of review: Gauntlet has finally come to the PS2. It is a 4 player at once game, provided that you have a multi tap. Now I can't compare this to the arcade version, because I never have played it. The game is similar to the Gauntlet: Legends for the N64, with the special weapons, and the sealed worlds. Eight worlds await you (that I know of) instead of the four from the original. They are Province, Mountain, Castle, Forest, Desert, Ice, Sky, Dream.

Graphics 7/10:

No offense here but, Midway could have done better. They are ok but, look similar to the N64 graphics. At least the cinemas are nice to see.

Sound and Music 8/10:

The music is so so. However the sound effects and voices are good.

Control 9/10:

Very good control, the character goes where you want. The only thing that is bad is the aiming. Sometimes you can't aim right (this is the reason I gave this a 9 instead of a 10).

Challenge 8/10:

Well your annoying count down life is gone, replaced with a hit point gauge that increases every level. Now even without it the game still is tough, with the hordes of enemies, traps, and bosses. To add to the challenge you also have to collect special items like fangs and crystals (used to open worlds). Once again the games has switches that you must find, at least not as many as in the N64 version. Another thing the enemies are more strategically placed, like the archers and you don't get familiar to level 30 now.

Fun Factor 9/10:

Is this game fun? Of course, even more fun if you have some friends join in. The game will enterain you for hours even days.

Replay value 10/10:

With eight default characters and nine hidden charters to use. You will have plenty of replay value, especially if try to get them all to legend status.

Rent or Buy:

That is up to the individual. I always rent games before I buy them, except for RPGs and games that I want really bad. Me, I bought the game without renting it. So far I have enjoyed the game.

Conclusion:

Gautlet: Dark Legacy may not be the most visually appealing game for the PS2, but it is at least fun. Something a lot of games now of days seem to lack. Personally IMO if games has no control or is no fun, you can put the best graphics and music to it, and the game will still suck. There are many games that fit the description (War Gods for one).

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/02/01, Updated 05/02/01