Gauntlet (2014)

 PC
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 101 out of 184
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 184
  3. Negative: 30 out of 184

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  1. twistedreal
    Dec 1, 2014
    8
    I picked this game up on sale for $10 and I must say that it was a well $10 spent! Coop is a blast! I tried playing it alone but without the coop element it got dull pretty quick. Gauntlet, 20 years ago, was about being in the same room as someone else and killing monsters and getting gold together. I can do exactly this in Gauntlet 2014.

    My biggest issue with the game is the wizard    I picked this game up on sale for $10 and I must say that it was a well $10 spent! Coop is a blast! I tried playing it alone but without the coop element it got dull pretty quick. Gauntlet, 20 years ago, was about being in the same room as someone else and killing monsters and getting gold together. I can do exactly this in Gauntlet 2014.

    My biggest issue with the game is the wizard class. the combo button scheme is strange to me and isn't gauntlet like. The wizard isn't a class that anyone can pick up and play. All other characters are great!

    Don't look too much into the negative reviews. A lot of people don't understand what Gauntlet is (this is a little different from the traditional concept Gauntlet, but imo a good twist) . I think they were expecting something more along the lines of Diablo. You aren't going to have fun if you play this by yourself and conquer it in 4 hours. It was meant to be played as a team!    … Expand
  2. The_Fun_Too
    Aug 11, 2015
    9
    I liked this game. It´s very enjoyable.

    It´s kinda hard to play alone, and very fun to play with friends. I dont play the first Gauntlet, but i´m happy to aplay this one!
  3. Unreamarkable
    Sep 26, 2014
    8
    This is a great remake, true to the fun of the original game. The difficulty levels allow players looking for a challenge to experience death on the level of the original title but there are also easier difficulties for the rest of us. The variation in play mechanics for each character is a strong point that allows Gauntlet to not be overly simple but also not to lose its arcadish feel.This is a great remake, true to the fun of the original game. The difficulty levels allow players looking for a challenge to experience death on the level of the original title but there are also easier difficulties for the rest of us. The variation in play mechanics for each character is a strong point that allows Gauntlet to not be overly simple but also not to lose its arcadish feel. The potential for growth in this game is still there, which keeps it from being a 10 in my books, but the foundation is fantastic and hopefully there will be some memorable DLC to push this game up the last few notches to a must-play co-op experience.… Expand
  4. ohtwo
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    I am old enough to remember playing Gauntlet in the arcades and going crazy when I saw that a certain arcade had it. It was one of the best games of the 80s, hands down. I decided to purchase it on steam and I am glad I did. The game feels very much like the old gauntlet did, even keeping sayings like "Warrior needs food, badly.", the spawning skulls even look different as you damageI am old enough to remember playing Gauntlet in the arcades and going crazy when I saw that a certain arcade had it. It was one of the best games of the 80s, hands down. I decided to purchase it on steam and I am glad I did. The game feels very much like the old gauntlet did, even keeping sayings like "Warrior needs food, badly.", the spawning skulls even look different as you damage them to a certain point, and many other little things that just brought back great memories!

    The developers of the game also did not go overboard and try to re-create the wheel. The kept it simple and made it just overall very fun to play. Each class has a different feel to it, and I love how they integrated the achievements in to the game play. Example: Die 5 times and you will drop less gold on deaths. So dying isn't exactly a bad thing in this game.

    Also love the fact that this isn't a pure click-to-win game. You can, and you will have to restart the entire level if you don't pay attention. The game uses "Skull coins" or something to allow you to continue play after you die. If you lose all your skull coins on one level, you die completely and have to restart the level. Makes the game feel like the arcade!

    Overall 10/10. I can't see how they could of made this better. Loving this game and it's only $20 on steam.. Best $20 game I've purchased in a long time.    … Expand
  5. Dombeeduck
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    As a person who has played many editions of this series ( the original, legends, and dark legacy) I see this game as a great edition to those. While, it doesn't play exactly like the classics it modernizes the combat system. The Elf playing like the classic gauntlet by shooting things as much as possible, the Wizard shoots varied projectiles based on the combinations of buttons you hitAs a person who has played many editions of this series ( the original, legends, and dark legacy) I see this game as a great edition to those. While, it doesn't play exactly like the classics it modernizes the combat system. The Elf playing like the classic gauntlet by shooting things as much as possible, the Wizard shoots varied projectiles based on the combinations of buttons you hit beforehand akin to Magicka, the Warrior is a heavy hitting brawler, and the Valkyrie acts like a tank. The game takes a different method of character progression in comparison to Legends and Legacy by swapping out the leveling system with upgrading the

    character based off of their performance.
    For example: the wizard has a thing if you kill X amount of enemies you get a 15% reduction on the cool-down of your charge ability.

    The item system only allows you to carry two items but I'd argue that these items are significantly more unique with items such as a gargoyle or fire boots that leave a trail of flames that damage enemies.

    Overall its a breath of fresh air to the series and if you love gauntlet like I do you'll certainly love this game as much as I do    … Expand
  6. Euphio
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    With solid controls, tons of loot, many reasons to explore, and 4 classes that are incredibly varied with different control schemes Gauntlet's reboot is fantastic. The writing is witty and the game doesn't take itself too seriously, which is very welcome. The only downside is how Gauntlet thrives on couch co-op, which maybe very difficult for some to pull off since this is a PC only gameWith solid controls, tons of loot, many reasons to explore, and 4 classes that are incredibly varied with different control schemes Gauntlet's reboot is fantastic. The writing is witty and the game doesn't take itself too seriously, which is very welcome. The only downside is how Gauntlet thrives on couch co-op, which maybe very difficult for some to pull off since this is a PC only game as of right now.… Expand
  7. Drahsid
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    This is an amazing reboot, great game, lots of fun, with more features coming soon!
    I recommend you buy it now, especially if you like arcade dungeon crawlers, as the series is the granddaddy of them.
    #NeedFoodBadly
  8. simonblore
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    I'm giving this 10/10 because other people have been so harsh on the game. If you don't like it, fine. If you struggle with a Control Pad, use a Mouse & Keyboard instead and don't give it 0/10 without a better reason.

    Next up Gauntlet is barely an RPG. Sure, you play as something you are not in real life, but Unreal Tournament isn't an RPG. It is just a co-operative dungeon crawler like    I'm giving this 10/10 because other people have been so harsh on the game. If you don't like it, fine. If you struggle with a Control Pad, use a Mouse & Keyboard instead and don't give it 0/10 without a better reason.

    Next up Gauntlet is barely an RPG. Sure, you play as something you are not in real life, but Unreal Tournament isn't an RPG. It is just a co-operative dungeon crawler like Magicka was, but all indoors instead of a mix of locations.

    I'd probably otherwise say 8/10. It is a good game, will I play it for 50+ hours? Probably. Would I pay £14.99 for it? Clearly. Do I think it is a true reboot of the Classic Game? Absolutely.

    Next up we have a comment about class imbalance. Finding three of the classes hard? Play the other one. I can solo the game I have played so far with the Elf, so how you can say it is actually too hard unless you play the Valkyrie is beyond me. I agree about the Wizard, but in co-op that sort of thing may play better.

    Notice I agree with Thaeru who noted the game had a lot of Magicka in it as a negative criticism. Notice that Thaeru went on to give the game 6/10. Not 0/10 and not 2/10. Thaeru even found a game-breaking bug and it got 6/10 - about the worst game experience you can have.

    Think carefully before you mark a game that far in the Red.

    If you like co-op Dungeon-Crawlers. You will like Gauntlet. That's the bottom-line.    … Expand
  9. beergogglesftw
    Sep 25, 2014
    8
    This game is a lot of fun with friends.

    I feel like the Warrior needs a buff. He seems to always be the last one selected. I never cared for Magicka, but I actually really like the Wizard class here. Its easier and simpler than Magicka, but fun and rewarding to quickly learn the combos. It could use more content than what I've seen so far.I hope they add more without the threat of    This game is a lot of fun with friends.

    I feel like the Warrior needs a buff. He seems to always be the last one selected.

    I never cared for Magicka, but I actually really like the Wizard class here. Its easier and simpler than Magicka, but fun and rewarding to quickly learn the combos.

    It could use more content than what I've seen so far.I hope they add more without the threat of Microtransaction DLC. I bought a 4-pack and got my money's worth.    … Expand
  10. DutchDagger
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    This is probably one of the best classic series reboots I've ever played. I was always a fan of the arcade and NES Gauntlet games, and this one combines what was great about those games with good graphics, humour, improved combat, and much more. If you're looking for a classic Gauntlet experience, try playing as the Elf, as his combat style is a lot like the original games. 10/10 I shot the food.
  11. Cacophony
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    This game is a tremendous co-op experience with partially randomized dungeons and hilarious cooperative/competitive gameplay. The four playable characters have very unique playstyles which complement one another nicely, and the difficulty can scale up to require a truly seasoned party to overcome. Character progression is satisfying and interesting, eschewing Gauntlet Legends'This game is a tremendous co-op experience with partially randomized dungeons and hilarious cooperative/competitive gameplay. The four playable characters have very unique playstyles which complement one another nicely, and the difficulty can scale up to require a truly seasoned party to overcome. Character progression is satisfying and interesting, eschewing Gauntlet Legends' experience-based system for one which provides discrete bonuses for individual actions and achievements (you start healing when you blow up food if you do it enough!).

    Overall, Gauntlet is and always has been a game for people with friends, so if you have a group of buddies to play and laugh with (either over voicechat or on the couch with you), you're going to have a great time. Playing solo is still fun, but might be too difficult and doesn't really showcase the true shine of this title. For $20 this title is absolutely worth every penny.    … Expand
  12. Jordanrosser13
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    This game is everything I was praying it would be. The four characters available have differences in their playing styles which makes the game worth playing multiple times. The enemies are difficult at times but this forces the player to get creative rather than fall into the same murderous trance over and over again. Each floor contains something different from bosses, to death incarnate,This game is everything I was praying it would be. The four characters available have differences in their playing styles which makes the game worth playing multiple times. The enemies are difficult at times but this forces the player to get creative rather than fall into the same murderous trance over and over again. Each floor contains something different from bosses, to death incarnate, to just flat out treasure troves. To make things better, the game contains many upgrades in the form of relics and you can even customize your hero with new armor and weapons in the shop in the hub room. This game is made even more fun when you play with your friends, the teamwork element makes strategies more fun and gathering more loot than your friend is always a fun contest. I cannot wait to see how this game progresses. It is a fantastic reboot and is more fun than most games I've played this year.… Expand
  13. Kashemi
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    Before Diablo there was Gauntlet. This game started it all, and now it was finally remade! Plus you can play in "classic" mode (arcade style). The classes are fun to play, the grinding is actually exciting, and the difficulties are, well, in fact like any arcade style game, Difficult.
  14. Vapidity
    Sep 24, 2014
    8
    Honestly, I've played it for about 2 hour so far and I just wanted to stop in and say that I really like the combat, you gotta dash, attack, keep distance, use power ability, etc... but its different than D3 somehow. Having the 4 people is fun, no quests, just killing, the random things the characters say...all good. Is there in game chat besides emoting?

    TLDR: Played 2-3 hours,    Honestly, I've played it for about 2 hour so far and I just wanted to stop in and say that I really like the combat, you gotta dash, attack, keep distance, use power ability, etc... but its different than D3 somehow. Having the 4 people is fun, no quests, just killing, the random things the characters say...all good. Is there in game chat besides emoting?

    TLDR: Played 2-3 hours, liking combat and game in general.    … Expand
  15. TheChriss
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    First time I saw this reboot on steam, I was thinking " 20$ only... should be like a mini game with such a price" I played the other gauntlet released on PS2 several yeears ago, and I remember having so much fun playing with my brother. So I guess this on could not be worst and I also needed a game to play with friends.

    The point is... This is perfect The maniability is really good    First time I saw this reboot on steam, I was thinking " 20$ only... should be like a mini game with such a price" I played the other gauntlet released on PS2 several yeears ago, and I remember having so much fun playing with my brother. So I guess this on could not be worst and I also needed a game to play with friends.

    The point is... This is perfect

    The maniability is really good and pleasant and easy to learn, and for those who say there is a probleme with the control... I guess they are not very smart because it's really easy to fixe with the keyboard and buying a pad is not that expensive...

    The progression of the caracter is something I really like... You don't loos your time in your inventory full of random **** like in diablo for exemple. You juste take pleasure by killing creatures and the succes system will upgrade your caracter, prefect!!
    But you spend time in this smart shop were you can choose your two Relics and try to find the best combo for your caracter.

    The graphics are simple and nice, we don't need more.

    This is the perfect game to spend hours and hours with friends and have fun with them. What else???    … Expand
  16. CodyMac82
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    I'm giving this a strong 10. As a PC user who is a huge fan of Co-Op games it's hard to find anything worth playing with a friend. Been playing this with a buddy of mine for like 8 hours and have enjoyed every minute. It's a little more difficult than I expected it to be which is definitely not a bad thing and seems like it will give it some good replay value (we started on hard, as II'm giving this a strong 10. As a PC user who is a huge fan of Co-Op games it's hard to find anything worth playing with a friend. Been playing this with a buddy of mine for like 8 hours and have enjoyed every minute. It's a little more difficult than I expected it to be which is definitely not a bad thing and seems like it will give it some good replay value (we started on hard, as I usually do, and we got slaughtered). Lots of loot and upgrades which is always nice in these types of games. Anyways, if you're looking for a game to play with a friend this is it.… Expand
  17. SenshudoTV
    Oct 9, 2014
    9
    Gauntlet gets everything right in an HD reboot/remake. It's stunning visuals for such a cheap game are worth the price of admission alone. The real fun begins when you bring a friend along for the ride via the local or online co-op multiplayer system. It deserves a place in everyone's library.
  18. Skipnipper
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    I had to give this game a 10/10. This is how games should be made, great old School fun. Get some mates together and really enjoy the multiplayer experience as it should be done, flawlessly.

    Very well done to the makers of this game, thank you so much!
  19. eekz
    Sep 26, 2014
    9
    Great classic game. Requires skill. Much more fun and action than diablo and alike games. I like skills that characters have and dynamic of gameplay. At higher difficulties game reminds me darksouls and is a challenge.
    Elves always steal crown in last moment :)
  20. thandriel
    Sep 25, 2014
    9
    This game is very good cooperative dungeon crawler. If you expect RPG I have bad news for you. Character development is present only in form of perks (if you destroy enough food it actually starts to heal you, mage ignores first hit after taking amount of dmg, etc.), buying and upgrading relics (spells) and vanity items (armor skins).

    Each of four characters has unique feel and    This game is very good cooperative dungeon crawler. If you expect RPG I have bad news for you. Character development is present only in form of perks (if you destroy enough food it actually starts to heal you, mage ignores first hit after taking amount of dmg, etc.), buying and upgrading relics (spells) and vanity items (armor skins).

    Each of four characters has unique feel and different playstyle.

    Mage: Casting is done by combining 3 elements into 9 spells (very similar to magicka). It takes a while to get used to and such it creates disadvantage in the beginning. But after a bit of practice this makes wizard useful in any situation you can imagine and IMHO the strongest class.

    Valkyrie: My favourite. Mobile, strong, capable of tanking and with ranged attack.

    Warrior: Brutal killing machine, creates a lot of space with every blow. Capable of running through hordes and invincible when using his special attack.

    Elf: Quite the same as in the original. Bombs and arrows, bombs ON arrows :), sniping mode and dodging.

    Addressing issue Catwaffles mentioned: the wizard/ranger only shoot at 45* angles
    This is just false. All classes have omnidirectional aim.

    Graphics are mediocre. Not ugly, not awesome.

    Overall: Gather some friends and go play this. It's fun. And that's the most important thing, isn't it? Btw sorry for my English. It's not my first language.    … Expand
  21. slick_trick
    Oct 31, 2015
    9
    Excellent game with a very good learning curve, 5 characters that all play different. The wizard spell system is really well done and the others characters also have a somewhat complex system of their own in terms of learning how to actually survive the increasingly challenging levels. There is an active community playing Endless and it truly is endless.. the number 1 guy on theExcellent game with a very good learning curve, 5 characters that all play different. The wizard spell system is really well done and the others characters also have a somewhat complex system of their own in terms of learning how to actually survive the increasingly challenging levels. There is an active community playing Endless and it truly is endless.. the number 1 guy on the leaderboard has gotten to somewhere around the 1800th floor. You only have to get past the first checkpoint (19th) floor for things to start getting crazy. And there are always people jumping in the game if you make it public.… Expand
  22. tehace
    Nov 25, 2014
    9
    Game is genuinly fun, even better with friends and doesnt pretend to be something else than it is, its an arcade hack&slash, thats it and it plays really well (sacred 3 is basically gauntlet at this point but pretended to be something else).

    I've read a bad review of the classes here so I just gona give my two cents about it: "Wizard -TooHardDidn'tPlay This class is really over    Game is genuinly fun, even better with friends and doesnt pretend to be something else than it is, its an arcade hack&slash, thats it and it plays really well (sacred 3 is basically gauntlet at this point but pretended to be something else).

    I've read a bad review of the classes here so I just gona give my two cents about it:
    "Wizard -TooHardDidn'tPlay This class is really over complicated, why would you make the wizard have combos but none of the others? Gauntlet is suppose to be a easy 3 button masher." Giving wizard combos made him very distinctive from other characters and he is really a bit hard to master but once you do you can do amazing things with him.

    "Warrior - Under-powered"
    Not really, he is a bit harder to play as you need to be in mele range but his dash knocks enemies down and damage them (kills many of the weaker mobs) and while you're attacking easier mobs cant damage you so you have to watch out for projectiles and harder-hitting mobs which are relatively easy to avoid. Still fun to play if you prefer mele.

    "Valkyrie This class really just feels like a valkyrie that is missing power and getting into battle abilities."
    Haven't played it at all so far as I was focused on the other classes but if you think its good while others arent Im sure I'll like it :)

    "Elf - The Toothpick Shooter This class is the weakest out of all of them. Your main attack does not even do damage to the spawners ... When all the other classes quick attack does..."
    Its a sustained fire ranged class it have to do less damage as you can damage your enemies while constantly moving. Great class to play if your aim is good you as you can basically run circles with your enemies while sniping high-threat targets, also have decent aoe, if it would do more damage it would be OP as hell.

    If you give a game 2 because you can't play it Im not sure if thats a valid score.    … Expand
  23. Miriede
    Sep 27, 2014
    9
    The game is definitely good, short but managed to rescue the spirit of fun that the old version had. In hard mode the hordes of monsters are much smarter and it pleased me greatly. Recommend playing yes, the amount charged is totally cost-effective. I look forward to more expansions dungeons the biggest downside of the game yet. oh and Merlin is totally fun to play, it's a blast.
  24. sdgdsgsdgs
    Dec 31, 2015
    10
    Stylish and dynamic game. There are several characters to choose from, each with unique weapons and abilities, as well in a large variety of game monsters and monsters.
  25. katfrog
    Mar 11, 2017
    9
    "Gauntlet" is a rogue-like dungeon crawler that offers both single player and multiplayer options. The single player mode allows you to play a small-ish campaign and Endless Levels. Both are okay, but the real strength of the game is the multiplayer mode. It's a much more entertaining game when playing with friends. There are only two things you need to be aware of:
    1. Everyone    "Gauntlet" is a rogue-like dungeon crawler that offers both single player and multiplayer options. The single player mode allows you to play a small-ish campaign and Endless Levels. Both are okay, but the real strength of the game is the multiplayer mode. It's a much more entertaining game when playing with friends. There are only two things you need to be aware of:
    1. Everyone shares the same view of the screen. So you have to be aware of where the other players are or you can accidentally drag them up or down.
    2. The game spawns more monsters with every additional person. Not necessarily a negative, but on some levels three or four players gets you overwhelmed with bad guys.    … Expand
  26. Kunray
    Mar 19, 2019
    9
    Fun old arcade game with a revamped ability to slightly upgrade your characters' skills and interchange attacks. Very minimal abilities in each level but it is fun to beat on any difficulty. Even if it can get pretty aggravating when your friends smash all the food.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
65
#65 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. GameCritics
    Feb 25, 2015
    75
    In an era where action-RPGs are chock-full of skill trees, obscene amounts of loot, myriad spells and skills, the back-to-the-basics approach in Gauntlet is a breath of fresh air.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Dec 13, 2014
    75
    It’s a shame Gauntlet’s visuals are not as wonderful as its gameplay. [Dec 2014, p.75]
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Dec 2, 2014
    70
    Gauntlet needs DLC. Badly. Still, good fun in the short term. [Issue#255, p.54]
See all critic reviews »