Gauntlet Legends for Dreamcast

Game Review & Description

Step into the endless corridors of dungeon-crawling mayhem with Gauntlet Legends, where the ancient art of hack-and-slash adventuring meets the kind of relentless monster-spawning action that makes you question whether dungeon architects have ever heard of reasonable population control. This Dreamcast port of the beloved arcade classic from Midway Games proves that some formulas are so perfectly crafted that they remain entertaining decades after their initial creation, even when you're essentially doing the same thing over and over again until your thumbs develop their own independent consciousness. It's the kind of game that makes you appreciate why medieval heroes always looked so tired in the history books, considering they probably spent most of their time fighting endless waves of creatures that apparently had nothing better to do than lurk in underground complexes.

The gameplay follows the time-honored Gauntlet tradition of selecting a character class and then proceeding to eliminate everything that moves while collecting keys, potions, and treasure with the kind of single-minded determination that would make a vacuum cleaner jealous. The four character classes offer different play styles and abilities, from the warrior's brute force approach to the wizard's magical firepower, each providing distinct tactical advantages depending on the situation. The combat system is straightforward but satisfying, with responsive controls that make mowing down hordes of enemies feel appropriately cathartic. The level design provides a good variety of environments and challenges, from straightforward corridor-clearing exercises to more complex puzzle-oriented sections that require actual thinking alongside reflexive monster elimination.

Visually, Gauntlet Legends showcases solid 3D graphics that successfully translate the classic arcade experience to the Dreamcast's capabilities. The character models are detailed and distinctive, with animations that convey the weight and power of each class's combat style. The environments are appropriately atmospheric, featuring the kind of dark, foreboding dungeons that make you grateful for the safety of electric lighting and modern pest control. The monster designs are varied and creative, ranging from classic fantasy creatures to more exotic threats that require different tactical approaches. The special effects are suitably spectacular, with magical attacks and explosions that provide satisfying visual feedback for your efforts. The frame rate remains smooth even during the most intense monster-spawning sequences, maintaining the fluid gameplay necessary for survival in particularly crowded dungeon sections.

The game includes both single-player and multiplayer modes, with the latter providing some of the most entertaining cooperative gaming experiences available on the platform. Nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of coordinating with friends to clear out particularly challenging dungeon levels, especially when success depends on teamwork and strategic use of each character's unique abilities. The progression system provides long-term motivation through character development and equipment upgrades that make your heroes genuinely more powerful as you advance through the game. The difficulty curve is generally well-balanced, providing enough challenge to keep experienced players engaged without being so punishing that newcomers give up in frustration. The variety of secrets and hidden areas rewards thorough exploration, encouraging players to investigate every corner of each dungeon level. It's the kind of game that's perfect for both quick gaming sessions and extended dungeon-crawling marathons, delivering the timeless appeal of cooperative monster-fighting action.

A variety of helpful hints, tips and cheats for Gauntlet Legends can be found below.

GameShark / Pro Action Replay Cheat Codes:

The following dongle-dependent codes are designed for use with the North American (NTSC) version of the game, but may work on compatible systems:

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