Gauntlet

Gauntlet brings the classic arcade dungeon-crawling action to the NES in this 1988 release from Tengen. Viewed from above, the game sends up to two players through maze-like levels packed with corridors, treasure, locked doors, enemy generators, and creatures that keep pouring into the fight. The objective is straightforward: survive the chaos, find the keys needed to open the way forward, collect useful items, and reach the exit before your health runs out.

Players can choose from four distinct adventurers: the Warrior, Valkyrie, Wizard, and Elf. Each has a different balance of combat strength, speed, and magical ability, giving cooperative play a welcome sense of teamwork. The Warrior and Valkyrie are effective at close range, while the Wizard and Elf rely more heavily on their special attacks. Food restores health, treasure improves your score, and potions can unleash powerful screen-clearing magic when enemies surround you.

Gauntlet’s challenge comes from constant pressure rather than complicated controls. Enemies emerge from generators until those sources are destroyed or avoided, and lingering in a room can quickly become dangerous. With two players sharing the screen, success depends on moving together, deciding when to fight, and knowing when it is wiser to push toward the exit.

The NES version captures the essential appeal of the arcade original while making it well suited to a home console session. It is fast, repetitive in the best way, and particularly enjoyable with a friend. If you want to revisit Tengen’s take on cooperative fantasy action, you can play online on your browser through RetroCloud and experience one of the NES library’s most recognizable multiplayer adventures.