Summary
Gauntlet (1985), by Atari Games, cheerfully tossed players into a neon-soaked fantasy dungeon where health drained faster than loose change in an arcade pocket. Choosing a hero felt important - until monsters, traps, and Death himself proved otherwise. From frantic food-hunting to screen-clearing magic potions, every maze was a scramble for survival. Distinct characters kept things interesting, while endless levels and chaotic two-player co-op turned teamwork into friendly fire-fuelled panic. And yes, “Warrior needs food, badly!” became both a warning and a curse.
What it does well
Instantly accessible gameplay, distinctive characters, intense co-op action, strong atmosphere, and endlessly replayable dungeon design.
Where it falls short
Highly repetitive levels, steep difficulty curve, limited variety, and voice prompts that quickly overstayed their welcome.
Verdict
A timeless arcade classic that blended fantasy role-playing themes with addictive, pressure-driven action and co-op chaos.