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Once again, Midway felt it necessary to bring gamers an arcade port of one of their Gauntlet games. Infamous for their four-player hack-and-slash gameplay, these games can be fun for a while but lack the depth and complexity of most of today's games. Graphics: Gauntlet's graphics are extremely dated. While they could've passed as first-generation N64 graphics a few years ago, Dark Legacy's visuals as a whole are blocky, vague, and lackluster. Everything from character models to backgrounds could use a graphical overhaul, but considering this is an arcade port, there's not a whole lot that could've been done about that. Sound: The music isn't too spectacular, but it doesn't need to be. It gets the job done, giving somewhat of a medieval atmosphere to the game. The usual deep, omnipotent voice once again makes its appearance to offer unnecessary advice and information to players. It still sounds pretty cool though, and makes up for most of the other uninspired sound effects. Control: There's really not too much to this hack-and-slash game. Characters are guided with the analog stick, and their weapons are used with a tap of the A button. Prepare your hands for a button-masher like no other. Gameplay: Players have the option of choosing between a warrior, dwarf, valkyrie, wizard, sorceress, jester, knight, or archer as their character. Once selected, character costumes can be customized and then it's off to the first level. The objective of Gauntlet games is simple: seek and destroy. As players progress through levels, they will be challenged with varying environments, numerous obstacles and traps, occasional bosses, and an endless supply of enemies to topple. Spawning pits can be destroyed, but not before a substantial amount of creatures have flowed out to attack players. As anyone could guess, the game lacks in depth and can eventually become tiresome and boring. Some players might feel compelled to play through and raise their character levels, but that will fail to hold others' attention for long. Replay Value: While playing this game by yourself can become a tedious bore rather quickly, slashing through with some friends is a huge step forward in terms of fun and replayability. Up to three other players can step in and slash to their heart's content. The RPG element of gaining levels also adds some motivation for playing through previous levels. Overall: Gauntlet: Dark Legacy is an all around average gaming experience. It's strongest point comes in the form of four-player cooperative gaming, but there's no guarantee that all four players will stay interested for long. While probably the best Gauntlet game out there, Dark Legacy just can't compete with today's newest console games in terms of just about everything, from graphics to originality. OVERALL:8.0 l. Let them fall victim to this game, then when they get sick of Luigi's Mansion, simply leech off of them and play it. |
