Software:Gauntlet IV

Short description: 1994 video game

Gauntlet IV
Developer(s)	M2
Publisher(s)	Tengen
Designer(s)	Masatoshi Kawasaki
Programmer(s)	Tetsuya Abe
Artist(s)	Masatoshi Kawasaki Makoto Asao Naoki Horii
Writer(s)	Gorou Sumiyoshi
Composer(s)	Hitoshi Sakimoto Masaharu Iwata
Platform(s)	Sega Genesis
Release	1993
Genre(s)	Action
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

Gauntlet IV is a 1993 action video game developed by M2 and published by Tengen for the Sega Genesis. It includes a four player port of the original Gauntlet, as well other exclusive modes such as a new RPG Quest Mode and head to head battle mode, it was well received by critics.

Gameplay

Gauntlet IV features four different modes with different game play styles

"Arcade mode", a port of the original arcade game, which has up to four players exploring a sequence of dungeons shooting at masses of enemies with projectile weapons, collecting keys to open locked doors and finding potions that wipe out all enemies onscreen. The players health decreases constantly as the game progresses and has to be replenished by collecting food items and each stage often has multiple exits which send you to different levels.

"Quest mode", which is the main feature of the game, and is set in all new dungeons with new bosses to fight against and which combines the game play of the original game with new RPG elements such as character-leveling and item purchasing as well as featuring the ability to save game progress.

"Battle mode", a deathmatch game, which has the players fighting against each other in arenas. The arenas include hidden power-ups that increase the players' attributes for that match and within this mode the projectile weapons bounce around the screen and can be used to force opponents into the exits to cause a "ring out"

And "Record mode", a single-player only variant of arcade mode in which progress is kept track via a password.

Development and release

Gauntlet IV began as a port of the original Gauntlet for the Sharp X68000 produced as a homebrew project by a group of friends in Japan who would later form the development studio M2. It was picked up by Atari Games, the makers of the original game, and used instead as the basis for a sequel for the Genesis published by Tengen, their home-publishing imprint. The game's soundtrack was composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata.

Reception

Reception
Review scores Publication Score Mean Machines 94% Mega 90% MegaTech 94%

Upon the game's release in 1993, MegaTech said that "the action is flawless" and had stood the test of time well. They continued that it was "a brilliant game, and one that warrants immediate attention". Mega praised the longevity of the game, saying it was "huge fun and a must-buy" and placing the game at No. 19 in their list of the best Mega Drive games of all time.