Software:Gauntlet Legends

From HandWiki
Short description: 1998 video game
Gauntlet Legends
North American arcade flyer
Developer(s)Atari Games
Publisher(s)
Producer(s)Mike Hally
Artist(s)Steve Caterson
Composer(s)John Paul
Barry Leitch
SeriesGauntlet
Platform(s)Arcade, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Dreamcast
Release
Genre(s)Hack and slash, dungeon crawl
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer
Arcade systemMidway Vegas

Gauntlet Legends is a 1998 hack and slash video game developed and published by Atari Games for arcades. It is a sequel to 1985's Gauntlet and 1986's Gauntlet II, and the final game in the Gauntlet series to be produced by Atari Games. It has many unusual features for an arcade game, including passwords and characters that can be saved, enabling players to play over the course of a long period.

The game was later ported to the Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and Dreamcast. In 2000, it was followed by Gauntlet Dark Legacy, which featured new characters and levels.

Gameplay

In ages past, a corrupt mage named Garm used a set of Runestones to summon a demon named Skorne. However, Skorne crushed Garm and imprisoned his soul in the Underworld. Skorne, fearing the power of the Runestones, scattered them throughout the four realms, so that they could never be used against him. The player(s) must defeat the end bosses of each of the four kingdoms to obtain the four keys which allow access to the desecrated temple and be able to banish Skorne to the Underworld. While traveling through each realm, they must also collect the Thirteen Runestones from where they have been scattered. The complete set of Runestones allows them to pursue Skorne to the Underworld in order to finally destroy him. The players must find three rune stones on each kingdom in order to defeat Skorne in the Underworld (in the arcades only), and one from the battle grounds (home versions only). The initial arcade version had a contest by which the first 500 players to complete the game and send in the supplied validation code would win a free Gauntlet Legends shirt. This game will not end unless the player runs out of health.

A new aspect of the Gauntlet series is established in Legends: the ability to level up the player's character(s) as the game is played, increasing their abilities through experience earned by slaying enemies and acquiring treasure, similar to the character progression methods in many role-playing video games. The four primary attributes are:

  • Strength - Determines damage dealt by physical attacks.
  • Speed - Determines character movement and attack rates.
  • Armor - Determines amount of damage character takes from enemy attacks.
  • Magic - Determines the range and effectiveness of magic potion attacks

Attributes increase with each level attained; increases can also be purchased from the Items menu with gold acquired in gameplay.

The stock fantasy characters from the original Gauntlet return for Legends; as before, each has greater starting ability in a single attribute than their fellows.

  • Warrior/Minotaur - Strength
  • Wizard/Jackal/Sumner - Magic
  • Archer/Tigress - Speed
  • Valkyrie/Falconess - Armor

Character progression is saved through a password system; a player can progress all four characters to a maximum level of 99, and each of their attributes to a maximum of 999.

Ports

The first home console port of Gauntlet Legends was released for the Nintendo 64 in September 1999 in North America. This port saw a European release by the end of the year, and it was the exclusive platform for the Japanese release in the following year, on April 7, 2000.[6] It can support up to four players by using the Expansion Pak, or up to three when using the standard Jumper Pak. It requires a Controller Pak to save game progress, and it is compatible with the Rumble Pak.

Though it was originally planned to be released in 1999 alongside the Nintendo 64 version,[7] the PlayStation port was released in 2000 for North America and Europe. Unlike the other versions, this release only supports one or two players, as it omitted multitap support.

The Dreamcast port was also released in 2000 for North America and Europe. It incorporated much of the features from Gauntlet Dark Legacy.[5]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
DreamcastN64PS
AllGameStarStarStar[12]StarStarStarHalf star[13]StarStarStarHalf star[14]
EGM6.83/10[18][lower-alpha 1]6/10[19]N/A
Game Informer7.75/10[23]7/10[24]6.5/10[25]
GameFan72%[26][lower-alpha 2]
(J.W.) 70%[27]		N/AN/A
GameSpot4.2/10[28]4.3/10[29]3.9/10[30]
GameSpy8/10[31]N/AN/A
HyperN/A86%[32]N/A
IGN8.4/10[33]7.7/10[34]7.2/10[35]
N64 MagazineN/A81%[36]N/A
Next GenerationStarStarStar[37]N/AN/A
Nintendo PowerN/A7.8/10[38]N/A
OPM (US)N/AN/AStarStarHalf star[39]
Aggregate scores
GameRankings74%[8]71%[9]60%[10]
MetacriticN/AN/A59/100[11]

The arcade version received favorable reviews. Dan Elektro of GamePro said, "Overall, Gauntlet Legends takes advantage of the 3D space and uses it as much more than a gimmick. [...] Gauntlet deserved an update—and the legend has been treated with befitting respect."[40][lower-alpha 3] In Japan, Game Machine listed the game in their March 1, 1999 issue as the sixth most-successful dedicated arcade game of the previous year.[41]

The PlayStation version received "mixed" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[11] Greg Orlando of NextGen said of the Dreamcast version, "Four controllers and one Legends make for party-game excitement of the highest order."[37]

Vicious Sid of GamePro said of the N64 version in one review, "Gauntlet Legends is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it's an impressive port of a polished arcade game that manages to cram in some extra playability to boot. If role-playing with an arcade twist lights your fire, you'll combust with Gauntlet Legends."[42][lower-alpha 4] In another GamePro review, Ash said, "Die-hard fans of Gauntlet will especially want to own this game, but it's also a great one for gamers who love the idea of intense multiplayer action. It doesn't get much better than wasting line after line of grunts with a group of friends."[43][lower-alpha 5] Boba Fatt later said that the PlayStation version "makes up for its crimes with a responsive, though complicated, interface and a strong two-player performance. Ultimately, this is a rental at best, unless you're a huge fan of the arcade version."[44][lower-alpha 6] Dan Elektro said in one GamePro review, "With all the hidden stuff and the reworked sections, Gauntlet Legends on the Dreamcast feels as fresh as a newly minted quarter."[45][lower-alpha 7] In another GamePro review, The D-Pad Destroyer said, "If you like mindless action, gather some friends and play Gauntlet Legends for a day or two. As long as you're not looking for depth, you'll enjoy walking thigh-deep in bad guys and knocking over barrels in a desperate quest for food."[46][lower-alpha 8]

During the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences' 3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Nintendo 64 version was nominated for the "Console Action Game of the Year" award, which went to Crazy Taxi.[47] Likewise, the same console version was a nominee for CNET Gamecenter's 1999 "Nintendo 64" award, which went to Software:Rayman 2: The Great Escape.[48] It was also nominated for the "Best Console Multiplayer Game of the Year" at The Electric Playground's Blister Awards 1999, which went to You Don't Know Jack.[49]

Notes

  1. ↑ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Dreamcast version each a score of 8/10, 7/10, and 5.5/10.
  2. ↑ In GameFan's viewpoint of the Dreamcast version, three critics gave it each a score of 69, 64, and 82.
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the arcade version two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, and two 5/5 scores for sound and control.
  4. ↑ GamePro gave the Nintendo 64 version two 4/5 scores for graphics and control, 3.5/5 for sound, and 4.5/5 for fun factor in one review.
  5. ↑ GamePro gave the Nintendo 64 version 3.5/5 for graphics, 4/5 for sound, 4.5/5 for control, and 5/5 for fun factor in another review.
  6. ↑ GamePro gave the PlayStation version two 3/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, 2/5 for sound, and 3.5/5 for control.
  7. ↑ GamePro gave the Dreamcast version all 4.5/5 scores for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor in one review.
  8. ↑ GamePro gave the Dreamcast version two 4/5 scores for graphics and control, and two 3.5/5 scores for sound and fun factor in another review.

References

  1. ↑ Akagi, Masumi (13 October 2006) (in ja). アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005). Japan: Amusement News Agency. p. 20. ISBN 978-4990251215. https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n19. 
  2. ↑ "Production Numbers". Atari. 1999. http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf. 
  3. ↑ IGN staff (September 22, 1999). "Gauntlet Legends (N64 Preview)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/23/gauntlet-legends-5. 
  4. ↑ "Midway's Popular Gauntlet Legends™ Launches on the Playstation [sic Game Console"]. March 30, 2000. http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_1232.html. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Arcade Perfection Comes Home With Midway's Gauntlet Legends For Sega Dreamcast". June 6, 2000. http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_1213.html. 
  6. ↑ "ガントレット レジェンド (ニンテンドウ64)" (in ja). Famitsu (Kadokawa Game Linkage). https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/14591/. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  7. ↑ "Quartermann: Video Game Gossip & Speculation". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (106): 24. May 1998. https://retrocdn.net/images/f/f0/EGM_US_106.pdf. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  8. ↑ "Gauntlet Legends for Dreamcast". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197430-gauntlet-legends/index.html. 
  9. ↑ "Gauntlet Legends for Nintendo 64". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/197431-gauntlet-legends/index.html. 
  10. ↑ "Gauntlet Legends for PlayStation". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197432-gauntlet-legends/index.html. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Gauntlet Legends (PS) [mislabeled as "Dreamcast""]. Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/gauntlet-legends/. 
  12. ↑ Thompson, Jon. "Gauntlet Legends (DC) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22716&tab=review. 
  13. ↑ Hurth, Scott. "Gauntlet Legends (N64) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19206&tab=review. 
  14. ↑ Woods, Nick. "Gauntlet Legends (PS) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20035&tab=review. 
  15. ↑ Franklin, Eric (June 7, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (DC)". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Gauntletlegends/. 
  16. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (November 5, 1999). "Gauntlet Legends (N64)". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Nintendo/Gauntleg/. 
  17. ↑ Ham, Tom (April 28, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (PS)". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Sony/Gauntletl/. 
  18. ↑ Johnston, Chris; Kujawa, Kraig; MacDonald, Mark (July 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (DC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (132): 140. https://retrocdn.net/images/5/54/EGM_US_132.pdf. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  19. ↑ "Gauntlet Legends (N64)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (123): 224. October 1999. https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d6/EGM_US_123.pdf. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  20. ↑ Steinberg, Scott (July 28, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (DC)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2793&full=1#mr_toppy. 
  21. ↑ Miller, Sean (December 7, 1999). "Gauntlet Legends (N64)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=1692&full=1#mr_toppy. 
  22. ↑ Hudak, Chris (May 3, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (PSX)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2451&full=1#mr_toppy. 
  23. ↑ "Gauntlet Legends (DC)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (86). June 2000. 
  24. ↑ McNamara, Andy; Fitzloff, Jay; Reiner, Andrew (December 1999). "Gauntlet Legends (N64)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (80). https://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=3235. Retrieved November 19, 2013. 
  25. ↑ "Gauntlet Legends (PS)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (85). May 2000. 
  26. ↑ Mylonas, Eric "ECM"; Ngo, George "Eggo"; van Stone, Matt "Kodomo" (July 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (DC)". GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (7): 12. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_07/page/n13/mode/2up. Retrieved April 20, 2024. 
  27. ↑ Weitzner, Jason "Fury" (July 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (DC)". GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (7): 35. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_07/page/n35/mode/2up. Retrieved April 20, 2024. 
  28. ↑ Stahl, Ben (June 6, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends DC Review". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-dc-review/1900-2582793/. 
  29. ↑ Stahl, Ben (September 15, 1999). "Gauntlet Legends Review (N64)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-review/1900-2544469/. 
  30. ↑ Stahl, Ben (March 16, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends Review (PS)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-review/1900-2547684/. 
  31. ↑ Sunskin (June 21, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends". GameSpy Industries. http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/gauntletlegends/. 
  32. ↑ DMC (November 1999). "Gauntlet Legends (N64)". Hyper (Next Media Pty Ltd) (73): 64–65. https://archive.org/details/hyper-073/page/n59/mode/2up. Retrieved April 20, 2024. 
  33. ↑ Dunham, Jeremy (June 6, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends Review (DC)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/07/gauntlet-legends-review. 
  34. ↑ Boulding, Aaron (September 30, 1999). "Gauntlet Legends (N64)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/01/gauntlet-legends-4. 
  35. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (April 7, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (PS)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/08/gauntlet-legends. 
  36. ↑ Bickham, Jes (Christmas 1999). "Gauntlet Legends". N64 Magazine (Future Publishing) (36): 84. https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-517-84.jpg. Retrieved April 20, 2024. 
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Orlando, Greg (August 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (DC)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (68): 88. https://archive.org/details/NextGen68Aug2000/page/n89/mode/2up. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  38. ↑ "Gauntlet Legends". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 124: 141. September 1999. https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-366-141.jpg. Retrieved April 20, 2024. 
  39. ↑ Baker, Chris (May 2000). "Gauntlet Legends". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) 3 (8): 92. https://archive.org/details/Official_U.S._Playstation_Magazine_Issue_32_May_2000/page/n91/mode/2up. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  40. ↑ "Gauntlet Legends (Arcade)". GamePro (IDG) (124): 94–95. January 1999. https://retrocdn.net/images/1/19/GamePro_US_124.pdf. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  41. ↑ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - 完成品夕イプのTVゲーム機 (Dedicated Videos)" (in ja). Game Machine (Amusement Press, Inc.) (582): 25. March 1, 1999. 
  42. ↑ Vicious Sid (November 1999). "Gauntlet Legends (N64)". GamePro (IDG) (134): 116. https://retrocdn.net/images/1/10/GamePro_US_134.pdf. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  43. ↑ Ash (1999). "Gauntlet Legends Review for N64 on GamePro.com". GamePro. http://gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/2974.shtml. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  44. ↑ Boba Fatt (May 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (PS)". GamePro (IDG) (140): 92. https://retrocdn.net/images/0/0b/GamePro_US_140.pdf. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  45. ↑ Dan Elektro (July 2000). "Gauntlet Legends (DC)". GamePro (IDG) (142): 90. https://retrocdn.net/images/1/16/GamePro_US_142.pdf. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  46. ↑ The D-Pad Destroyer (June 8, 2000). "Gauntlet Legends Review for Dreamcast on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). http://www.gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/5821.shtml. Retrieved April 19, 2024. 
  47. ↑ "Third Interactive Achievement Awards: Console". http://www.interactive.org/iaa/finalists_console.html. 
  48. ↑ Gamecenter staff (January 21, 2000). "The Gamecenter Awards for 1999! (Nintendo 64)". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards99/ss01b.html. 
  49. ↑ EP staff (2000). "The Blister Awards 1999 (Best Console Multiplayer Game of the Year)". ElecPlay.com Productions Inc.. http://www.elecplay.com/features/blisters99/consolemultiplay.html. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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