Gauntlet (2014 video game)
Gauntlet is a top-down hack and slash dungeon crawl video game, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Part of the "Gauntlet" series, it was released on 23 September 2014. "Gauntlet" was released for the PlayStation 4 as Gauntlet: Slayer Edition in August 2015. Gameplay. The player takes the role of one of four heroes, Thor the Warrior, Thyra the Valkyrie, Merlin the Wizard, or Questor the Elf (one player per character) allowing up to four-player multiplayer co-op gameplay. The dungeons to be explored are part defined maps  and part procedurally generated. Reception. "Gauntlet" received average reviews from critics. Aggregating review websites Metacritic gave the PC version a 69/100. Gaming website Shacknews stated that "so far, it looks like "Gauntlet" properly captures much of the spirit that made the 1985 arcade game so much fun", while also stating that the game isn't very intuitive in terms of figuring out the unlocked mechanics as you progress through the game. Chris Brown of New Zealand website Gameplanet said that ""Gauntlet" scratches an itch I didn't realise I had", finding it "simple, but not brainless" but also "fun as  hell"; he also highlighted the user interface in their preview build as "awkward". In comparison to the 30-year-old original, Destructoid opined "the game isn't a true recreation; it's more Arrowhead's ideal take on it", finding that "while the content may feel sort of new, nothing's ever really that fresh with Gauntlet. And that's probably just the way that fans would want it". Dave Rudden from IGN gave the game 6.8/10, praising its four-player co-op while criticizing the repetitive gameplay and low replay value. Daniel Tack of "Game Informer" gave the game  a score of 7/10; finding the boss battles enjoyable, but insufficient; and the game's level design bland and repetitive, describing it as a "sleepy, automated button mash". Michael P. Huber, of GameTrailers, gave the game a 7.9/10, praising the four distinct classes while also criticizing the lack of varied environment and replay value. Community. Gauntlet continues to enjoy strong community support that is centered around its Official Discord Server. Players skills are tested through challenges, trials, and occasional tournaments. The Gauntlet Official Discord server rewards those who succeed with badges and roles that members wear on their profile, indicating  their prowess in the dungeons at various efforts.