RPG Dungeon Crawler Game 'Gauntlet' (1986)

Gauntlet is a classic dungeon crawler game released in 1986, developed by Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd and published by U.S. Gold Ltd. The game is set in a fantasy world where players choose from four unique heroes: Thor the Warrior, Thyra the Valkyrie, Merlin the Wizard, and Questor the Elf. Each character possesses distinct abilities, such as Thor's excellent hand-to-hand combat skills and Merlin's powerful magic.

The game involves navigating through complex dungeons filled with various monsters, including ghosts, grunts, demons, and sorcerers. Players must destroy monster generators to prevent being overwhelmed by enemies. The dungeons are also scattered with items like potions, food, and treasure, which players can collect to enhance their abilities and score points.

Gauntlet features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up and tackle the dungeons together. This adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, as players can combine their strengths to survive longer and progress through the levels. The game also includes special rooms where players can gather treasure within a limited time.

The game was well-received for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth, and it inspired many sequels and adaptations. An expansion titled "Gauntlet: The Deeper Dungeons" was released in 1987, offering new levels and challenges for players to explore. Gauntlet remains a beloved title in the history of video games.