Gauntlet III: The Final Quest (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Gauntlet III: The Final Quest (1991)

Gauntlet III: The Final Quest is an action-based dungeon exploration game developed by Atari Games and released in 1991. It is the third game in the Gauntlet series, and the first to feature an isometric perspective. Players control one of eight characters as they battle through hordes of monsters in order to find the exit of each level.

Gauntlet III introduced several new features to the series, including:

  • Isometric perspective: The game is viewed from an isometric perspective, which gives players a better view of the action and allows them to see more of the level.
  • New characters: Four new characters were added to the roster: the Lizard, Neptune, Stoneman, and Iceman. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles.
  • Quests: In addition to simply finding the exit, players must now complete quests in order to progress to the next level. These quests can range from finding keys to unlocking doors to defeating specific monsters.

The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best games in the Gauntlet series. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, variety of characters and levels, and challenging difficulty.

Gameplay

Gauntlet III is played from an isometric perspective. Players control one of eight characters as they battle through hordes of monsters in order to find the exit of each level. The game can be played cooperatively with up to four players.

Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles. The warrior is a melee fighter who is strong and durable. The wizard is a magic-user who can cast spells to attack enemies and heal allies. The elf is a ranged fighter who is quick and agile. The valkyrie is a melee fighter who is strong and can use magic to heal allies.

The new characters in Gauntlet III each have their own unique abilities as well. The Lizard can climb walls and ceilings. Neptune can swim underwater. Stoneman can turn into a stone statue to avoid attacks. Iceman can freeze enemies.

In addition to simply finding the exit, players must now complete quests in order to progress to the next level. These quests can range from finding keys to unlocking doors to defeating specific monsters.

Levels

Gauntlet III features a total of 16 levels. The levels are set in a variety of environments, including dungeons, forests, swamps, and mountains. Each level is filled with hordes of monsters, traps, and puzzles.

The levels in Gauntlet III are much more complex than in previous games in the series. Players must often explore the levels thoroughly in order to find the exit. The levels also feature a variety of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress.

Characters

Gauntlet III features a total of eight playable characters. The four original characters from the first game are all returning, along with four new characters.

The four original characters are:

  • Warrior: A melee fighter who is strong and durable.
  • Wizard: A magic-user who can cast spells to attack enemies and heal allies.
  • Elf: A ranged fighter who is quick and agile.
  • Valkyrie: A melee fighter who is strong and can use magic to heal allies.

The four new characters are:

  • Lizard: A humanoid lizard who can climb walls and ceilings.
  • Neptune: A merman who can swim underwater.
  • Stoneman: A golem who can turn into a stone statue to avoid attacks.
  • Iceman: A humanoid ice creature who can freeze enemies.

Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles. Players can choose the character that best suits their playstyle and the level they are playing.

Enemies

Gauntlet III features a wide variety of enemies, including goblins, skeletons, zombies, demons, and dragons. Each enemy has its own unique abilities and attacks.

The enemies in Gauntlet III are more challenging than in previous games in the series. They are more aggressive and they can deal more damage. Players must be careful when fighting enemies, and they must use their abilities wisely in order to survive.

Bosses

Each level in Gauntlet III features a boss fight. The bosses are large and powerful enemies that require players to use all of their skills and abilities to defeat.

The bosses in Gauntlet III are some of the most challenging in the series. They have a variety of attacks and they can deal a lot of damage. Players must be prepared for a tough fight when they encounter a boss.

Power-ups

Power-ups can be found throughout the levels in Gauntlet III. Power-ups can give players a variety of benefits, such as increased strength, speed, or health.

Power-ups are essential for surviving the later levels of Gauntlet III. Players should always be on the lookout for power-ups, and they should use them wisely.

Reception

Gauntlet III was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, variety of characters and levels, and challenging difficulty. The game was also praised for its groundbreaking isometric perspective.

Gauntlet III was one of the most popular arcade games of 1991. It was also ported to a variety of home consoles, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Atari ST.

Gauntlet III is still considered to be one of the best games in the Gauntlet series. It is a challenging and rewarding game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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