data/claims/gauntlet-ii-history.yamlGauntlet II (history and reception)
Game: Gauntlet II.
By Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games, Atari Games released Gauntlet II in August 1986, ten months after Gauntlet (October 1985). The list also has an entry called "Gauntlet 2 player" in June 1986, without saying what it is. gauntlet-ii-history/arcade
海外編 (overseas), ATARI (ATARI GAMES/TWI) (OCR text lines 29679-29723) — the section's columns interleave in the OCR (Atari's 1978 titles run beside its 1985-86 ones); the Gauntlet rows read "85/10 Gauntlet", "86/06 Gauntlet 2 player" and "86/08 Gauntlet II" with the other column's lines between them85/10 GauntletアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · 海外編 (overseas), ATARI (ATARI GAMES/TWI) (OCR text line 29702)86/06 Gauntlet 2 playerアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · 海外編 (overseas), ATARI (ATARI GAMES/TWI) (OCR text line 29723)86/08 Gauntlet IIアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · overseas index (OCR text line 42020)Gauntlet II Atari Games 86/08Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Dropped the unread country; the "Gauntlet 2 player" entry is given without saying what it is, and the locator names the overseas section.Read in the OCR text only; the printed page and the page image haven't been checked. The list gives year and month only and names no source for its dates.
Cited by: Gauntlet II
Gauntlet II came out for the NES in North America in September 1990, with Mindscape as licensee. gauntlet-ii-history/release-nes
PDF p. 5 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayGauntlet II Mindscape September 1990Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Gauntlet II
Mindscape of Chatsworth, California, published the NES cartridge (NES-2U-USA). Its manual credits the game's name to Atari Games and the program's copyright to Tengen, dated 1990. gauntlet-ii-history/nes-makers
front cover (PDF p. 1)NES-2U-USAGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · inside cover (PDF p. 2)Gauntlet II™ Atari Games Corp. Program copyright © 1990 Tengen.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · inside cover (PDF p. 2)Mindscape Inc. 19808 Nordhoff Place Chatsworth, CA 91311Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The manual names no programmers. Game Player's March 1991 review gives the publisher as "Mindscape/The Software Toolworks" (gauntlet-ii-history/gp-review).
Cited by: Gauntlet II
The NES manual sends Thor, Thyra, Questor and Merlin back into the mazes of the Dark Dungeons, over 100 new ones, against their old enemies (ghosts, grunts, demons, lobbers and sorcerers) and a couple of new ones, with "all the action, graphics, and sound of the arcade". gauntlet-ii-history/nes-premise
printed p. 1 (PDF p. 3), The Game — the PDF's text layer reads "Ouestor" for QuestorStep back into the mazes of the Dark Dungeons with Thor, Thyra, Ouestor, and Merlin.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 1 (PDF p. 3), The GameWith over 100 new mazes to ex~lore, experience all the action, graphics, and sound of the arcade.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 1 (PDF p. 3), The Gameyour old enemies -ghosts, grunts, demons, lobbers, and sorcerers -along with a couple of new ones.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the full old-enemies line and named them, with "a couple of new ones".Cited by: Gauntlet II
On the NES each player picks a character with the control pad (up the Warrior, down the Wizard, left the Elf, right the Valkyrie), and a new player joins a game in progress by pressing A on their controller. Three or four players need Nintendo's NES Satellite or NES Four Score adaptor. gauntlet-ii-history/nes-players
printed p. 1 (PDF p. 3), Selecting a CharacterPress up to select the Warrior, press down to select the Wizard, press left to select the Elf, or press right to select Valkyrie.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 1 (PDF p. 3), Selecting a CharacterTo bring additional players into a game already in progress, press the A button on the new player's controller.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 1 (PDF p. 3), Selecting a CharacterFor three- or four-player games, you will need the NES SatelliteTM or NES Four ScoreTM.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Gauntlet II
Each player starts with 2000 Health, which runs down over time and with monsters' hits; food and cider bring it back unless the cider is poisoned, and a character whose health runs out dies. Fire is unlimited, and players are immune to each other's shots except on certain levels. gauntlet-ii-history/nes-health
printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Playing the GameEach player begins the game with 2000 Health points. You lose Health as time elapses, and by taking hits from monsters.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Playing the GameHealth is regained by picking up food and cider- as long as it isn't poisoned!Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Playing the GameWhen your health runs out, your character will die.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Playing the GameYou have unlimited fire powerGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Playing the GamePlayers are immune to other players' shots, except as indicated on certain levels.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Gauntlet II
The NES manual rates the four heroes: Thor the Warrior's tough skin takes off 20% of damage and his shots do twice normal power, but his magic is poor; Thyra the Valkyrie's shield takes off 30%; Merlin the Wizard has no armor and no hand-to-hand weapon but excellent magic; Questor the Elf's leather takes off 10%, and his magic destroys almost all monsters and generators. gauntlet-ii-history/nes-heroes
printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5), The HeroesTHOR the Warrior ARMOR : Tough skin- eliminates 20% of damage. SHOT POWER: Excellent- twice normal power.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5), The HeroesMAGIC POWER: Poor- damages most monsters, no generators.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5), The HeroesTHYRA the Valkyrie ARMOR: Shield- eliminates 30% of damage.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5), The HeroesMERLIN the Wizard ARMOR : None. SHOT POWER: Good. HAND TO HAND : Poor (No Weapon)- cannot destroy monster generators. MAGIC POWER: Excellent- damages all monsters and generators.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), The HeroesQUESTOR the Elf ARMOR: Leather- eliminates 10% of damage.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), The HeroesMAGIC POWER: Very Good- destroys almost all monsters and generators.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "The NES manual rates"; each hero quote now carries its heading and armour line.Cited by: Gauntlet II
In the NES manual, monsters pour out of generators of three strengths, which take one, two or three hits to kill what they make. Death drains up to 200 health and can only be got rid of with magic; acid puddles chase the player; the "IT" disk makes its victim the target of every monster until they leave the maze or touch another player; and fire-breathing dragons, which appear rarely, have to be hit on the head several times. gauntlet-ii-history/nes-villains
printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), The VillainsDepending on the strength of the generator, the monsters it produces can be killed with one, two, or three hits.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7)Death will drain your health, taking up to 200 points, and then die himself. The only way to get rid of Death is with magicGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7)Acid Puddles: Green pools of acid that go after you.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7)All monsters are attracted to the player who is "It" until you leave the maze or touch another playerGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8)Fire-breathing dragons appear rarely but should be approached with caution. You must hit them on the head with a weapon several times to destroy them.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), The VillainsMonsters pour out of generators which are found throughout the dungeons. Each generator creates a specific type of monster. There are three levels of generatorsGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7)When this glowing, spinning disk hits you, you become "it."Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the generator and "it" disk lines; restated Death, acid and dragons as the manual has them.Cited by: Gauntlet II
Around the NES dungeons are special potions (extra armor, magic power, speed, shot power, fight power and pick-up power), amulets for invisibility, invulnerability, repulsiveness and transportability, ten super shots, reflective shots, treasure rooms on a time limit, traps that make walls disappear, transporters to the nearest visible transporter, false and moving exits, walls that crumble when shot, stun tiles, and force fields that drain health while they are on. A player who doesn't fight for about half a minute finds the locked doors open, and stalling long enough turns all of a level's walls into exits. gauntlet-ii-history/nes-dungeons
printed pp. 6-7 (PDF pp. 8-9), Special PotionsSpecial Potions: These behave as normal potions when shot, but give you special abilities if collected.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 7 (PDF p. 9)EXTRA PICK-UP POWER: Increases your carrying ability from six to an unlimited number of items.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10), KeysIf you do not fight for about half a minute, all of the locked doors will open on their own.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10), AmuletsINVISIBILITY: Monsters cannot see youGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10), AmuletsTRANSPORTABILITY: Allows you to pass through any solid object by running into it.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10)10 SUPER SHOTS: These shots eliminate all monsters in their path and keep traveling until they hit a wall.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 11)REFLECTIVE SHOTS: These shots bounce off walls, allowing you to shoot around cornersGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 11), Treasure Roomsyou are not allowed to keep the treasure unless you escape from the treasure room before time runs out.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 11), TrapsWhen you step on these glowing blue patterns on the floor, certain walls will disappear.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 11), ExitsSome levels have false exits ; others have exits that move around, closing and reopening at another location. If you stall long enough without fighting, all the walls on that level will become exits.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 12)Most walls are solid, but some walls look a little different and will crumble when shot.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 12)Stun Tiles: When you step on these glowing tiles, they stun your character and then disappear.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 12)Force Fields: These glowing floor sections turn on and off.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 11), TransportersGlowing red tiles on the floor that transport you to the nearest visible transporter.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed pp. 6-7 (PDF pp. 8-9), Special PotionsEXTRA ARMOR: Increases protection from hits.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed pp. 6-7 (PDF pp. 8-9), Special PotionsEXTRA MAGIC POWER: Increases the effect of all potions.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed pp. 6-7 (PDF pp. 8-9), Special PotionsEXTRA SPEED : Increases the speed of your hero.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed pp. 6-7 (PDF pp. 8-9), Special PotionsEXTRA SHOT POWER: Increases the damage done by your weapon.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed pp. 6-7 (PDF pp. 8-9), Special PotionsEXTRA FIGHT POWER: Increases your hand to hand combatGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10), AmuletsINVULNERABILITY: Monsters cannot hurt youGauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10), AmuletsREPULSIVENESS: Monsters cannot stand you and run away.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 12)If you enter a force field while it is turned on, your health will quickly drain.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the potion, amulet and force-field lines; force fields drain health while on.Cited by: Gauntlet II
On the NES controller, A fires the hero's weapon and B uses magic; Start begins and pauses the game, and Select pauses it. gauntlet-ii-history/nes-controls
printed p. 11 (PDF p. 13), ControlsA Button Fires your hero's weapon. B Button Activates magic power.Gauntlet II (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 11 (PDF p. 13), ControlsStart Begins the game/Pauses game. Select Pauses game.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Gauntlet II
Jeff Lundrigan's review of the NES version in Game Player's (March 1991) found that it closely duplicates the arcade game and, with the NES Satellite or Four Score, lets up to four people play at once; any player may take any character, so four warriors can play together. Its biggest drawback was a thin storyline and lack of a solid goal, but it was "a good-looking game", especially enjoyable for arcade fans playing with friends. gauntlet-ii-history/gp-review
p. 76 (image n66), Gauntlet II — the publisher line sits in a box beside the byline; the lead read it on the page image (image n66)GAUNTLET II Jeff Lundrigan Version reviewed: Nintendo. Mindscape/The Software ToolworksGame Player's, issue 21 (March 1991) · p. 76 (image n66), Gauntlet IIThe NES version closely duplicates the arcade version, retaining all the sounds and action.Game Player's, issue 21 (March 1991) · p. 76 (image n66), Gauntlet IIthe Nintendo version allows up to four people to play at onceGame Player's, issue 21 (March 1991) · p. 76 (image n66), Gauntlet IIIt's possible to play a game with four warriors, for example.Game Player's, issue 21 (March 1991) · p. 76 (image n66), Gauntlet IIThe biggest drawback in Gauntlet II is its thin storyline and lack of a solid goal.Game Player's, issue 21 (March 1991) · p. 76 (image n66), Gauntlet IIGauntlet II is a good-looking game, though, with digitized sounds and some challenging roomsGame Player's, issue 21 (March 1991) · p. 76 (image n66), Gauntlet IIIt's especially enjoyable if you're a fan of the arcade gameand play witha group of friends.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The lead read the publisher line on the page image (image n66); note only.Image n66 carries the folio 76. The review also names "a couple of new" enemies, among them fire-breathing dragons. No rating was read; any marks the review carries are on the page image only.
Cited by: Gauntlet II
US Gold published the ZX Spectrum version, programmed by Tony Porter. Sinclair User's programmer box says Porter wrote it, as he had the first Gauntlet, for US Gold under license from Gremlin Graphics. Crash listed it at £7.99 and Sinclair User at £8.99, for the 48K and 128K Spectrum. gauntlet-ii-history/spectrum-makers
p. 94 (image n94), Gauntlet IIProducer: US GoldCrash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 94 (image n94), Gauntlet II — the OCR reads "Authon TofiyPortef"; read on the page image, with "Retail price: £7.99"Author: Tony PorterSinclair User, issue 70 (January 1988) · p. 29 (image n29), Gauntlet II, Programmers box — not in the OCR; read on the page imageTONY PORTER is the man responsible for Gauntlet II. He programmed the game (like the first) for US Gold under licence from Gremlin Graphics.Sinclair User, issue 70 (January 1988) · p. 29 (image n29), Gauntlet II, Facts box — not in the OCR; read on the page imageLabel: US Gold Author: Tony Porter Price: £8.99 Joystick: various Memory: 48K/128KChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Gauntlet II
US Gold advertised Gauntlet II in Sinclair User's December 1987 issue as "The mind blowing sequel to the No.1 smash hit!", with screenshots from the Atari ST version. gauntlet-ii-history/su-advert
p. 78, US Gold advertisementThe mind blowing sequel to the No.l smash hit!Sinclair User, issue 69 (December 1987) · p. 78, US Gold advertisement — OCR as printed by the archive; the reading is the OCR's evident sense, not checked on the page imageSCREEftSHOTS FNO* ATARI ST VEHSIOnOur translationSCREENSHOTS FROM ATARI ST VERSIONChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Gauntlet II
Sinclair User's January 1988 review of the Spectrum version set it against Gauntlet, "easily the biggest selling game of last year", and found no progression in the game's format, "merely enhancements and tweaks": upwards of a hundred levels, four characters with their own attributes, Lobbers that throw over walls, and the IT monster, which makes the player it jumps on the target of every monster in the dungeon until he touches another player. gauntlet-ii-history/su-review
p. 29, Gauntlet II — the OCR reads "Hew do you follow"How do you follow Gauntlet - easily the biggest selling game of last year?Sinclair User, issue 70 (January 1988) · p. 29, Gauntlet IIThere isn't actually any progression as such in the game's format, merely enhancements and tweaks.Sinclair User, issue 70 (January 1988) · p. 29, Gauntlet IIThere are upwards of one hundred levelsSinclair User, issue 70 (January 1988) · p. 29, Gauntlet IIAmong the more interesting are Lobbers. who will hurl objects over walls on top of you.Sinclair User, issue 70 (January 1988) · p. 29, Gauntlet IIEvery monster in the dungeon will instantly chase straight for this player and kill him. The only way to lose your IT-ness is to touch another playerUS Gold published the ZX Spectrum version, programmed by Tony Porter. Sinclair User's programmer box says Porter wrote it, as he had the first Gauntlet, for US Gold under license from Gremlin Graphics. Crash listed it at £7.99 and Sinclair User at £8.99, for the 48K and 128K Spectrum. Magazine — the facts box gives the Spectrum memory, 48K/128K, read on the page imageRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Cites spectrum-makers for the 48K/128K facts box, read on the page image.Cited by: Gauntlet II
Sinclair User gave the Spectrum version 10 out of 10 and its Classic badge. Its facts box said fast action and superb gameplay made Gauntlet II, with MASK II, "probably the first sequels worth the cash". gauntlet-ii-history/su-score
Value
{
"review": "Sinclair User",
"of": 10,
"scores": {
"overall": 10
}
}p. 29 (image n29), Gauntlet II, Facts box — not in the OCR; read on the page image, with the box's ten stars and the printed "10". The box's first line, cut by the crop, ends "-orker."Fast action and superb gameplay make Gauntlet II – with MASK II – probably the first sequels worth the cashSinclair User, issue 70 (January 1988) · p. 29 (image n29), Gauntlet II — the Classic badge sits on the title art; read on the page imageCLASSICChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.US Gold's limited-edition advertisement in Your Sinclair 27 (p. 17) quotes the line as "A corker, fast action and superb gameplay" under "SINCLAIR USER - SINCLAIR USER CLASSIC".
Cited by: Gauntlet II
Crash gave the Spectrum version 65% overall, with 71% for presentation, 61% for graphics, 62% for playability, and 63% for addictive qualities. gauntlet-ii-history/crash-score
Value
{
"review": "Crash",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 71,
"graphics": 61,
"playability": 62,
"addictive qualities": 63,
"overall": 65
}
}p. 94 (image n94), Gauntlet II, ratings — the OCR keeps the headings but garbles the marks ("61"", "6?".;.", "b3^o"); the marks were read on the page image (image n94), 2026-11-06: Presentation 71%, Graphics 61%, Playability 62%, Addictive qualities 63%, OVERALL 65%Presentation Graphics Playabilitv Addictive qual(ti«B OVERALLCrash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 94 (image n94), Gauntlet II, ratings — read on the page imageOVERALL 65%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Crash rates each heading as a percentage.
Cited by: Gauntlet II
Crash's ratings box found the Spectrum graphics small and effective but no improvement on the original's, the sound poor, with no decent tune, and gave the option of four players. One reviewer called Gauntlet II not much of an improvement on the original, "just different", and said the differences didn't merit buying the sequel for owners of Gauntlet; another counted it with Gauntlet and its Deeper Dungeons in an "elite group of classics". gauntlet-ii-history/crash-verdict
p. 94, Gauntlet II, ratingsGfaphicv smaP and effective, but no improvenani over it>e orjginai'sOur translationGraphics: small and effective, but no improvement over the original'sCrash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 94, Gauntlet II, ratingsSound; poor coHbion effe(£ts: lacks a decant luneOur translationSound: poor collision effects; lacks a decent tuneCrash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 94, Gauntlet II, ratingsOption*: Choice of four ptisyersOur translationOptions: choice of four playersCrash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 94, Gauntlet II, second commentGaunllot U isn't much of an improvi«m«nt on Itia original, )ust diff erant, and the ditferofices don't merit buying the sequei if you've got Geuntlet.Our translationGauntlet II isn't much of an improvement on the original, just different, and the differences don't merit buying the sequel if you've got Gauntlet.Crash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 94, Gauntlet II, third comment — the comment opens "Gauntlet was a great arcade conversion" and names The Deeper Dungeons, "extra levels which could be bought and added to the basic game" The lead read "elite group of classics" on the page image (image n94); the OCR's "Coup" is "group".and Gauntlet II wilt add to ttiis Coup of classics.Our translationand Gauntlet II will add to this elite group of classics.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "elite group of classics", read on the page image (image n94); the OCR's "Coup" is "group".Read in the OCR, which garbles the page; the readings are the OCR's evident sense and were not checked line by line on the page image. The ratings box's general rating is too garbled in the OCR to quote. The reviews carry first names only, which the OCR doesn't keep legibly.
Cited by: Gauntlet II
Phil, reviewing the Spectrum version in Your Sinclair's February 1988 issue (US Gold, £8.99), found much more in it than in the original, starting with a point to it at all: finding the dragon's cave and destroying the dragon. The review lists the additions (ITs, THATs, stun tiles, spell-lobbing wizards and sorceresses, acid puddles, exits that phase in and out, magic walls that turn into something nice or nasty when shot) and the game scored 8. gauntlet-ii-history/ys-review
Value
{
"review": "Your Sinclair",
"of": 10,
"scores": {
"total": 8
}
}p. 65, Gauntlet IIGAUNTLET II US Gold/£8.99 PhilYour Sinclair, issue 26 (February 1988) · p. 65, Gauntlet IIthere's a lot more to this one than there was in the original game, and come to think of it, there being a point to it at all is a big bonus.Your Sinclair, issue 26 (February 1988) · p. 65, Gauntlet IIThe idea behind the game is to find your way to the dragon's cave and destroy him, thereby getting all his treasure.Your Sinclair, issue 26 (February 1988) · p. 65, Gauntlet IIthe few additions being ITs, THATs, stun tiles, spell-lobbing wizards and sorceresses, and nasty yerchy acid puddles.Your Sinclair, issue 26 (February 1988) · p. 65, Gauntlet IIwhich vanish when you shoot them, turning into something nice (treasure or exits) or something nasty (monsters or baddies).Your Sinclair, issue 26 (February 1988) · p. 65 (image n65), Gauntlet II, YS ClapometerA super sequel to the much loved dungeon based shoot 'em up. As much of a blast as the first, and about twice as addictive. Metaskillo.Your Sinclair, issue 26 (February 1988) · p. 65 (image n65), Gauntlet II, YS Clapometer — the total, 8, is printed beside TOTAL and is not in the OCR; read on the page image (image n65), 2026-11-06 The lead confirmed the 8 on the page image.TOTALYour Sinclair, issue 26 (February 1988) · p. 65, Gauntlet IIexits are a bit more mobile too, phasing in and outYour Sinclair, issue 26 (February 1988) · p. 65, Gauntlet IINot to mention the magic wallsRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the phasing exits and magic walls; the lead confirmed the 8 on the page image.Your Sinclair's February 1989 compilation review (gauntlet-ii-history/ys-giants) recalls "the eight meanie Phil originally gave it".
Cited by: Gauntlet II
Zzap!64 reviewed US Gold's Commodore 64 version in March 1988 (£9.99 on cassette, £11.99 on disk, joystick only): 100 dungeons, and players may pick the same character but not the same color. One reviewer found the new features made Gauntlet II "a more than worthy adversary" and a worthwhile purchase in its own right; another found it quite entertaining but couldn't call it an essential buy; the third found it more refined than Gauntlet, with better graphics, and well worth buying for those who still enjoyed the format. gauntlet-ii-history/zzap-review
p. 11, Gauntlet IIUS Gold. E9.99 cass, El 1.99 disk, Joystick onlyOur translationUS Gold, £9.99 cass, £11.99 disk, joystick onlyZzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11, Gauntlet IIPlayers can clioose fll^a same character, but not Ihe same colour.Our translationPlayers can choose the same character, but not the same colour.Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11, Gauntlet IIThere are 100 dungeonsZzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11, Gauntlet II, first commenttores make Gauntlet II a more Than worthy adversary - and aOur translation(crea)tures make Gauntlet II a more than worthy adversary - and a worthwhile purchase in its own rightZzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11, Gauntlet II, second commentThe game I B quite entertaining, but I cant say it's an essential buy.Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11, Gauntlet II, third commentGauntrel II Is mora refined and has beiter graphicsOur translationGauntlet II is more refined and has better graphicsZzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11, Gauntlet II, third commentbut if you stii enfoy the format, G^unllet ii is well worth ahelLIng out for.Our translationbut if you still enjoy the format, Gauntlet II is well worth shelling out for.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Restated the three reviewers' verdicts as quoted ("a more than worthy adversary").The OCR doesn't keep the reviewers' names, and they weren't read on the page image.
Cited by: Gauntlet II
Zzap!64 gave the Commodore 64 version 81% overall, with 81% for presentation, 81% for graphics, 30% for sound, 83% for hookability and 80% for lastability, calling it "a great sequel". gauntlet-ii-history/zzap-score
Value
{
"review": "Zzap!64",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 81,
"graphics": 81,
"sound": 30,
"hookability": 83,
"lastability": 80,
"overall": 81
}
}p. 11, Gauntlet II, ratingsGRAPHICS 81%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11, Gauntlet II, ratingsSOUND 30%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11, Gauntlet II, ratingsOVERALL 81% A great sequelZzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11 (image n11), Gauntlet II, ratings — the OCR reads "PRESENTATION BIV»", "H00KABILITYa3%" and "LASTABILITYBO%"; those three marks were read on the page image (image n11), 2026-11-06PRESENTATION 81%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11 (image n11), Gauntlet II, ratings — read on the page imageHOOKABILITY 83%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 11 (image n11), Gauntlet II, ratings — read on the page imageLASTABILITY 80%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The contents page lists Gauntlet II first under the issue's reviews, as "US Gold's sequel to the arcade classic".
Cited by: Gauntlet II
By February 1989 the Spectrum game was one of five on US Gold's compilation World Beaters Giants (720°, Out Run, California Games, Gauntlet II and Rolling Thunder), £12.99 on cassette and £19.99 on disk. Your Sinclair's review of the compilation called Gauntlet 2 "the joker in the pack", worth at least nine, "not the eight meanie Phil originally gave it". gauntlet-ii-history/ys-giants
p. 40, World Beaters GiantsUS Gold /£!2.99 ca$s/£19,99 diskOur translationUS Gold/£12.99 cass/£19.99 diskYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · p. 40, World Beaters GiantsWiiicked! The joker in the pack and no mistake, Gauntlet 2 just chews up everything else here and spits it outYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · p. 40, World Beaters GiantsWorth at least nine (not the eight meanie Phil originally gave it).Your Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · p. 19, mail-order advertisementUS GOLD GIANTS 720°, Outrun, California Games, Gauntlet 2, Rolling Thunder.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The p. 19 mail-order line is a retailer's (£9.95 for "ALL FIVE NUMBER ONES"), not US Gold's own listing. The compilation as a whole scored 7 on the Clapometer, as the issue's contents index records; that mark wasn't read here.
Cited by: Gauntlet II
Crash's January 1989 roundup of compilations lists Gauntlet II first in US Gold's Giants (£12.99 on cassette, £19.99 on disk), with the issue and mark of Crash's own review of the Spectrum game, 49 and 65%. gauntlet-ii-history/crash-giants
p. 93 (image n94), compilations table, GiantsGIANTSCrash, issue 60 (January 1989) · p. 93 (image n94), compilations table, Giants — the OCR garbles the title; the lead read "Gauntlet II 49/65%" on the page image (image n94), the first row under GIANTS £12.99c, £19.99d US GoldGmmti^U 49/65%Our translationGauntlet II 49/65%Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The lead read "Gauntlet II 49/65%" under GIANTS £12.99c, £19.99d on the page image (image n94).The table's columns interleave in the OCR; the row was read on the page image.
Cited by: Gauntlet II
In May 1989 Computer Gaming World reported that Mindscape had backed out of a licensing deal with Mirrorsoft to focus on its own products in development, Gauntlet II and Star Trek: The Final Frontier. gauntlet-ii-history/cgw-mindscape
p. 15, Inside the IndustryMindscape and Mirrorsoft backed off the reported licensing agreement.Computer Gaming World, issue 59 (May 1989) · p. 15, Inside the IndustryMindscape's rationale for retreating from the joint venture was to retrench and focus on its own products which are in development: Gauntlet II and Star Trek: The Final Frontier.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The item doesn't say which machines Mindscape's Gauntlet II was for.
Cited by: Gauntlet II