A little while back, the ESRB rated Gauntlet for the Nintendo DS with a T rating for Blood and Alcohol References. This was interesting for several reasons, the most of which being that there was no Gauntlet title announced for the platform. As soon as it appeared on the site, it vanished, and Eidos, the supposed publisher, refused to comment on the title’s existence. 

Nearly two months later, Eidos has finally confirmed that the title is in development and delivered some screenshots and information on what could be one of the coolest DS titles of the year. So far, the title lives up to my every expectation, containing every aspect that a portable gauntlet experience should. Gauntlet will be rendered in 3D but will preserve a classic Gauntlet feel by maintaining a 2D, top-down view. ??

The game will also allow for both local and online multiplayer, with four players being able to join together to complete the game’s different modes together. Not only that, but the title will feature in-game voice chat using the built-in microphone or DS headset (that only costs about $9.00 now.) It is funny that Backbone Entertainment can pull off in-game voice chat better then Nintendo can. Sure shows where the company’s priorities are...

Some screenshots are below as well as the press release. I love the old Gauntlet titles, and with a June release date the title should be perfect for the long airplane rides that the summer entails. No word yet on single-cart download play, but if it is put in, we might be looking at the best travel title on the system.

 

Eidos Interactive Ltd., creators of some of the world’s leading videogame properties, has today confirmed that Gauntlet™, a modern reworking of the classic fantasy hack and slash arcade game from Midway, will be released on Nintendo DS later this year.

Gauntlet is set in a fantasy-themed universe where evil cloaks the world from the high clouds of Ascendia to the depths of the lava-ridden Abyss. Players can choose from the four classic heroes, Elf, Warrior, Wizard, and Valkyrie, each with their own strengths, weaknesses and special abilities. Throughout the journey, the heroes will slash their way through demonic foes and gain up to four power move abilities to aid them in their battle with evil.

“With Gauntlet we’ve revitalised all of the action and fun of the original 1980s arcade classic, whilst updating the visuals and gameplay for today’s DS gamer,” said Ray Livingston, Brand Manager at Eidos. “With four-player Wi-Fi cooperative mode, one of the most memorable multiplayer gaming experiences of all time is back with a bang.”

One of the few titles taking full advantage of the hardware capabilities of the Nintendo DS™, Gauntlet offers Voiceover IP (VoIP) which allows voice communication through the Nintendo DS microphone, giving players more options to interact with their friends online.

Featuring 40 maps across three realms, Gauntlet offers fast-paced, retro RPG crusade-style gameplay in addition to new and in-depth multiplayer features including cooperative play and competitive multiplayer. The arcade style competitive multiplayer feature strengthens the addictive Gauntlet experience by introducing ranked multiplayer games like - Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Treasure Hoard game modes, hosted with local Nintendo Wireless play or via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, a division of Foundation 9 Entertainment, Gauntlet is set for release on Nintendo DS later this year.

About Eidos Interactive Ltd
Eidos Interactive Ltd is part of SCi Entertainment Group Plc (SEG) creators of some of the world’s leading videogame properties. Eidos consists of offices across Europe and the US and several development studios including Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive, Beautiful Game Studios and Eidos Montreal. The Group has a valuable combined portfolio of intellectual property including: Tomb Raider, Hitman, Deus Ex, Championship Manager and Just Cause.

About Backbone Entertainment
Part of Foundation 9 Entertainment (www.F9E.com), one of the largest independent game developers in the world, Backbone specializes in developing innovative original and licensed games for connected consoles. Backbone is based in Emeryville, CA, and Vancouver, BC and can be found on the web at: www.backboneentertainment.com.

GAUNTLET is a trademark of Midway Games West Inc. used under license.

Related Articles: 

Eidos to Publish Gauntlet DS?

Contra 4 - Nintendo DS

WEEKLY SURVEY BLOG