Gauntlet: Dark Legacy was my very first game for the PS2, which I selected to buy from what was then a very minimal library of games. When I first put it into my machine, I grasped my DualShock 2 controller tightly and waited to see the raw power of the PS2 (then a brand new system) at work. Not kidding, I was amazed at how good the game looked right from the opening sequence. The menus were quick and the loading was minimal. I quickly chose a character, eager to actually be playing in a smooth, clean world unlike the jagged, often pixilated ones found in my PSOne games. When the game finally (it didn't really take a long time, I was just anxious) loaded I found myself dazzled by the graphic splendor that danced fluidly around my character. I instantly noticed how much more detail this game had than my PSOne games. As I got into the game, I found myself shooting and shooting... and shooting my way through the levels. All this shooting wasn't so bad; it would be fun for someone who liked arcade games, but it could get frustrating for the average player, myself included. I played a few hours each day and found that it took me a while to complete the game. I am a thorough player, I like to find everything there is to find and do everything there is to do, but still, even for a player who likes to keep it quick and simple, this game would be a healthy length. Unfortunately, as my collection of games grew, I began to realize that the graphics in Dark Legacy weren't really that great, even for its time. First of all, the camera angles were a major limitation to the game. I know the creators of the game wanted to keep that traditional arcade feel, but not being able to control the camera at all takes away from the 3D experience and makes the otherwise large worlds seem cramped and stuffy. Compared to other games, the animations and character/enemy models could be much smoother. The single-player experience in Dark Legacy is often repetitive and uninteresting. There is tons of shooting and tons of item collecting. But, surprisingly, the multiplayer experience seems far more exciting and is actually great fun, whether it be just 2 people, or up to 4. The concept of teamwork in the fashion that it is portrayed in this game is often forgotten in games today. You don't just go through shooting randomly at things as if you were still playing single-player, simply with someone else playing at the same time. You actually must help each other - that means sharing food (health), letting others do more of the shooting at times to gain experience, and working together to find things (crystals, golden items, secrets, etc.) within each level. Also, the bosses are quite fun in multiplayer mode because you again work together to destroy them and collect money. Gauntlet: Dark Legacy is, overall, a great remake of a true arcade classic, but it really was never suited for becoming a console game. If what you are searching for is a fun multiplayer game to play with friends, then this game is right for you. If you are searching for a single-player game rich with intriguing and innovative gameplay, magnificent graphics, and worlds that stretch as far as the eye can see, then there are many other games that you will most likely enjoy far more.
Gauntlet Dark Legacy has quite a bit to offer buried inside, it just doesn't take full advantage of it's potential. What does come out is a pretty straightforward, yet entertaining, button mashing hack & slash experience... Read Full Review
I don't understand how this got such a bad review. This game is real fun. They did a great job making this game. Everything is consistent, the graphics are pretty decent, and the music is great. It really becomes fu... Read Full Review
