Play Gauntlet II Online Free for Arcade.
Gauntlet II hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1987 on the Arcade, this retro classic from its publisher is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
Like its predecessor, Gauntlet II is a fantasy-themed top down dungeon crawler, and was released as a dedicated cabinet, as well as a conversion kit, both available in two- and four-player versions. It is a sequel to the original Gauntlet, which was released the previous year.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| B (bottom) | X | Bottom face |
| A (right) | Z | Right face |
| Y (left) | S | Left face |
| X (top) | A | Top face |
| L | Q | Left shoulder |
| R | E | Right shoulder |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Insert Coin | V | Select |
⭐ Premium members can click any key below to remap this game's controls. Go Premium
| Action | Keyboard | Arcade input |
|---|---|---|
| Move | · · · · | Joystick (8-way) |
| Fire | · | Button 1 |
| Magic / Start | · | Button 2 |
| Start | · | Start |
| Insert Coin | · | Select |
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The Story Behind Gauntlet II
The NES version of Gauntlet II was one of the earliest games for the console that supported up to four players, being compatible with either the NES Four Score or NES Satellite adapters. After fulfilling a certain task, the players were given a code, which they submitted to Atari Games via an entry form; the grand prize was a U.S. government saving bond valued at $5000, and the first 500 entries received a t-shirt. Gauntlet II was ported to the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST and MS-DOS and released in Europe by U.S.
Unlike the NES version of the first Gauntlet, Gauntlet II was a more direct conversion of the arcade original, lacking any sort of storyline or ending. Most versions only supported two players, but the Atari ST version supported an adaptor that allowed two further joysticks (totaling four) to be connected via that machine's parallel port. During the release of Gauntlet II, Atari Games held a second contest where players were tasked to find the secret rooms in the game itself.
How Gauntlet II Plays
Gauntlet II is essentially an expanded version of the original Gauntlet. Other new features include the enemy "It", which upon contact made a player "It" and drew all enemies towards them. This can be found by completing specific achievements within the level (e.g., "don't be fooled", means that you must find the real exit first).
The secret room contains items such as food and magic potions (extra shot power, extra shot speed, extra magic power, extra speed, extra armor and extra fight power). The main difference from the original game is that multiple players can now choose to play as the same character class. Another challenge in the game is the possibility to find a "secret room".
Why Players Still Load It Up
The Game Boy version was praised by the German Play Time magazine for its technical implementation (including 8-directional scrolling), faithful recreation of graphics, and for evoking nostalgic feelings with similar sound effects; however, this version was criticized for difficult-to-recognize sprites and its technically weak theme music. Your Sinclair said it was "a 'must have' for all of you who asked for Gauntlet on your Desert Island Disks". Fast action and superb gameplay make Gauntlet II probably the first sequel worth the cash".
Like its predecessor, Gauntlet II is a fantasy-themed top down dungeon crawler, and was released as a dedicated cabinet, as well as a conversion kit, both available in two- and four-player versions. In 1997, Electronic Gaming Monthly listed Gauntlet II as the third best arcade game of all time. The ZX Spectrum version of the game was well received.
Gauntlet II — Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does Gauntlet II support?
This browser version of Gauntlet II handles 1 player(s).
Can I play Gauntlet II online for free?
Yes — Gauntlet II runs directly in your browser on this page. There is nothing to download or install; the game boots in the player above.
Do I need a controller to play Gauntlet II?
A gamepad is optional. The keyboard mapping shown on this page works immediately, and plugging in a USB or Bluetooth controller switches the player over on its own.
Who developed Gauntlet II?
Gauntlet II was developed by Atari Games and published by its publisher.