Play Gauntlet Online

Game Overview

Gauntlet on the Sega Master System is pure old-school chaos. You pick one of four characters—I always went with the Elf for his bow, though the Wizard’s magic bolts are tempting—and then it’s just you (or you and a buddy) against endless waves of ghosts, goblins, and other nightmare fuel. Death itself even shows up to drain your health, which feels unfair until you realize everything in this game is out to get you.

The levels are mazes packed with doors, traps, and monster generators that keep spewing enemies until you smash them. Half the time you’re fumbling for keys while dodging attacks, and the other half you’re chugging potions that either nuke the entire screen or poison you—no in-between. Treasure’s everywhere, but good luck stopping to grab it when you’re being swarmed.

It’s brutal, repetitive in the best way, and weirdly addictive once you get into the rhythm. Just don’t expect mercy from the game or your own hunger meter slowly ticking down.