Gauntlet (cancelled video game)
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Predecessor | Gauntlet (1985 arcade game) |
| Founder | Backbone Entertainment |
| Fate | Cancelled before release |
Area served | Nintendo DS market (planned) |
| Products | Hack and slash dungeon crawler video game |
| Parent | Backbone Entertainment |
Gauntlet is a hack and slash dungeon crawler developed by Backbone Entertainment for the Nintendo DS, based on the 1985 arcade classic of the same name. Announced in April 2008, its release was planned for later that year but ultimately did not occur.
Gameplay
Marketed as a "retro" experience, the gameplay drew heavily from the original two Gauntlet titles while incorporating a character progression system reminiscent of Gauntlet Legends. Players could choose from the four original character classes—Warrior, Valkyrie, Elf, and Wizard—and face off against popular enemies from the series. The game featured freshly recorded iconic voice samples that narrated various in-game actions.
Built on a new 3D engine, the title supported both local wireless and online multiplayer for up to four players, including voice communication. It offered 40 different maps and multiple modes such as ranked deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag. Online functionality utilized dedicated servers instead of relying on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection’s Friend Code system. Experience points earned during multiplayer could be transferred to enhance single-player gameplay.
Development
The first indication of the game’s existence came from an ESRB rating in February 2008. Eidos Interactive formally announced the project in April 2008, initially aiming for a summer launch that was later postponed to October. A demo showcasing single-player and multiplayer modes was made available at the Penny Arcade Expo in August 2008, and a public demo was distributed through the DS Download Station.
Although previewed and reviewed by publications such as Nintendo Power and Official Nintendo Magazine, speculation about its cancellation arose in early 2009 without any official statement from Eidos. By mid-2009, ESRB records listed Majesco Entertainment as the new publisher. In 2013, concept artwork created by a former Backbone artist became publicly available.
While the game never reached release, its engine was adapted for Backbone’s Nintendo DS adaptation of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, another hack and slash title released in August 2009. In December 2013, full ROM images of Gauntlet were leaked online.