PlayStation 2
Gauntlet: Dark Legacy
| Graphics: Sound: Gameplay: Overall: |
8.40 8.95 9.65 9.26 |
| Votes: | 43 |
| Reviews: | 1 |
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| Reviewer: Sisyphus | Date: Dec 6, 2022 |
| Skorn has returned for you to go on Macguffin to take back Gandalf's rock collection. Or, something like that... The story isn't important. This game is simple, overall; but a gem to people who love DND settings and RPG's. Magic, monsters, puzzles and more await in a grind that will pull you back to your childhood roots of medieval knights and goblins.
Graphics: 5 So the graphics are a bit lacking. Yes this game came out in the late 90's. If you look at other games from this era, I believe there were titles with more of a focus on visual aesthetic. The developers were not as concerned with this as much as the music, storytelling, and level design (which we get into later). As for a longer take, the character models are overly simplified (mind you, a huge step up from the previous game) and levels have that typical "bland backdrop" feel. But the lighting? Spells, potions, fire elements... Beautiful. And satisfying. Sound: 7 The soundfonts are okay. My big concern here is the music. Absolutely gorgeous. It makes you feel like you're gearing up for battle against the devil and if you fail all will be lost. The instrument choices are so fitting, and exceptional settings for the hordes of enemies you will prepare to face. Only reason this doesn't get an 8 is because of the SFX. Lines and sounds feel cheap and tinny if they aren't already outright ripped from its N64 predecessor. Still, the most redeeming aspect of this game nonetheless. Gameplay: 7 The gameplay is simple, but rewarding. You level up your character's stats the more enemies you kill, and slowly you become faster, stronger, and cooler. It is a downside from Gauntlet Legends though, where you could choose to level up certain stats over others (such as speed instead of magic) to give your character a more personalized feel. Here, no matter what, your character will always be an "Archer" no matter what your friend Ricardo does to his Wizard by comparison. Mostly you take on armies of differing enemies with similar gimmicks. Bosses rely on your leveling up to be defeated more than skill or strategy. Puzzles sometimes break up the monotony of what seems like the same baddies from two worlds ago. But there is differences. And while its not great, the gameplay is an enjoyable grind for many who like that kind of simplicity. And unlike it's predecessor, this bad boy has so many more items to collect to unlock rooms and challenges. It feels much more full and complete that way. Overall: 7 This game is good. Nothing really strikes out as "bad" or "exceptional", but that is mostly because it is what this franchise became. It didn't trendset or revolutionize, and in many ways it's very niche. But it's a great game for those who like those classic WOW vibes and grinding away to become the strongest with decent gameplay, decent customization, great music, and a nice "I'm done with my homework; time to play a few levels and see what surprises await me until I go to bed" nostalgia. Overall, I would recommend. 7.5/10 |
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