Page 26 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #3

Gauntlet

Produced by: Atari
Platforms: Arcade
Released: 1985

Playing Gauntlet alone is enjoyable, but playing Gauntlet with three
other people is an event. Up to 4 players work in cooperation, roaming
dungeons in search of treasure. Standard characters include an elf, a wiz-
ard, a warrior, and a valkyrie. If your health gets too low, you can either
have your character eat some food, or you can do what excites the arcade
owner and drop more quarters into the machine.

Memorable moments: Everyone working as a team, until the food ap-
pears. Then it’s every man for himself!

Overall Rating: A
Castle Wolfenstein
Produced by: Atari
Designed by: Silas S. Warner
Platforms: Apple II Computers
Released: 1981

No, not the 3D version, although you could argue that this is the
game that started the Doom/Quake phenomenon.
You find yourself trapped deep within a Nazi fortress and must
find your way out. Along the way you’ll kill Nazi’s and their deadlier
SS counterparts. Opening up the locked trunks will reward the
player with useful items such as bullets and bulletproof vests, as
well as worthless items such as Schnapps (>Hic!<). Score a major
promotion if you can locate the war plans before you escape. In-
credibly addicting game.
The sequel allows you to kill Hitler in his bunker. It was also
remade later as a 3D, first person shooter, which then begat
Doom.

Memorable moments: I had a friend who was very addicted to
this game. One night he sleepwalked, sporting nothing but his un-
derpants, approached his mom who was reading a book on the Castle Wolfenstein (Apple II)
couch, pointed his fingers like a gun and told her to “Stick ‘em up!”
Unfortunately, she refused to give up the war plans.

Overall Rating: A+ Dragonfire

Produced by: Imagic
Designed by: Bob Smith
Platforms: Atari 2600, Intellivision
Released: 1982

A dragon has overthrown the ruling monarchy, stolen their treas-
ures, and has claimed squatters rights to the castle. What he wants
with these things is beyond me, but it’s up to you, the prince, to re-
claim the treasures.
The object is to run across the drawbridge, and by either jumping
or ducking, avoid the dragon’s deadly fireballs. There is also some
guy on the castle tower, who oddly enough has allegiance to the
dragon, shooting arrows at you. Once you make it across the
bridge, you must scramble around the treasure room, collecting the
loot while the dragon spits fire at you.

Game Notes: Both console versions are extremely similar. The
Atari version is easier to control, but lacks the arrow shooting ele-
Dragonfire (Intellivision) ment.

Overall Rating: B-
Classic Gamer Magazine Spring 2000 26