Gauntlet: The Third Encounter (1990). Play Free Online

Summary

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter turned the familiar Gauntlet universe into something fresh for the Lynx. Rather than rehash the arcade originals, Epyx built an entirely new dungeon crawl that exploits the handheld’s portrait‑oriented screen, letting you scan the castle’s towering 40 levels in a sleek vertical view. At launch the game wore the placeholder name “Time Quests and Treasure Chests,” but Atari swapped the title when it secured the Gauntlet license, placing it alongside the NES release despite sharing its artwork.
The roster stretches beyond the classic Warrior, Valkyrie and Wizard, adding a Samurai, a Punk Rocker, an Android, a Gunfighter, a Nerd and even a Pirate, each limited to a single player in the four‑person co‑op mode. The tight 40‑floor layout and distinct classes keep the action lively, proving that the Lynx could host a genuinely arcade‑like experience in the palm of your hand.

Storyline

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter drops you into an ancient, monster‑infested castle. You play as a lone adventurer tasked with navigating its twisting corridors and battling the creatures that lurk within. The atmosphere is dark and claustrophobic, emphasizing the danger at every turn. Each level feels like a deeper descent into the forgotten stronghold. The ultimate prize driving the quest is the legendary Star Gem.

Edited by Maya Carter