Gauntlet - The Third Encounter (USA, Europe)

What is Gauntlet - The Third Encounter (USA, Europe)?

Gauntlet - The Third Encounter is a classic top-down action dungeon crawler developed exclusively for the Atari Lynx handheld system. As the third installment in the Lynx Gauntlet series, it pits players against relentless waves of monsters across treacherous fantasy labyrinths. You'll choose from iconic fantasy heroes like warriors, wizards, and elves to battle through deadly traps, collect treasure, and defeat powerful bosses in this fast-paced cooperative multiplayer adventure.

Game Features

• Four Unique Characters: Select from Warrior, Valkyrie, Wizard, or Elf – each with distinct combat styles and special abilities
• Multiplayer Mayhem: Team up with friends via the Atari Lynx ComLynx system for chaotic 4-player co-op sessions
• Diverse Environments: Battle through 24 challenging levels including ice caverns, lava fortresses, and haunted crypts
• Monster Variety: Face over 20 enemy types including ghosts, grunts, demons, and deadly dungeon bosses
• Power-Up System: Collect potions, food, keys, and magical artifacts to boost your hero's capabilities
• Strategic Combat: Balance melee attacks, projectile weapons, and screen-clearing magic spells
• Persistent Health Mechanics: Manage constantly draining health while avoiding deadly traps and enemy swarms

How to Play Gauntlet - The Third Encounter (USA, Europe)?

1. Character Selection: Choose your hero at the start – Warriors excel in close combat, Valkyries have balanced stats, Wizards wield powerful magic, and Elves are ranged specialists
2. Movement Controls: Navigate dungeons using the arrow keys or WASD for directional movement
3. Combat Actions:
   • Press Z key (A Button) for standard attacks
   • Press X key (B Button) to unleash your character's special magic attack
4. Item Usage: Collect and activate power-ups automatically when picked up – health potions restore vitality, keys open doors, and treasure increases your score
5. Cooperative Play: In multiplayer mode, coordinate with allies to cover different attack angles and share resources
6. Survival Strategy: Monitor your constantly decreasing health meter and prioritize food items while avoiding environmental hazards like firepits and spinning blades
7. Boss Battles: Learn attack patterns of dungeon guardians and use hit-and-run tactics with your special abilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Third Encounter different from previous Gauntlet games?
This installment introduces new enemy types, environmental hazards, and larger multi-stage dungeons while refining the magic system with character-specific ultimate abilities that recharge over time.

Can I play solo if I don't have friends to join?
Absolutely! The game features full single-player support with balanced difficulty, though the chaotic fun truly shines in multiplayer mode with up to three allies.

Why does my health keep decreasing even when I'm not taking damage?
Health gradually drains over time as a core mechanic – you must constantly collect food items to survive. This creates tense resource management alongside combat.