Gauntlet: The Third Encounter (1990-)

• Developer: Epyx

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Hack and Slash

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter for the Atari Lynx was developed by Epyx and released in 1990, with Atari acting as publisher. The game was exclusive to the Lynx and did not see official ports to other systems. As part of the well-known Gauntlet franchise, it sought to translate the cooperative dungeon-crawling experience of the arcade originals to a handheld format, offering both single-player and multiplayer options through the Lynx’s link cable.

The game built upon the premise established by the original Gauntlet and Gauntlet II, casting players as one of several fantasy heroes venturing through labyrinthine dungeons filled with monsters, traps, and treasures. Its inspiration was drawn directly from the arcade series, combining hack-and-slash action with puzzle-solving and resource management. Players navigated mazes, collected keys to unlock doors, and searched for potions and artifacts, all while surviving relentless waves of enemies and managing a limited supply of health and ammunition.

Gameplay on the Lynx featured a top-down perspective with a focus on fast-paced combat and cooperative play. Players could choose from multiple characters, each with unique abilities, and work together to clear levels or compete for high scores. The Lynx hardware allowed for smooth scrolling, colorful sprites, and clear environmental layouts, which were essential for tracking multiple characters and enemies on the screen. Sound included looping background music and distinct effects for attacks, item collection, and enemy interactions, which enhanced the tense dungeon atmosphere without overwhelming the gameplay.

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter followed the success of its arcade predecessors but was a standalone handheld entry rather than a direct continuation. There were no further sequels on the Lynx, though the Gauntlet franchise continued on home consoles and computers with titles such as Gauntlet IV. Promotion for the Lynx release focused on its ability to bring a console-style cooperative dungeon experience to a portable device, featured in Atari catalogues and gaming magazines. Reception was generally positive, with critics praising its faithful adaptation of the Gauntlet formula, smooth controls, and engaging multiplayer, though some noted that the smaller screen limited visibility compared to arcade versions. The game has since been remembered as one of the stronger action-adventure titles in the Lynx library.

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