Midway Gauntlet Dark Legacy, Operation Manual

Page: 17 / 61

18 Midway Games West Inc.
Chapter 3 System
S TA R T I N G U P
Each time the game is first turned on or power is restored, it begins executing code out of the boot ROM.
These self-diagnostic tests automatically verify and report condition of the hardware and the disk drive.
The screen is blank during these tests. If any of the individual tests fails, then an error message will be dis-
played for each test. The message will be displayed for 30 seconds or until any button is pressed.
• If no buttons are pressed, the system will quickly complete all tests then load and run the game.
• Press and hold the TEST button inside the coin door to skip the boot ROM tests and activate the Menu System.
Once all Power-up tests have been passed, the game goes into Attract Mode. Scenes and sounds from a
typical game are alternated with previous high scores in an endless pattern until game play starts.
Insert currency to start game. Play begins after a mission is chosen. The game progresses until time runs
out. If no more play is required, the game automatically returns to the "attract mode".
G A M E R U L E S
Play instructions are on information panel between speakers. Up to four players at a time can explore a
world, facing hordes of monsters, searching for treasure, avoiding traps, finding and using magic, and
adventuring their way to the exits.
Players choose from eight characters (and, later, eight alternate characters) to face the hordes of monsters
that have overrun the land of Gauntlet. With more than 100 unique monsters and 10 intimidating boss char-
acters, players have their hands full, defeating each of the eight world bosses and collecting keys before
meeting the demon Skorne. Following Skorne’s defeat, players must defeat him yet again in an underworld
level, after which they face the evil overlord Garm. Numerous power-up enhancements are scattered
throughout the land to help players get to the finish.
Players can save their character with player IDs. One password saves all eight different characters. Dur-
ing game variable selection, players simply enter their initials and their own 3-letter player ID that they
choose. The characters, with their experience levels and current ratings for strength, speed, toughness, and
magic are automatically saved along with any Rune Stones players find.
To access the alternate characters, players first build characters to level 10. Depending upon which char-
acter they have played, they then can choose to play as the Minotaur (Warrior), Falconess (Valkyrie),
Jackal (Wizard), Tigress (Archer), Hyena (Jester), Ogre (Dwarf), Medussa (Sorceress), and Unicorn
(Knight).
To defeat Garm, players must find all 13 Rune Stones and defeat Skorne twice. Three Stones are hidden
in each world. Upon finding a Stone, a character is saved permanently with a password.
There are over 35 unique special weapons found throughout the game that will help players in their quest.
These power-ups are found in chests and barrels, in nooks and crannies, and even in plain view and can be
bought with gold in the Shop.