Eidos has revealed new details of its Nintendo DS reworking of Midway's hack n' slash arcade classic, Gauntlet. This updated version of the original has you once again assuming the role of a Wizard, Warrior, Valkyrie, or Elf (now with their own power moves), battling through forty maps spanning three fantasy worlds full of demons and monsters.

While the Gauntlet game concept is rooted in the past, the features that Backbone Entertainment (creators of the Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network remakes 1942: Joint Strike and Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3) are putting into this version are as cutting-edge as you can get. There is heavy emphasis on online play this time around, with the addition of both four-player cooperative and competitive Wi-Fi (and local wireless) play as well as full voice chat. Several online ranked multiplayer modes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Treasure Hoard round out what looks to be a robust package. Gauntlet releases this October.

Eidos Revitalises Timeless Coin-Op Classic GAUNTLET™ On The Nintendo DS™

Monday 1st September/... Eidos Interactive Ltd., creators of some of the world’s leading videogame properties, has today confirmed that Gauntlet™, a modern reworking of the classic fantasy hack and slash arcade game from Midway, will be released on Nintendo DS this October.

Gauntlet is set in a fantasy-themed universe where evil cloaks the world from the high clouds of Ascendia to the depths of the lava-ridden Abyss. Players can choose from the four classic heroes, Elf, Warrior, Wizard, and Valkyrie, each with their own strengths, weaknesses and special abilities. Throughout the journey, the heroes will slash their way through demonic foes and gain up to four power move abilities to aid them in their battle with evil.

“With Gauntlet we’ve revitalised all of the action and fun of the original 1980s arcade classic, whilst updating the visuals and gameplay for today’s DS gamer,” said Ray Livingston, Brand Manager at Eidos. “With four-player Wi-Fi cooperative mode, one of the most memorable multiplayer gaming experiences of all time is back with a bang.”

One of the few titles taking full advantage of the hardware capabilities of the Nintendo DS™, Gauntlet offers Voiceover IP (VoIP) which allows voice communication through the Nintendo DS microphone, giving players more options to interact with their friends online.

Featuring 40 maps across three realms, Gauntlet offers fast-paced, retro RPG crusade-style gameplay in addition to new and in-depth multiplayer features including cooperative play and competitive multiplayer. The arcade style competitive multiplayer feature strengthens the addictive Gauntlet experience by introducing ranked multiplayer games like - Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Treasure Hoard game modes, hosted with local Nintendo Wireless play or via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, a division of Foundation 9 Entertainment, Gauntlet is set for release on Nintendo DS later this year.