A very interesting Gauntlet clone, Time Bandit offers fun arcade action but also has some puzzle, action adventure, and even some simple text-adventure elements scattered over the 16 lands and over 240 levels. The game description from MobyGames puts it quite succinctly thus:
"Having nothing to do with the Terry Gilliam movie Time Bandits, this game utilizes the time-travel theme for a fast-paced variation on the good old Gauntlet concept. Your bandit visits 16 different worlds throughout time to grab as much loot as possible and, in the long run, do some universe-saving stuff as well. Each of the 16 locations -- featuring such varied places like a medieval arena, a bomb factory, a wrecked spaceship and a ghost town -- is basically a labyrinth filled with treasure and -- you guessed it -- monsters. You've got to dodge these or blast them with your weapon, while collecting keys, opening doors and searching for the exit.
Although theoretically each location consists of 16 sub-levels, these are merely the basic layout flipped or mirrored, some items redistributed and the monster speed increased. After completing a level, you return to the world map, where you may freely choose the next challenge (nice) and save your game (very nice). Interestingly, Time Bandit tries to spice up the fast arcade action with text adventure scenes. Due to this strange mixture, you will occasionally bump into persons or computer consoles with which interaction is possible. For example, you've got to explore and repair the damaged spaceship Excalibur. However, the parser is crude at best; you'll have to know exactly what to do, or else you will trigger no reaction.
Gaming veterans will discover a score of elements of and allusions to arcade classics, such as Gauntlet (obviously), Pac-Man, Centipede, Bomberman, and others."
Overall, Time Bandit is an intriguing genre-busting game whose whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. I've decided to put it in the RPG genre because that's what the game's spirit is all about. Two thumbs up!
Review By HOTUD
Comments and reviews
Probably important to note that while the 8bit version has virtually the same gameplay, it's levels are much different. Also, it was developed for and primarily sold for the Tandy/TRS-80 Color Computer, not the Dragon. The Dragon version was a port.
This game was so badass, even without a manual, buddy and I got hecka far. Higher levels get really trippy.
The first game I played on the Atari ST, a fun two person game. I never did associate it with gauntlet. The worlds were comparatively unique to each other than gauntlet. Additionally, you could choose which worlds to play from the start so there was no prescribed order (unlike gauntlet).
Does anyone has a trainer? this game is too difficult.
it's because has anti-piracy protection you can't complete game without cheats or trainer look version with proper crack
I shoot enemies but nothing happens. Wtf??
How come my shots don't seem to affect enemies? Is there something wrong with the version on this site? (DOS version)
Time Bandit was not a Gauntlet clone... it came out LONG before Gauntlet. It was originally released on the TRS-80. One of the best games of its time.
Hello !
Marvelous old game !! Absolutly great time on my "eighties" !! On the PC, installation is all right; I see the gun, but it isn't active on the "monster"; I can shoot, but no trepassing...
But the game is really fun !! Thanks
No comment nor review for this game at the moment.