Based on the arcade game, Gauntlet II is very similar to the original. Up to four players (a wizard, a warrior, an elf, and a valkyrie) make their way through various mazes, collect treasures and magic potions, and fend off assorted creatures and ghosts.

Gauntlet II features the same type of gameplay as Gauntlet, but with a few notable additions, namely a color-coding feature that lets players select from characters that have already been chosen by another player(s). In other words, teams can now consist of such combinations as two wizards and two warriors, four valkyries or three wizards and one elf. In addition, there are more than 100 new mazes, new monsters (such as an exit-guarding dragon), new magic potions (including monster repellent), more enemies per level and secret bonus rooms in which players must perform such tasks as gathering up all the treasure. Graphical detail has been enhanced as well, especially regarding the maze walls.

The game that follows on from the original has much the same layout, although some new features have been added. There are health-draining force fields and new monsters such as sorcerers, blobs of acid, and a black monster that homes in on you and saps your health. The levels also start changing randomly after level 5. Less important is the ability to choose what colour you want your character to be, and if you're playing with a friend, it's now possible for both of you to choose the same character. The graphics and sound effects are just as good and the game is as good as, if not better than, the original.