For once someone is asking the right question on the showcase! It's all about the gameplay!
I agree with everything Pongo said. The thing that killed Gauntlet for me was the neverending lives. It made trying to evade baddies pointless, so you definitely need limited life, but with save or regeneration points so it's not too infuriating. If you can, combine the open sprawling design of Gauntlet (not never-ending, but big) with occasional bosses and tasks you have to complete.
I agree with everything Pongo said. The thing that killed Gauntlet for me was the neverending lives. It made trying to evade baddies pointless, so you definitely need limited life, but with save or regeneration points so it's not too infuriating. If you can, combine the open sprawling design of Gauntlet (not never-ending, but big) with occasional bosses and tasks you have to complete.