Archon: The Classic Battle Between Light and Dark Returns

It has been over 25 years since the original fight between Light and Dark engaged on the battlefield of good vs. evil. The game, Archon: The Light and the Dark was originally developed for 8 bit computer systems in the heyday of early home computer systems such as the Atari, the Apple II, and the Commodore 64. Now, with enhanced graphics, mechanics, and multiplayer modes, Archon is returning to the modern gaming world thanks to React! Games.

Archon is a strategy game based loosely on the game of chess. The game's Wikipedia entry states that it was inspired by a version of the centuries old table top board game that used live actors, in conjunction with its futuristic and fictitious holographic counterpart seen in the original Star Wars movie. Originally developed by Free Fall Associates, and published by EA, at its most basic the Archon game uses a board that is made up of white and black squares with playing pieces lining opposing player sides. The game is turn based and features combat between conflicting pieces on a space to determine its rightful occupant. Unlike chess, where the attacking piece takes a win, combat in Archon is based on character abilities and influence from the color square that the battle happens to be taking place on. Set in a world of fantasy, character pieces including Wizards, Knights, and Dragons fight to win by total annihilation of the opposition, or to occupy all special spaces on the board called Power Points.

React! Games, who acquired the license to develop from Free Fall Associates in 2008, has recently reintroduced the classic title to the gaming community. Staying true to original game play while adding depth and a few new twists; there are currently three products to enjoy.

Through iTunes, owners of the iPhone can relive the classic battle on the popular device with two different titles: Archon, and Archon: Conquest. Archon is available in two different versions, a Lite (free) version, and a fully featured version. In the Lite version of the game, players will get a taste of the classic action with original gameplay as light or dark in six different combat arenas. The full featured version expands the number of characters per side, multiple AI settings, summoning abilities, additional combat arenas, and more. In Archon Conquest, players can experience Archon in a whole new way. Tilt and touch controls control the action in four immersive story packed campaigns featuring a total of 60 quests, worldwide leader boards, and of course classic combat play.

Currently in a pre-beta stage, the PC version of the game is available for sale at a reduced price through the company's website in a pay and play model. This allows gamers to comment and contribute to the product's forum before its official release. With rapid action and stunning visuals, the game offers both straight forward classic play, and four campaigns in conquest mode. Players that are new to the game can take advantage of the helpful in-game tutorials before battling to take the spot of top Archon.

Developed by Archon fans, for Archon fans, the games are a must play.

Sources/Resources:

Archon: The Light and the Dark on Wikipedia

React! Games

Official React! Games Archon Classic Site