It's been a while but Archon is one of my favorites on C64. It's played like some kind of simple chess match but the pieces must fight and one will be defeated before moving on. In my opinion, it’s self-explanatory game. I don’t remember reading any help screens to start. You can choose whether you’re on the black or white side but some of the stronger pieces are different on each side. This makes it more interesting. You can play the computer or be in a 2-player game.
It's been a while but Archon is one of my favorites on C64. It's played like some kind of simple chess match but the pieces must fight and one will be defeated before moving on. In my opinion, it’s self-explanatory game. I don’t remember reading any help screens to start. You can choose whether you’re on the black or white side but some of the stronger pieces are different on each side. This makes it more interesting. You can play the computer or be in a 2-player game. The computer is not much of a challenge so purposely killing some of your pieces makes it more of a real game. I sometimes play the 2-player game against myself once I’m bored of beating the computer.
When
the pieces meet they go to the battlefield screen and challenge each other until one dies. You’re free to roam the screen and shot or attack your opponent. The shooting pieces usually shoot up, down, left, right, and diagonal. Some of the other pieces that are not the shooting type have some way of attacking the opponent. Banshee screams, Phoenix fires, and clubbing are amongst these attacks. I believe this is what gives the game its uniqueness and fun value. The stronger pieces usually overcome the weaker ones but each piece carries their own remaining life so all your shots that hit may make a difference. There is also what’s called elemental pieces where you can summon the elemental piece of your choice. The computer is usually predictable though. It will shoot or attack when you’re in its sight but there is still some difficulty in defeating.
There are some tricks and strategies you will find when playing. Eventually you’ll figure them out. Not sure if I should mention them here so I’ll just say that some of the seemingly stronger pieces on the board have their weaknesses. This may be useful if you want to play a friend and tick them off.
It’s an old 2-D game but I had my share of fun playing it. I would recommend this game for the gamer that doesn’t really need the graphics or complications of a game with a full story. Its strength is in its creativity in what each piece does and playing the pieces using their potential. It’s easy to get started and not much to learn. Just attack the other pieces and join the fight. Good luck!
