Archon is an early C64 chessboard style game with loads of strategy and tons of fun. While the graphics are limited to the colors available on the C64 system, and while the AI is pretty terrible, this game is a lot of fun when playing against another human player. The beauty of the game is not in the presentation but in the game-play. The basic format is like battle chess - pieces move on the board. Once two characters have reached a point where they occupy the same spot on the board, a secondary battle screen opens, each with its own setting and environment, and the pieces do battle there.
The winner is returned back into play on the main board.
The goal of the game is to either destroy the enemy completely, or control all 4 hot spots. These spots are good because they give the defending player a real power/health advantage during battle. Each trooper having a set amount of health before being killed adds a certain feeling of arcade style fighting to an otherwise simple strategy style chess board. And what is wonderful about this game is that for skilled players, any piece on the board can defeat any other one. That means, the Orc or knight (the pawns) can defeat the wizard or sorceress (the king) if played correctly. It is very difficult - but possible.
In the end
this game is a keeper. Some would deem it a gemstone all but forgotten in both play style and game concept... something modern game makers are just starting to rediscover. It's been said that Archon, and it's sister in battle, Archon II, would be remade one day in new and wonderfully modern high-tech game design.. But personally, I don't see it happening anytime in the near future.
So, for now, the boxy movement style, rigid controls, the archaic sound and graphics all add to the suspense and fun of the game. A game we can easily say is one of the BEST C64 products ever to hit the electronic gaming market!
