Overview and Gameplay
Light and Dark clash across a shifting 9-by-9 battlefield where capturing a piece requires winning a real-time duel. Archon combines turn-based strategy with direct arena combat, adapting Free Fall Associates’ 1983 computer game for the NES.
Each army fields different fantasy creatures with distinct movement, attacks, speed, and durability. Terrain changes between light and dark, strengthening units that fight on favorable squares. Victory comes from occupying all five power points or eliminating the opposing army.
Controls And Mechanics
- Use the directional pad to select and move pieces on the board.
- Press A to choose a unit, confirm its destination, and attack during combat.
- Hold A to strike again when the creature’s weapon has recharged.
- Press B to cancel an eligible spell selection.
- The Wizard and Sorceress can heal, revive, imprison, exchange units, shift time, or summon an elemental.
- Two-player matches alternate on the board, then become simultaneous when opposing creatures enter combat.
Version Notes
This North American conversion uses NES-specific graphics, sound, controls, and credits. It retains the original design while adjusting some rules, movement, and unit behavior.
Release And Credits
- Release year: 1989
- Developer: Bullet-Proof Software
- Publisher: Activision
- Original platform: Atari 8-bit computers
- Original title: Archon: The Light and the Dark
