Archon cover
SeriesArchon

Archon

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First release
Nov 1983
Genres
Tactical, Strategy · Action, Fantasy
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), DOS, Mac, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Sharp X1, Atari 8-bit, Apple II, PC-8800 Series, FM-7

Archon: The Light and the Dark was a game developed by Free Fall Associates which loosely modeled the game of Chess, with a number of additions to the gameplay. It was programmed by Anne Westfall, and released originally for Atari 8-bit computers in 1983. It was quickly ported to a number of different systems, and was well-received.

Also known as Archon: The Light and the Dark

Attributes

No Attributes added.

Details

Storyline, release dates, time to beat, age ratings, modes, links, keywords

Storyline
Archon is loosely based after the game of chess, but with the added trait that pieces do not simply kill other pieces-when an individual piece attempts to kill an opposing player's piece, a battle screen ensues, and a fight occurs. Generally, but not always-stronger pieces are able to overcome weaker pieces. Fights can also result in double-kills, where each piece involved in the battle is killed. Other additions to the game include special abilities held by certain pieces, as well as a Spellcaster piece, which acts as the leader of each side.Read more

Archon is loosely based after the game of chess, but with the added trait that pieces do not simply kill other pieces-when an individual piece attempts to kill an opposing player's piece, a battle screen ensues, and a fight occurs. Generally, but not always-stronger pieces are able to overcome weaker pieces. Fights can also result in double-kills, where each piece involved in the battle is killed. Other additions to the game include special abilities held by certain pieces, as well as a Spellcaster piece, which acts as the leader of each side.

Release dates
Atari 8-bit
Nov 1983
DOS
1984
Commodore C64/128/MAX
1984
All 12 release dates
Apple II
1984
Amstrad CPC
1985
ZX Spectrum
1985
PC-8800 Series
Jun 01, 1986
Sharp X1
Dec 01, 1986
Mac
1986
Amiga
1986
FM-7
Apr 01, 1988
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Oct 22, 2010
Game modes
Multiplayer, Single player
Perspective
Bird view / Isometric
Keywords
magic, chess, turn-based, artificial intelligence, grid-based movement
… All 13, day/night cycle, trolls, anthropomorphism, cga graphics, banshee, chessboard, basilisks, phoenix
How it playsMediaCommunityBehind the gameRelated

How it plays

Languages

  • Englishinterface
IGDB · recorded 24 Oct 2026

Language data: IGDB · recorded 24 Oct 2026