Archon Classic
Released Nov 2010
Inspired by chess, but adding combat that YOU control, Archon was the original Battle Chess. You must try to outmaneuver your opponent using teams of fantasy creatures or monsters in this epic struggle of Light and Dark.
82% positive · 194 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $9.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
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Evaluation
Archon Classic released on November 2, 2010 as a recreation of the 1983 classic Archon. The game shipped as a complete product with a full single-player Conquest campaign (60+ quests across 4 campaigns), multiplayer support for up to 4 players, multiple boards, and a full AI system.
The developer posted two updates in mid-2014 — the first on June 27, 2014 noting they had revisited the game to add telemetry, new maps, and graphical tweaks, and a follow-up patch (Update 1.1.12) on August 14, 2014 addressing AI behavior, crash fixes, V-Sync issues, and windowed mode support. The June 2014 post mentioned another update was in the works to address Conquest and V-Sync issues — and that follow-up did ship as the August 2014 patch, which resolved those exact issues.
Since August 14, 2014, there have been no further developer communications of any kind. The game has not received any DLC, and no future content has been announced. The store description presents the game as a complete, feature-rich package with no mention of planned additions. Given the nearly 12-year silence since the last patch, the game is best understood as a finished product that received a brief maintenance revival in 2014 before the developer moved on.
Evidence
Update 1.1.12 shipped, addressing Conquest AI issues, 32-bit crash fixes, V-Sync problems, and added windowed mode support. This is the last recorded developer communication.
Developer returned to the game after years away to add telemetry, new maps, and graphical tweaks. Mentioned a follow-up update in the works for Conquest and V-Sync issues.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
React Games
Achievements
43
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP · Local/Split Screen
About this game
Inspired by chess, but adding combat that YOU control, Archon was the original Battle Chess. You must try to outmaneuver your opponent using teams of fantasy creatures or monsters in this epic struggle of Light and Dark. On the chess board, when you challenge a piece, you are teleported into a Combat Arena where you fight in REAL-TIME until only the victor emerges to claim the square on the chess board. Conquer your opponent by defeating all of their pieces on the chess board or claim all the Power Squares for a quick victory! You can play Free-For-All mode, where it's everyone for themselves, or play using teams and gang up on your opponents pieces in battle (2 vs. 1.)
Archon:Classic can be played using USB controllers (the best way) or with keyboard and mouse. First developed in 1983, Archon quickly became a hit and instant classic because of it's unique combination of action and strategic gameplay. We've recreated it to play just like the original, but we've added enhancements for today's gamer. So grab some friends and experience the classic game that started the Action/Strategy genre.
Archon:Classic can be played using USB controllers (the best way) or with keyboard and mouse. First developed in 1983, Archon quickly became a hit and instant classic because of it's unique combination of action and strategic gameplay. We've recreated it to play just like the original, but we've added enhancements for today's gamer. So grab some friends and experience the classic game that started the Action/Strategy genre.
Key features:
- Up to 4 Player support...pure mayhem in battle!
- Play in "Free-for-All" or "Teams" mode
- USB controller support
- Optimized to run even on on netbooks
- 3 Different Boards (Modes) to play
- 4 AI settings with 3 different personalities
- Various spells to use
- 18 pieces per team, plus others you can summon
- Pieces gain experience and level up
- Primary and Secondary abilities
- Choose modern or classic icons
- Fully Featured 1 Player Campaign called, "Conquest"
- Conquest features 4 campaigns (over 60 quests)
- Over 16 hours gameplay on Conquest alone!
- Tracking and Statistics per game (fully featured)
- Achievements and Leaderboards
Last evaluated Jun 28, 2026
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