Archon

Archon: The Light and the Dark - the 1983 strategy action hybrid for
Commodore 64 from Electronic Arts.

Battle for control of a mystical chessboard where every capture turns
into a live arcade duel between fantasy creatures.

Core loop
- move pieces across a grid like chess to claim power squares
- when two pieces meet, fight in real time to decide the outcome
- win by holding all five power points or defeating every enemy piece

Systems and items
- light vs dark - symmetric sides with unique creature abilities
- magic - one-time spells like teleport or revive can change momentum
- arena combat - top-down battles with ranged or melee attacks
- power squares - amplify magic and regenerate health

Level design and feel
Alternating day and night cycles shift power between factions. The board
glows with elemental tiles, while arena fights are fast, smooth, and
surprisingly tactical for single-screen duels.

Why it is notable
- created by Jon Freeman and Anne Westfall, founders of Free Fall
Associates
- pioneering blend of turn-based strategy and live-action combat
- early Electronic Arts showcase title in their “Computer Art” lineup

Tips
- hold central power squares early to boost regeneration
- save magic for emergencies - reviving a dragon can turn the match
- know each creature’s range and attack timing before engaging

At a glance
Year - 1983
Developer - Free Fall Associates
Design and programming - Jon Freeman - Anne Westfall
Graphics - Anne Westfall
Music - Richard Joseph (C64 version)
Publisher - Electronic Arts
Genre - Strategy action hybrid
Players - 1 or 2 (competitive)
Controls - Joystick in port 2