Archon will be coming back with new multiplayer game modes that support up to four player team and versus battles as well as classic 8-bit or modern versions of the game. The new PC title will also include online leader boards, achievements, HD resolution and online support.

Chad Lee, owner of developer React Games, says the decision to bring the classic back to the PC was driven by the game's success on the iPhone.

"In bringing Archon to the PC we've really focused on maintaining the classic feel of the original game," said Brad Moss, Design Lead at React Games. "That said, there were aspects of the title that needed updating for the modern audience. For example, the addition of 4 players was never in the original, but it adds so much fun it feels like it always belonged there."

Other additions include the ability to level up characters, power-ups and new board layouts. Pre-sales for the game kick off on Oct. 15, Lee said.

React Games is also about to launch a new Archon-based iPhone game. This one, unlike the first which was a remake of the original game for the iPhone, will be a single-player experience with four campaigns, 60 quests and unique enemies and characters.

The game will also support Ngmoco's Plus+ tech, meaning it will have awards and a leader board.

Archon: Conquest was submitted to the App store earlier this month, Lee said, so it should be out any day now.
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React Games

For those of you who may have missed out, Archon is a classic board game from developer Free Fall Associates that takes chess and adds an element of arcade combat, creating what could almost be said to be an action real-time strategy game. React! Games has been working diligently on creating a new version of the title for the iPhone, and if the latest screenshots are any indication, it's coming along quite nicely.

React! founder Chad Lee dropped us a line to update us on the progress of Archon Classic.

Right now the game features a single-player mode that utilizes a virtual direction pad for control during battle sequences, with the option of using the iPhone's accelerometer to control combat. They've developed a bit of AI they call "Smart Aim" in order to help the players find their marks, explaining that it's "really hard to get a fast twitch response on the iPhone". The screen also zooms in and out during combat based on the distance between combatants, which should add a nice dynamic feel to the battles.

The first version of the game will feature the classic game with several difficulty levels. Future updates will introduce multiplayer, achievements, and stat recording.

We are very excited about this game...it's not a simple port from another platform, but a game made specifically for the iPhone, taking advantage of it as a console. This game really plays a lot bigger and better than most other games on the iPhone and will definitely be a favorite of everyone who actually play it.

Chad also wanted to let everyone know that they'll be organizing giveaways at the game's official website leading up to release, with t-shirts, posters and even custom skinned, limited edition iPod touches up for grabs for those registered in the forums.

As for when the game releases, all we know now is that they're very close. Check out the latest screenshots below.