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.
Lee also said that

React Games

The latest update to hit the App Store for the game for free includes plenty of fixes and tweaks as well as newly enhanced AI settings for the game. I'm told future updates will include feature requests from the game's forums, visual enhancements, and multiplayer.

The game is also getting a free lite version this Monday. To tide you over, here's a batch of new codes that React Games sent our way for the title.

73KRJE7RY3KP
FXWPM6YLNAP4
KFJRR3NW34L3
XKX6K6Y3HWYE
TFMX9MMA4HFT
4X9EPX9FEP39

The remake by React Games features the same characters, moves and real-time combat of the original for $4.

For those gamers who grew up in the 70s or 80s, this is one of those classics you can never get enough of. I'm happy to see it finally getting an upgrade to a platform that allows me to carry it around with me.

Now if only they would add multiplayer.

When we'd last left our intrepid action board game it was in the hands of Myriad Interactive early last year, with big plans to do...something. Now we discover that React! Games picked up the license earlier this month, and plans on releasing a new version of the game by the end of this year. While only the PC has been confirmed so far, React! is eying every platform possible. Says React!'s Chad Lee:

We are moving as fast as possible to get it out by fall 2009 (at the latest). Our goal is to get it out on all the platforms, but the only ones that are "officially announced" are the PC, Mac, Linux. Please tell everyone to register on the forums and give us your two cents...we are using the forums to help guide us in making this game for the fans. So every opinion counts!

You heard the man! Go hit up the React! forums to let them know where you want Archon to show up!

REACT! GAMES SECURES ARCHON LICENSE FROM FREE FALL GAMES

Salt Lake City, Utah: December 12, 2008

React! Games signed a license deal with Free Fall Games to develop the Archon title across multiple platforms. The original Archon game, made in 1983 by Free Fall Associates, proved an instant classic with its perfectly balanced gameplay. It was originally developed on the Atari 8-bit computer and was later available on the Commodore 64, the NES, and a variety of other machines throughout the 1980s.

“It's a dream come true. After years of pursuing the opportunity to remake this game, we've finally done it. With its perfect combination of action and strategy, this license will appeal to both the nostalgic gamer and the newcomer alike,” says Chad Lee, founder of React! Games.

"Archon fans have had to wait far too long to play one of their favorite games on a contemporary machine, but this time we think they'll finally get their wish. We've been inspired by Chad Lee's enthusiasm and determination, and we believe React! Games can do this project justice. We are eagerly awaiting Archon's return!” says Jon Freeman, cofounder of Free Fall Games.

Although development will be across multiple platforms, no details have been released yet.

React! Games was created to handle the development of the Archon title with Chad Lee as the Managing Director. Mr. Lee has worked on a previous noncommercial version of Archon called, “Archon Evolution” which had received high acclaim from the community worldwide, even garnering over 300,000 hits on the website before production ceased. Mr. Lee also owns Studio 4d1 Animation which serves the film, television and video game industries.

React! Games is a privately owned company.

For more information, visit React! Games at www.reactgames.com and the Official Archon website at www.archonclassic.com

I still own the packaging to my original copy of Archon (sadly the disk is lost), published by Electronic Arts over two decades ago. I have much love for the game, and great hope that whatever form it ends up being release as for this iteration remains faithful to the original. I'll get details on the release formats as soon as Myriad makes them available. Michael Fahey

MYRIAD INTERACTIVE SECURES ARCHON LICENSE

DEAL SIGNED WITH FREE FALL GAMES

For immediate release

London: 6th February 2007

Myriad Interactive begins the year with a series of license agreements. First to be announced is the signing with Free Fall Games of Archon, the title that made its first appearance in 1983 on the Atari 8-bit computer, but was then ported to classic consoles such as the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and even the NES. The game proved popular with its cunning mix of strategic gameplay and intense action sequences.

"We are incredibly pleased to have signed this brand. Archon is a well respected license that has huge nostalgic value for the right reasons - the gameplay, the great combination of strategic thinking and the intense arcade action," says Leo Zullo, founding Partner, Myriad Interactive.

"Archon was such a favorite that we're pleased to make it available to a new generation. We look forward to a new version of the game that combines the fun and spirit of the original with today's exciting technology," says Jon Freeman, Creative Director & Partner, Free Fall Games.

"We believe now is the right time to bring Archon back and look forward to presenting the concept to a new generation of gamers, as well as those that remember it 1st time around," Zullo concludes.

Archon will be published through the Mercury Games brand, and details on the formats will be released soon.

About Myriad Interactive
Myriad Interactive is an asset management and investment company dedicated to the interactive entertainment industry. Its objective is to develop a group of companies that will deliver a wide range of high quality services and products. The Company is focusing its strengths around investments in brands and companies, strategic alliances and joint ventures, and already has a number of fully operational brands under its wing, including Mercury Games and Turtle Games. Myriad Interactive will hold all licenses and brands, and use its subsidiaries and partners to develop and publish titles.

Myriad Interactive is a privately owned company.

For more info on:

Myriad Interactive visit, www.myriad-interactive.com
Mercury Games visit, www.mercurygames.com
Turtle Games visit, www.turtle-games.com

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