Let's Play Archon - 1 - The Light and The Dark

[MasterRickyCherub]

Would you ever consider playing its sequel "Archon 2: Adept"?

[dickclarkfan1]

Your first mistake was trying to attack to Shapeshifter while it was sitting on a dark square. A dark piece has the advantage in a fight when its sitting on a dark square.

[leviatam]

black is stronger than white. pheonix sucks compared to the two banshees, and shapeshifter is the best creature in the game besides the dragon.

[stevegauch]

battle chess 2.0! Cool!

[pinnoy]

I really enjoyed this game. The most difficult thing to do here is to attack diagonally with the keyboard numberic Keypad.

[FMagl]

It's pretty obvious looking at it that this was the template for Dark Legions. Neat stuff.

[TheToast7]

That's totally barbaric!

[Trusseck]

That logo might just be the most entertaining part of the game.

[addison57]

This was the first LP of yours I ever watched, I believe. Ever since, I have been hooked and stay up into the long hours of... morning watching the LPs. La-Mulana took my life away for a few days.

[RogersRoyal]

I used to have this on the Amiga. Ah brings back memories. Great game and not as well known as it should have been. Great stuff. I may have to try the NES version sometime. Looks like a good port of the classic game.

[Phil80333]

THIS GAME IS AWESOME

[jack037907]

hmmmmmmmm chess with violence

[animegirlheather]

Looks like the mortal combat chess in deseption. :P

[slim1066]

man this game rocks it reminds me of the chess game mode in mortal kombat deception

[Bastiest]

I just love this game.

I gotta get it for my NES console.

[paperboy1995]

ughh the dragons are the worst

[CecoBg3]

looks like a cool game

[GELTONZ]

Aw SWEET! Archon! I always played Dark so I could have the Shape Shifter. This was one of my NES favorites...but then again it took me until Resident Evil 2 to hate ANYTHING! XD

I played some decent Archon-esque games later (Unholy War and Wrath Unleashed) but I never got to play the more modern (but still DOS? Or maybe Windows 95?) computer one.

Kombat Chess does not count as decent though because it forces you to play MK:D.

[NevTheDeranged]

Oh, man, I miss this game. Later I would also love Dark Legions, and then Unholy War... all based on the same concept. Good stuff.

[jacobislucas]

dude they should remake this game for the ds

[glovestrong48]

@jacobislucas they remade it for the PC, and it's a lot better.

[VeePickle]

Defintely one of the more innovative games on the NES. Or, you know, ever.

[zixxsa100]

this looks good

[Samurai0316]

Wow! I still have this game! I don't think I ever managed to beat the Dark Computer player as a kid, though... stupid dragon...

[Vaderkid123]

Im going out and buying this game RIGHT NOW

[IB112]

Atari version is better!!! Atleast I think it was the Atari?

[kirbypwnz]

I think this might be the nes ancestor of wrath unleashed on the ps2. (in fact, the way the game is played is almost exactly like it)

[NevTheDeranged]

I so wanted to love that game too... but when it came out I was unimpressed. =\

[hobokiller1]

A nice twist on the basic game of chess.

[Silverjag1997]

reminds me of mortal combat chess, great vid dc

[halosecretseeker]

theres a MK chess?

[lazrpo1nt3r]

Yes, Mortal Kombat Chess is a minigame in Mortal Kombat deception.

[IvanMaster7]

Mortal Kombat Deception's Chess was made BECAUSE of this game actually.

[GarlyleWilds]

Oh man, Archon. I... I actually own this game.

The game actually does have its good share of "little things". Not to mention an AI that's moderately difficult without being brokenly godly.

For being such a small game it's very enjoyable. I tend to forget it exists but honestly I'd like to see someone make an updated version.

[invertin]

Oh man!

Ths reminds me of Arq. It's like Archon, except it's a Quake 3 Arena mod, so all of the fights are in full 3D.

I remember that every game I wasted a heal spell on a knight to make the super knight... Unless super knights don't happen in the original. Maybe they only exist in Arq.

[kingmegaboo]

Awesome looking game

[childoftreachery]

Kind of makes me think of Tactics Arena Online. Only with a much greater emphasis on action.

[FacePunch0]

Brutal.

[manuelito1233]

Hmm, seems like a great game.

Wonder if there's a real life version...

[BygPhattyPlus]

That looks like an interesting game!

[DropHydroSkirmish]

This game looks GREAT! Thank you.

[IKDpRoDuCtIoNs]

That seems like and awesome game :D

[LchanOtakudom]

What a neat concept for a video game, good choice for an LP, DC!

[MadcowDead]

It seemed like each unit was pretty much doing a fixed amount of damage, are the square colors the only thing that affects the damage done or do different units do different damage and I'm just imagining this?

[Timorio]

I haven't played this much, but units like the djinn, troll, and wizard definitely deal more damage than other ranged units.

[SykhoticSeahawk]

Wow I completely forgot about this game until now, Good game, Violence and chess go together like rice and beans!

[icewatermansion1712]

This was a wonderfully imaginative take on chess. A classic nes game.

[undeadmoogle3]

Awesome choice in game. I've always thought that Archon was really unique and interesting. Glad to see it being LP'ed. Can't wait to see how this one goes.

[KrumpusJeff]

Thanks for showing off this game, man! It looks extremely fun to play.

[PaperSpock]

Personally, I'd say that Chess is just a version of Archon without violence, but maybe, that's just me.

[KarmaGhost22]

Wizard Chess? o:

[Jigglysaint]

Action Chess is no match for Combat Clue.

[MarioSupersonic]

hey dc you've been geting more quiter bro whats up wit that?

[DeceasedCrab]

It's a function of the game volume, your speakers, and your inability to spell.

[reanimatorX]

Shapeshifter is kind of overpowered since it heals after every fight it seems.

[DeceasedCrab]

Pretty much every creature heals to full if the combat took place on their own colored square.

[cowabungadoug]

DeceasedCrab, I can't thank you

enough for uploading this classic chess

game that I adored so much. As a kid, I loved watching my uncle & cousins play this all day long on the venerable NES. It was such a thrill to finally play & so terrible when the cartridge eventually was lost. Still, those sounds, strategy & spells are memories that will never be forgotten. Thanks for helping bringing the past alive,DeceasedCrab!

[NamelessLPs]

Wow. Genie's look the epic. Just like in every other game they seem to be in...

[kunaikidmaster]

this is way better than chess...the problem is that i never play chess...

[PTPiranha]

This is either the best idea for a game ever, or the worst. I vote best.

[doppleganger4827]

This is a change of pace, no more Konami Kraziness. Game reminds me of Mortal Kombat's Chess Kombat. Most of it seemed based off this game. Can't wait for you to go to The Dark side & murderate everyone.

[DrRetard]

AWESOME

[stefan1ance]

this is a terrible game.

[DeceasedCrab]

What a coincidence! You are a terrible viewer. We have no idea why you think this is terrible, and every reason to assume the worst! Back up your terrible opinions with facts.

[AgentKaypar]

You mentioned that this was the NES version. Are there more modern incarnations?

[skorch31]

I had this game for my apple II and I didn't know there was an NES version. Thanks!

[slb1900000]

You'll be taking challenges for this, like you did for Karate Kid?

[DeceasedCrab]

Probably not. Besides, for Karate Kid, it was I who challenged them.

[xoyv]

dc, why didn't you just imprision the shifter?

[DeceasedCrab]

I can't be bothered to put thought and planning into my actions when I play games!

[SilverLugia249]

Interesting game DC and it looks like fun as well

[StakeJade]

Interesting game... kind of reminds me of "Battle Chess" (one of my faves)!

[ENM173]

What a strange game.

[ZarroTsu]

This isn't as exciting as it could be.

[DeceasedCrab]

You're focusing too much on the strategy and not the action.

[DeamonReader]

Great game! I am glad you decided to let's play it.

[kamajje]

So you could totally suck at Chess and still win? o_O

[djKanda]

Exciting board game action!

With actions!

[chaohord]

Huzzah!

[MercenaryCobra1]

Actually, you only need to hit the A button to fire. Also, you forgot to mention that those beeps you hear in combat indicate when you can shoot again(high pitch for light, low for dark). In either case, I should enjoy watching this. Here's hoping to your success in taking the board.

[chaohord]

Awesome.

[Dracolix]

Action Chess!

Man.. Archon brings back memories of frustration, especially when you're tired.

[ToonyMan93]

Let's Play Dwarf Fortress!

[DeceasedCrab]

Let's not.

[SatansBestBuddy1]

Let's Play Finished Games?

Sounds good.

[DeceasedCrab]

It's not that I care whether Dwarf Fortress is a completed game, or has been LPed before. It's more a function of whether or not I believe most people will stand for staring at moving bits of ascii for very long periods of time. It's more a niche game.

[PocketEmerald]

You could play Crawl, which has a tileset.

[supernicktendo64]

Well, Technically Dwarf Fortress is Tile Compatible too. The Mayday set is well known. But I personally can't play the game anymore unless it has ASCII "graphics". It just flows really well once you understand what everything means.

In my opinion I'd watch a Dwarf Fortress let's play, if only for two reasons. The first is if DC played it, because one way or another it would end in awesome. And second would be that no one really shows you the inbetween stuff. Which is what most people need.

[noooodl]

I could stand staring at moving bits of ASCII provided I'm actually playing the game. Watching someone play Dwarf Fortress is just silly.

[FreakReaper009]

awesome video. This game is very interesting, when i first saw it I thought it would just be another chess game with different pieces, but the different pieces and ways to battle against the opposing sides was cool.

[AcidNighttmare]

Wow, this game looks quite entertaining. Can't wait to see more.

[Phailin]

I played a live-action version of something like this at a con once...

The other Queen and I both died at the same time; her by sacrificing herself to cast a final spell, and me by its effects.

[DeceasedCrab]

I... I would recommend you stop telling this story to other people. While I can understand how you found it fun, I'm sure the games were entirely different, and you will sound horribly awkward and strange to people who aren't into this sort of thing.

[TrueSoreThumb]

Weird coincidence;

With a long A, you can pronounce his name

Failin'.

Hm. :o

[Nightenstaff]

This was a favorite game of mine back on the Commodore 64. Although the sides were decently balanced, I preferred the dark side because the Shapeshifter and how the Banshee could move while attacking (instead of using the attack as a defensive power like the Phoenix).

Classic game I haven't thought about for a long time. Thanks DC!

[Wildfire667]

I'll admit I laughed my ass off at your comment, Oh snap! Action chess!

[supernicktendo64]

HOLY COW! You ROCK Deceased Crab! You just picked one of my favorite olden' Games of all time! That and M.U.L.E! Keep up your awesome awesome videos!

[DeceasedCrab]

I was thinking of doing M.U.L.E. but trying to get three other people who want to play is a challenge.

[supernicktendo64]

Just get at least one, Maybe hold it off until MadamLuna gets done with Dyna..... that one game?

[1337PhoeniXx]

its a weird game but I like it :P

[AngelicaValentine]

after you beat the computer can you challenge one of your friends? ^_^ I really enjoyed your karate kid lets play

[robfathah]

I didn't even know there was an NES version of Archon. I'm guessing the sequel never made it to the NES, which is kind of a shame.

Also, Light Side all the way.

[ricmoz]

this game looks really fun

[Looneveli]

damn man, this game looks hard as hell

[bbbmoody]

I used to love this game! Great to see it again!

[Willah01]

What a classic game this is! I miss it alot.

[spawnxiv]

The hands of the dragons in the logo are moving... disturbingly...

[buckerduck]

Crazy game.

[Vinifera7]

Heal that Djinn!

[TheAdmantArchvile]

Wow, that shapeshifter is a monster! Watch out, DC!

[RANMAofCHS]

A chess game that requires both strategy and battle skills? Yes! Looking forward to the rest of this one!

[nytttyn]

So basicly its interactive chess?

[DeceasedCrab]

Chess with player controlled combat, and simpler but innovative strategy.

[ZeroAscension]

Wow, this game looks pretty cool. Never heard of it before, but I want to play it.

[justinbrosam]

Wow DC, you amazing when you can take a chess game and make it very interesting! Thanks for the LP.

[SteamNote]

Chess with violence : D

[SenatorJimDeath]

Man, I remember renting this game back when you could rent NES games. Feels like forever ago.

[coelacanth0794]

Too confusing! :P

[DeceasedCrab]

Everyone else is keeping up. Why can't you?

[icewizard612]

Wasn't there a game like this on the PS2?

[DairunCates]

This game looks like the best of the worst games I've imagined in caffeinated fever dreams while working in the labs at 4 in the morning...

I like it.

[TonyMeman2486]

Oh, I had this one... fun game! I got to the point where I could win without losing a single piece.

[FEfan56]

What an interesting little game, looking forward to this one.

[hs16723]

Whoa, that intro music is catchy...

[thelordofall119]

Huh. This looks like one of the games I would enjoy as a kid.

So, after the first game will you play another using the dark side?

[IceWolfSV]

Wow , that was filled with action :O

[TheHelldragon]

So it's less like chess and more like a simple turn-based strategy game.

In other words, it's like chess.

[irishmerit]

nice pick dc! this game brings me way back!!

[omgkittensmeowmeow]

this game looks awsome

[brashup2]

I remember this game. Could not for the life of me figure out how to play it, though.

[Cragvis]

WOOOOO This game rocked! way ahead of its time!

[WatcherCCG]

Well, I'll say this. You've found an interesting one this time. I'll be keeping an eye on it. And are there other console versions of this game?

[DeceasedCrab]

Other computer versions, not console versions.

[supernicktendo64]

Unless you count Commodore 64, which is where I originally played it. Than there is the NES version which I'm guessing is the one you play here.

[DeceasedCrab]

...That's a Computer.

[supernicktendo64]

Good point.

[supernicktendo64]

I guess in terms of consoles you'd have to go back to the atari age.

[KalirSavant]

Well, this is rather nifty.

Does the light side only summon water elementals and the dark side only earth elementals?

[DeceasedCrab]

Light gets either air or water, dark gets fire or earth.

[civ4man]

Not just chess,but ACTION CHESS!

[0Angelix0]

Wow that game is...

Hahahaha...

[xnamkcor]

Reminds me of a Chess version of Esper.

Warhammer 40D

[thepatcat]

This is one game I never expected to be LPed. Good stuff. :)

[DrewCanbarian]

This is great.

[bobopopo5]

i never understood chess. maybe i know after this

[anubite13]

Ah that game, I always thought it was a great concept but could never get myself into it. Watching you though gives me the urge to go give it a second chance.

[criminal90210]

in the title screen, it looks like the 2 dragons are spitting in each other's mouths! BLECH!

[CaptainRandom16]

Wow, this game is just awesome. Words fail me as to how cool this game is...

[iammadrightnow]

I didn't even know this was uploaded today. Anyways, awesome job DeceasedCrab, Huzzah!

[jopomeister]

Nice LP choice, awesome looking game :D

[Vordox85]

Cool game. :)

[henrymca]

wow if only real chess was this fun

[EagleNED]

How do you keep coming up with these games? :) From civ to kid dracula to iji etc. Spanning decades and many genres. And now again something completely different like this. I couldn't bring it up myself playing all these games, good job!

[Agghyson]

Thanks DC, my cousin used to own that game but I never could remember the name. For some reason I remember the banshee being almost invincible with a bigger range. But after so many years, I will blame my memory and not the game.

[shurdi3]

wow cool chess with violence awesome

[MalusCalibur]

Looks like a cool little game: chess with some added complexity.

May you smite those forces of evil, DC!

[Bazgothmog]

cool game

[puretay]

GO GO ACTION CHESS!

This is a strange game.

[Dallahan]

The shape shifter is annoying XD

[starfyter87]

Did you know the same people who made Archon also did the Star Control series? Good games all that were made by those people.

[DeceasedCrab]

That explains a bit. I did enjoy Star Control 2.

[ArwingPilot28]

Wizards Chess!

[ManuelTFox]

Oo Cool

[TehUsernaem]

That shapeshifter looks like a pain.

[LadyMiaow]

Huh, what an interesting little game.

That shapeshifter, though? Total bastard.

[voorkevil]

HARDCORE!

[Coredo]

This one looks like it'll be a thrill ride like no othe- *falls asleep* zzz... *is woken up by the combat* O_o

[Reakuthecrate]

i love this game, i jsut get my ass kicked after a certain amount of time.

[rafonzo]

Action and Chess ... somehow a contradiction xD

[DeliriumSC]

Hahah, I was playing this with my brother in law yesterday :)

Fun game multiplayer game!

[chocobolord3]

hmm... action chess huh...

interesting o.o I'm curious as to where you heard of/found this game.

[DeceasedCrab]

Had it when I was young.

[TrueSoreThumb]

Two WHOLE Episodes of Archon i bet, eh? :O If you don't win in the next video, I"ll be shocked.

[DeceasedCrab]

...spot on. But what if I play a game as the dark side?

[TrueSoreThumb]

What a Twist! Just ask M. Night Shyamalan. 8)

[PerfectOutlaw]

I loved this game when I was younger, but getting good at this game made me awful at real chess...

[buhssuht]

so u can beat the game even if suck at chess?

[DeceasedCrab]

Yeah. You can.

[noooodl]

Question if is he can beat the game if he sucks at using the shift key.

[DeceasedCrab]

No, he cannot.

[MouseyWithPower]

This game is incredible! Ah, DC, you never fail to amuse me with weird NES games...

[doonman008]

nice Game choice.

[Wipomatic]

That shapeshifter sure is a jerk.

[galenloire]

This game looks quite interesting, I enjoy games that require strategy, but with a bit of action in it. Reminds me of Gemfire on the Nintendo; although I've yet to find a working copy of that game sadly.