{"product_id":"archon-nes","title":"Archon - for NES","description":"\u003cp\u003eArchon: The Light and the Dark is a strategy game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, converted by Bullet-Proof Software and published by Activision in 1989. First seen on home computers earlier in the decade, Archon takes the shape of chess and then refuses to behave like it: two sides, one light and one dark, line up eighteen pieces each on a board of nine by nine squares, but nothing is settled by position alone. When two pieces meet, the board falls away and they fight it out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou win by holding all five power point squares, by removing every opposing piece from the board, or by imprisoning the last creature left standing. Captures are decided in a battle arena in real time, one on one, so a strong piece badly handled can still lose. The color of the square matters too: dark creatures gain a longer life bar on dark squares, light creatures on light, and some squares cycle through afternoon, dusk, night and dawn, which turns timing into strategy. The two armies are not mirrors of each other. Light fields unicorns, valkyries and a djinni while dark answers with basilisks, banshees and manticores, each with its own movement restrictions, and the light wizard and dark sorceress can cast spells that imprison a unit, shift the flow of time or bring a piece back from the dead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArchon is still admired because the blend works: it asks a strategist's questions and then settles them with your thumbs. Two players make it sing, and no two matches play out the same way once the spells and the day and night cycle get involved. In a collection it stands as one of the more interesting conversions on the NES, a home computer classic adapted for a console audience, and still the clearest example of a board game that fights back. Archon rewards anyone willing to learn both armies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strategy Board Game\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlayers:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1-2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e NTSC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1989\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeveloper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bullet-Proof Software\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCartridge Only: No Box or Manual\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease note that this listing is for the \u003cstrong\u003egame cartridge only\u003c\/strong\u003e. The original box, instruction manual, and any other accessories are not included with this purchase unless explicitly stated in the listing. What you receive is exactly what you need to play: the cartridge itself, tested and confirmed working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Authenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis game has been tested and is fully functional. We do not authenticate or certify originality, and listings are intended for players and everyday collectors rather than professional grading or authentication purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImages \u0026amp; Regional Differences\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nProduct images are for reference only. Label artwork, cartridge color, and regional markings (PAL or NTSC) may vary from the item you receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NES","offers":[{"title":"NTSC","offer_id":53163252678938,"sku":"SJ-ARCHON-NES-NTSC-T","price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0973\/4615\/8874\/files\/42741952-515f-471a-b6fd-ce590b964d2c.png?v=1792701519","url":"https:\/\/sillyjoystick.com\/products\/archon-nes","provider":"SillyJoystick Gaming","version":"1.0","type":"link"}