Archon Ultra Explained

Archon Ultra
Developer:Free Fall Associates
Publisher:Strategic Simulations
Designer:Jon Freeman
Paul Reiche III
Released:1994
Genre:Turn-based strategy, action
Modes:Single-player, multiplayer
Platforms:MS-DOS

Archon Ultra is an action-strategy video game developed by Free Fall Associates and published by Strategic Simulations in 1994 for MS-DOS. It is a remake of the 1983 game which was one of the first releases from Electronic Arts.

Gameplay

A remake of , Archon Ultra adds updated graphics and sound. New gameplay features include secondary weapons that give all units two unique abilities, and the battle sequences are shown from a diagonal overhead point of view to simulate a third dimension in the battles. The game also has a multiplayer mode via modem.

Reception

Computer Gaming World approved of how Ultras new features made the game "worthwhile to players of the original" without "destroy[ing] the balance of the original", and noted the computer opponent's skill in the middlegame and endgame. The magazine concluded that the developers "brought the graphics and sound of Archon up to current standards, and have made minor changes to game play without sacrificing the elements that made the original a classic."[1] PC Gamer (US) reviewed the game with a 76% Final Verdict, saying that the combination of strategy and arcade sequences give Archon Ultra great replay value.[2] Archon Ultra was reviewed in 1994 in Dragon, receiving only 1 out of 5 stars.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Coleman . Terry Lee. The Phoenix Rises . . March 1994. 116. 62–66.
  2. Poole . Stephen . Archon Ultra . . May 1994. 1. 90.
  3. Eye of the Monitor. Petersen, Sandy. Dragon. 206. June 1994. 57–60. Sandy Petersen.