#40 - Archon

Warning: actual game may resemble chess.



Apparently, it's near impossible to find an NES screenshot, so here's an Atari one.

Here is a link to the Wikipedia page for Archon:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archon:_The_Light_and_the_Dark

I'm putting this link up because, quite frankly, I have neither the time nor inclination to learn this game, thus I don't plan on reviewing the game. Cheap though it may be, my life is too jam-packed full of other more important things that need to be accomplished - like laundry or something. In lieu of not reviewing this game, though, I thought I'd give a little background into how I accomplish these here review thangees. Not because it's as exciting or as interesting as an Archon review might possibly be, but because many people have asked me questions about my review process. So here we go: some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about this Eternal Quest to Play and Review Every NES Game.

1. Where do you get all of your games?

C'mon guys: I totally emulate them. The thought of possessing 700+ games in my tiny apartment makes me feel a little claustrophobic. Ay, here's the rub: I delete them (most of them...) after I'm done playing with/through them, as the majority of NES games are complete crap. Plus, it's illegal and that ain't cool, or so I've been told.

2. Will I review any games released in Japan or Europe?

The thought crossed my mind briefly until I realized how many friggin games there are for the Famicom. SO MANY DATING SIMS! SO MANY CRAPPY MAHJONG GAMES! No way. European releases might be a tad more doable, but I think 700+ games is plenty to work through for the time being. If anyone has any particular requests though (Famicom World?), I'd be happy to consider them!

3. Are there any games you're not looking forward to playing? Or vice-versa?

I'm not looking forward to playing just about all of them. I am looking forward to playing great games that I have yet to discover. Dino Riki is a prime example for me, so far.

4. What made you want to do this exactly, you crazy nutjob?

To paraphrase a line from the Simpsons, "My reasons... are my own."

5. Do you really plan on reviewing every one?

Yes.

Random bits of info that no one asked for: I use a Wii Classic Controller USB Adapter to play the games. I have a nice 22' monitor that makes the games look incredible. Seriously, I've never seen some of the games look so good... or so bad, for that matter. My computer can handle playing them with the screen maximized, which gives me great pleasure as well.

I've never been comfortable with playing NES games on a computer. The experience has always felt so wrong, so dirty, like I was betraying a close friend or something. Strangely, going through this Quest has been different. I don't know if it's the feel of the Classic Controller in my hands or the crisp, smooth graphics, coupled with an excellent framerate, but cheating on my beloved NES has never felt so right.

Had I played Archon, I would have given it a C. I can feel it.