Preview: Dark Archon (by BCSoft)



Company's Name: BCSoft Games
Game's Title: Dark Archon
Game's Release Date: 3/12/2003
Website: Dark Archon Website
Screenshots

At first glace one may think this is another 3D asteroid game. You soon find how untrue this is. You are thrown into a universe where the destructive powers of a union called the Dark Archon have created havoc across space. The union later breaks and you find yourself choosing between 4 different species. It is your choice who you will lead to victory, or destruction.

The developer has spent a lot of time and effort in creating an enjoyable and challenging game. At first I found myself destroying asteroids just for fun. It wasn't until later I realized that each level has a specific mission. I admit I should have looked a little closer when the mission objectives were listed.

You start off with simple missions that help you learn the controls of the ship. Later in the game you experience full fledged armadas with several other ships in your fleet fighting for the same cause. It is important that you control your ship carefully. Your ship can only handle a few strikes from an asteroid before it explodes.

Depending on the race you chose will also depend on the weapons that you start with. All races have both a primary and a secondary weapon. One ships secondary weapon is not so much a weapon as it is a defense.a cloak. Keep in mind that the race you chose will also decide the missions you play. So that means you can play 4 different sets off missions. That's a lot of game play for any space battle fan out there.

I found the options menu to be well laid out as well. I personally like to use the mouse usually, and was pleased to see it included along with the joystick and keyboard. I ended up playing with the joystick though, seemed to play a little easier. There are several other options as well; I will include these further details in the review when the game has been completed.

I found this game to be very enjoyable and look forward to the final release. This is a game that is definitely worth playing. I still have many missions to play though. I would be willing to bet anyone who plays this game will not be disappointed with it in the least. BCSoft has put together another fully entertaining game loaded with great graphics and a wonderful story to back it up.