Archons

About

Archons is a multiplayer role playing game. It was developed by BulletHell Studios and was released on December 6, 2024. It received very positive reviews from players.

Archons is a thrilling action RPG featuring local co-op and split-screen modes where players control two characters simultaneously. Battle swarms of parasites and powerful bosses across diverse environments, harvesting essence to enhance abilities and unlock bloodrunes for strategic strength. Customize your build, unlock rewards, and uncover the source of the alien plague in this intense, multi-player experience with splendid gameplay and awesome music.

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94%

Audience ScoreBased on 145 reviews

music33 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

Unique gameplay mechanic of controlling two characters simultaneously adds depth and challenge, making it a refreshing take on the genre.
The synchronization of abilities with the music enhances the overall experience, creating a satisfying rhythm that keeps players engaged.
Visually appealing with stylish graphics and a solid soundtrack, the game offers a polished experience that is enjoyable both in solo and local co-op modes.

The game is relatively short, with limited content and only a few levels, which may leave players wanting more after completing it.
Controlling two characters can be overwhelming at first, and the learning curve may deter some players, especially in solo mode.
The camera control and lack of customization options for controls can be frustrating, impacting the overall gameplay experience.

music
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
33%
6%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its dynamic integration with gameplay, enhancing the overall experience by syncing player attacks and abilities to the beat. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, describing it as "killer" and "top-tier," with many noting how it elevates the tension and excitement during combat. The rhythmic synchronization not only deepens immersion but also adds a unique layer of satisfaction, making the gameplay feel more engaging and enjoyable.
- “Olivier Orand’s soundtrack enhances the tension and excitement of combat, with dynamic tracks that shift alongside gameplay intensity.”
- “The integration of action and music is great, the soundtrack is awesome, all around just a fantastic experience.”
- “The syncing of abilities to the beat of the music is so satisfying once the ball gets rolling.”
- “There's no timing you have to worry about for the music; it just happens on its own.”
- “The rhythm of the music syncs with your attacks, so there's this awesome tempo you move to that makes this feel almost like Rez from the PS2 days.”
- “It is hard to describe just how satisfying it is once you get a few skills, upgrade them a bit, and the whole screen starts to explode in sync with the (top-notch) music.”
gameplay
49 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
55%
6%
The gameplay of "Archons" is characterized by its innovative dual-character mechanic, requiring players to control two distinct characters simultaneously, which adds depth and a steep learning curve to the fast-paced bullet-hell combat. The game features a mix of strategic decision-making through risk-reward mechanics, visually engaging environments, and a dynamic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. While the core gameplay loop is enjoyable and polished, some players note a lack of content and build diversity, which may affect long-term replayability.
- “At full price, I think the amount of gameplay on offer is very good - it's a short, but very well polished and enjoyable experience.”
- “The core gameplay revolves around controlling two characters simultaneously, each with distinct abilities and playstyles.”
- “The mechanics, avoidance, and timing beats build an awesome experience without any hurdles to get started.”
- “Its just too weird of gameplay to be worth the time investment as a solo player.”
- “Finished the normal mode (3 levels + 1 survival) in 3 hours, sadly the gameplay loop is kinda weak, hard mode is the same levels with faster and stronger enemies but not more upgrades, and you have to grind all the skill tree again, it felt pretty boring and frustrating after a few tries.”
- “The gameplay can be a bit tough at first, it's not easy keeping track of two separate characters simultaneously, not without some practice, but playing as two badass guys killing monsters by throwing saw blades and landmines at them to a techno beat, it does feel quite cool, and it does keep me playing.”
graphics
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The graphics in Archons are praised for their vibrant and energetic art style, featuring distinct and detailed environments that enhance both aesthetic appeal and gameplay. The visuals are stylish yet clear, allowing players to navigate the action effectively, while the synchronization of music and sound effects adds a rhythmic quality to the experience. However, some users note that lowering the graphics settings may be necessary for smoother performance.
- “Visually, Archons impresses with a vibrant and energetic art style.”
- “Levels are distinct and detailed, with environments that provide both aesthetic appeal and gameplay challenges.”
- “But you will need to lower the graphics or the resolution scale if you want a smooth experience.”
- “The games visuals and sound design are pleasing.”
- “The art style is sharp and readable, even with bullets flying everywhere.”
replayability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The game offers high replayability through various modes, including solo and cooperative experiences, random builds, and an endless mode that keeps gameplay fresh and challenging. While the co-op mode enhances replay value with engaging interactions, solo play may feel lacking in depth. Overall, players appreciate the game's unique style and the extensive playtime it provides for its price.
- “These modes significantly enhance replayability, providing both solo and cooperative experiences that remain engaging over multiple sessions.”
- “Huge replay value thanks to random builds, different weapons, and an endless mode that just keeps piling on the heat.”
- “It’s challenging, creative, and insanely replayable.”
- “The core feeling is there; we just need longevity and much replay value.”
- “Replayability is high thanks to the laughs (and stress) that come with co-op along with endless mode, but solo, there’s not a lot of meat on the bone.”
- “For the price, it offers a lot of playtime and replayability.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
75%
The game's story is minimal, featuring only a few designed levels with bosses and a light narrative, while lacking character interaction. Players note that the story feels compact and underdeveloped, with some modes offering endless trials but little in terms of storytelling depth.
- “The story and writing are engaging, providing a solid foundation for the gameplay.”
- “The narrative is compact, but it effectively complements the boss battles.”
- “The game has no story or any sort of characters you interact with.”
- “There seem to be a handful of designed levels complete with bosses and a light story, and then harder trial modes that appear to be endless.”
- “Story and bosses are too compact.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its synchronization of sound effects with the rhythm of the music, creating an engaging and immersive experience. Players appreciate the imaginative weapon designs and the beautiful, warhammer-esque aesthetic, which enhances the overall enjoyment without being overly frustrating.
- “Controlling two characters at the same time is quite interesting and may seem like the main thing that distinguishes this game from similar ones, but in my opinion, the best thing about this game is the effect achieved by synchronizing the sounds of used skills with the rhythm of the music, which creates a really cool atmosphere!”
- “The atmosphere and music are also a big plus, and I especially love how your attacks sync with the beat.”
- “Imaginative weapons, beautiful warhammer-esque atmosphere, not overly frustrating.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's optimization is praised for its smooth controls and consistent performance, even during intense action sequences with numerous projectiles on screen.
- “Controls feel great, and performance holds up even when the screen is full of projectiles.”
- “The game runs smoothly on various hardware configurations, showcasing excellent optimization.”
- “I appreciate how the developers have fine-tuned the graphics settings, allowing for a seamless experience on lower-end systems.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
Reviewers appreciate the simplicity of the character development, highlighting the focus on two main characters with shared abilities rather than a large roster of diverse characters. This approach allows for a more streamlined and cohesive narrative experience.
- “I appreciate the simplicity of the character design; instead of having dozens of playable characters with different abilities, we have just two taciturn guys who even share the same abilities.”
- “The character development is incredibly engaging, allowing players to form a deep connection with the protagonists as their stories unfold.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonists.”
- “There are only two playable characters, and they share the same abilities, which limits the potential for unique character growth.”
- “I was hoping for more variety in character arcs, but the development is minimal and predictable.”