It was developed by Silicon Knights and published by Strategic Simulations (SSI).

[1] Some key features of this game include: Many reviewers and players note it as an updated version of the 1983 computer game Archon: The Light and the Dark,[1] calling it "Archon with an attitude."

In the beginning of the game, the player buys their forces with a predefined number of credits, and may purchase any of the 16 characters along with various kinds of traps and even rings of power to upgrade their creatures.

Then players set up on a chosen map and start to move turn wise.

Each player starts with their single piece on this "melee map" and must fight using their figures.