Nox Archaist

I like the concept but it’s too burdensome to play, even coming from experience with early Ultimas. I can’t speak for the actual content of the game as I didn’t get far. Input delay is awful even sped up, no music 99% of the time sucks, everything is super fiddly. Some things shouldn’t be replicated. Feels especially bad after Skald and Moonring, which I’d recommend anyone to play before this game.

Nox Archaist is a rare example of a game that goes beyond simple nostalgia and instead attempts to preserve a specific moment in gaming history. Developed and published by 6502 Workshop, this fantasy role-playing title was designed with the limitations and spirit of the Apple II era in mind, resulting in an experience that feels like an unearthed classic from the early days of computer gaming. While many retro-inspired RPGs borrow visual styles from the past, Nox Archaist fully embraces the mechanics, pacing, and sense of mystery that defined the genre's formative years. The result is a game that is as much a historical tribute as it is a standalone adventure. Set in the world of Vali, the game sends players on a quest to confront a growing darkness tied to a sinister cult and the secrets surrounding an ancient power. The story unfolds naturally through exploration and conversations rather than cinematic storytelling, encouraging players to immerse themselves in the setting. There are numerous towns, dungeons, and hidden locations scattered across the world map, and the sense of discovery remains consistently rewarding. Every journey into an unfamiliar region carries the possibili…

I somehow missed this game when it came out and picked it up at a steep discount, but I am glad I did so. I am very familiar with the type-in style of interface (this game does give a nice tutorial) and although I never owned an Apple II I did have other home computers of the era and still enjoy emulated computing mostly on a C64 but have delved into other systems as well in search of these types of games, recently including The Magic Candle series. All that out of the way, this game hits all the right notes for me. It has that charm that's hard to explain - for example when you enter the first town and see a door just slightly within view, and you want to know what's behind it. That's the experience I had with Ultima III long ago. So, props and bravo to the developer(s) for giving me something fresh to sink my teeth into. And lucky me I got the expansion on discount too!

I respect the tribute to Apple II, but for me it was a bit much (I can’t even read the text properly). If you feel up to playing it, it seems to be a great tribute. PS: Having said that, I’d personally have gone for keeping the characteristic approach, while stripping away what were nothing but drawbacks in my view. That’s just me, though, so I wish them the very best of luck.

This was a wonderful game - a real throwback to retro CRPGs which don't hold your hand and create a real sense of exploration. I took a lot of notes using the steam overlay, piecing together bits of information from different NPCs and books to help me with my quests. Loads of hidden treasures and locations to find, COOL modes of transport (no spoilers here, but it's more than horses and different types of boats), and challenging combat throughout. The game also has quick combat which I used for trivial enemies, really helps speed up the game. Unraveling the main quest feels like an accomplishment, as is defeating the BIG evil(s). There are also no health or mana potions (big plus). The base game plus DLC took me 60 hours in total. I also strongly suggest you use the Nox Companion app (search for it on github), which removes the blurry font, and adds resizeable windows to show whatever you want (automap with the ability to add notes, summary party information, list of magic spells "equipped" etc). HIGHLY recommended.

I love it! ;D + authentic Apple //e experience + old-school CRPG with great gameplay & mechanics + very nice graphics + great extras: manual, maps, hintbook + all beautifully done!