You recently started pre-orders for the game. So far what's the reception been like in terms of orders and from people who have played the beta?

Reception has been great! Most people who have been ordering are familiar with the game and are very excited about what we're doing. They'll usually post on the forums or send me an email about their experience with the game. With newer players (younger gen, who haven't even heard of Archon) I've seen that once they play it for a few minutes, they really like it. It is really simple to understand and play (who doesn't know chess?) but has a LOT of depth. My favorite is when people look at it, start playing (Oh, it's like chess...) then realize you have to FIGHT with the pieces. They suddenly sit up in their chair, grip the controller a little firmer and smile. Suddenly the combination of the two elements unite and win them over. Usually, they go home and buy it.

Is the plan to still release the final version of Archon before the end of the year?

That's the plan, though with that schedule, we might not get everything in...but it's something we have to do. Right now, the gameplay is solid and we're just redoing some of the menu functionality and putting the final art in. There's only polish right now...no more new gameplay elements. (We have a list of things that we'd like to put in, but nothing would get released if we just kept working on it...and there are other consoles to do.)

Any plans to add additional content to Archon after the release of the main game?

As with the iPhone, if there is enough demand to warrant it, we'd add a few more items as free updates. I'm not too keen on paid DLC and would not like to charge for anything extra we do, but if we were to license some characters to bring in...we'd have to charge for it (Imagine a Jedi vs. Sith theme.)

Finally is there anything else you wish to say about Archon and React Games in general?

Go buy Archon and experience it again or for the first time. It is a game that will outlast any other game you currently have...I've been playing it off and on since 1983. It'll be the best money you spend...imagine $15 for years of entertainment?! Where else can you get that? We have a great team here at React, we have a lot of fun and enjoy the reaction (thus the name) when people play our game. I hope this is the start of something great and hope to be in business for a long time. Our internal unofficial motto is: "We make great games." We won't settle for mediocre and don't want people to waste their hard earned money playing junk.