Varloc is based on the cross platform smash Archon, which is itself based somewhat on Chess. Like the original
version, you play on a board similiar to Chess, with different pieces that can move in different ways. Also like Archon, when
two pieces meet in battle, the screen changes to a battle scene, where an arcade style game starts.
Unlike Archon, however, Varloc took the battle scene even further: you battle against your opponent in real time on a 3-D floating
platform... if either of you fall off, you die. Some characters can jump and fly, so it becomes true 3-D when a spider jumps over your Dwarf's axe, for example.
Some of the pieces can even transform themselves into other creatures, and gain their powers. The ultimate goal is to defeat the Wizard (equivalent to a King in
regular Chess). Please note that different pieces have different endurance in battle; a really good player could conceivably kill a much stronger opponent (the equivalent
of a pawn defeating a queen, for example). Also hidden on the board is a special Gem; whomever possesses it can defeat the Wizard with a single blow. This is one
of Greg's better games.
Title: Varloc
Author: Greg Zumwalt (Initial design by Mark Siegel)
Publisher: Radio Shack/Tandy
Released: 1985
Requires: Color Computer 1/2/3, 64K RAM, disk only, joystick.