Manic Archers

Manic Archers is a pixel-art arcade game built around local and online multiplayer matches for up to four players on one screen. You control an archer in top-down battles, using simple controls for jumping, shooting and dashing or blocking. Its hand-animated sprites draw on 16-bit-era arcade and RPG visuals, expanded to HD resolution.

Archery matches

In versus mode, players shoot at one another until only one archer remains. Matches can be free-for-all or team-based, and power-ups and special arrows appear during play to change the course of a fight. Attacks can be blocked or dodged, and the mechanics are designed to be easy to learn while offering strategic depth.

Game modes

The game includes several multiplayer modes:

• Versus: fight in free-for-all or team matches.
• King of the Hill: hold the center of the map to score points and secure the round; a team version is also available.
• Catch the Fool with the Chicken: all players compete against whoever has the chicken. The player who keeps it longest wins the round.
• Conquer: dominate map areas to earn points; the winner is the player who controls the most flags for the longest time.
• Survival Co-op: team up against hordes of enemies in a small co-op campaign, which can also be played alone.

Maps and opponents

Matches take place on a single screen with classic arcade wrap-around scrolling. You can use terrain such as water, higher ground and obstacles, as well as interactive map elements including switches, explosives and burnable trees. The interactive elements vary by map.

AI opponents can fill vacant player slots, including in team matches, and have adjustable skill. You can also play alone to practise. The game supports local and online play for up to four players.

Special moves

• Super Dash: dash while descending from a jump, shortly before landing.
• Stomp Jump: press jump again while in midair.
• Shield: hold the dash button to block attacks from the direction you face.