Nox Archaist II - Update!

Click here to get a sneak peek at the development of Nox Archaist II: Dragonsmere from KansasFest 2024. 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR PATREON!

SUMMARY

Development of Nox Archaist II: Dragonsmere (codename: the Quest for More Memory) is well underway. Over the last year Mark Lemmert and Chris Torrence collaborated to develop a TypeScript/React/MySQL application to create tile art, maps, NPC dialog and other content. The app embeds code from Chris's Apple2TS emulator so that it looks like we're inside the game as we build it! 

In this session Mark will show in detail how the NWB will be used to create content for Nox Archaist II. He will contrast the NWB with the evolution of Apple II content creation from Richard Garriott's graph paper graphics process to the spreadsheet based tools of the original Nox Archaist game.  Mark will likely also change all of the tiles on a Nox map from grass to cows with a couple clicks, just because he can.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR PATREON!

CRX 2023 Interivew - Nox Archaist Technical Deep Dive

Mark Lemmert was interviewed recently by CRX. The discussion focused on technical innovations in Nox Archaist such as -

• disk compression
• Improved floppy disk controller
• combat special effects
• full screen map view
• 5-bit PWM speech 

...and more!

The interview is available here on YouTiube. 

Patreon Campaign: Nox Archaist II - Dragonsmere

 

Will You Help Us Make Nox Archaist II?

(work-in-progress box cover art)

THANK YOU

Many thanks to all players for their support of Nox Archaist and the Lord of Storms expansion, especially our Patreon members and beta testers. We really appreciate it!

FUNDING GOAL

To support this ambitious project we've set a goal to increase Patreon support to ideally $1500 per month or at least $1000 per month* by August 15th. 

Joining our Patreon will give you unparalleled insider access to details about the project as it progresses, and even the opportunity to directly influence the project. Your support would really help us make a Nox sequel happen. 

Already a Patreon Member? You have chosen....wisely! Thank you again. If you have the capability to increase your contribution, it would really help us tackle this project. 

*$1000 - $1500/mo total, including current pledges which are around $530/mo.

ABOUT NOX ARCHAIST II

Nox Archaist II would be a full sequel, set in the Dragonsmere region of Vali (read: new overworld map to explore!), not an expansion of the original game. 

Our vision for a Nox Archaist sequel involves significant rewrites to the game engine to enhance the gameplay experience with content such as more large portrait images, an auto-map in-game, and a more compressive statistical system offering exciting new character development paths. 

As before it would be written for the Apple IIe/IIc, playable on original hardware and through emulators, including on Steam and GOG. A physical boxed set with printed manual replete with art and full-color cloth map is also planned. 

This project would also help put our minds in the ideal space to simultaneously create an outline and notes for writing the book "Beneath Nox Archaist", a nod to the "Beneath DOS" advanced technical manual from the 1980s. Beneath Nox Archaist would be an in-depth look at the technical mechanics of RPG game engines and be a "how-to" guide for readers interested in writing an Apple II RPG.

There are no Apple II books which cover this topic. The closest are a few books on how to write arcade games. A how-to guide for writing an Apple II RPG would ensure that the methods used to create the early RPGs of the computing era are not lost to history.

DOES THIS SOUND AWESOME?

PATREON FAQ

==How does Patreon help us produce games faster?

The short version is, the more income we receive on Patreon, the more time we can devote directly to making games. This is especially true for lead developer Mark Lemmert, as his day job is freelance consulting. The nature of this job is such that he can adjust his workload as he sees fit. This literally means that for Mark, support from Patreon translates directly to more game development hours each month!

==Will 6502 Workshop make a Nox Archaist sequel anyway, even without Patreon support?

Probably. However, increased Patreon support helps us to do so much more quickly! And, Patreon support enables us to take on a more ambitious vision than we would likely otherwise be able to. 

==What sort of perks and insider access is available through Patreon?

Depending on your pledge level, you can get access to the Inner Circle Discord channel where only 6502 Workshop developers have access, and an invite to the monthly live video chat with the 6502 Workshop developers, insider updates, free swag, and more!

A livestream is planned in the next few months to solicit project input from Patreon members.

==You didn't have Patreon support when developing the original game, why do you need it now?

Much of the time for the original project came from lead developer Mark Lemmert. His life circumstances are different than they were at that time. Currently, he has much less time available to work on the project then he did back then. However, Patreon support enables him to reduce the freelance consulting he does and use that time for game development instead.

==What if you achieve the Patreon support goal now, but then it drops off, will you be able to finish?

Yes. While it would take longer, we finish what we start. It's a work ethic that Mark Lemmert talks about in the "Making of Nox Archaist" book. A big part of what kept him going when things got tough was a stubborn refusal to quit and loose the investment of years of work. 

==Why is the goal to increase Patreon support stated as a range of $1000 - $1500/mo? 

More funding translates to more time to work on the project. We think increasing support to $1500/mo or more would be ideal and $1000/mo is the minimum we think we'd need to work on the project at a sustainable pace and complete all of our goals.



==How do we see the progress toward the Patreon support goal?

Click here to view our Patreon page. Then, scroll down and the information should be just below the list of tiers. UPDATE: it looks like Patreon moved this information to the "ABOUT" page.

Note: if you are a Patreon member, you must be logged out for this information to be displayed. We think that is weird too! Unfortunately we have no control over it. 



If you have any other questions please let us know!

Nox Archaist on Old School Gamer Livestream! (June 1st)

 Join us at 7pm CDT on June 1st for the Old School Gamer livestream!

Mark Lemmert will be on the show to talk about Nox Archaist - Lord of Storms. ⚡️Bring your umbrella!!! ☂️

Behind the Scenes on Nox Archaist - Lord of Storms

On this episode of The Lost Sectors YouTube channel, Mark Lemmert goes behind the scenes talking about the development of the Nox Archaist - Lord of Storms expansion.

Click HERE to watch the video. 

Nox Archaist : Lord of Storms - RELEASED!

 

Lord of Storms Released!

Many thanks to our Patreon Members for their help making this possible. 



Prepare for inclement weather. This will not be a sunny stroll down by the Everton beach!

You have learned of Lord Estintar’s suspicions that the cult has something to do with the increase in storm activity. He charges you with investigating. 

The task will not be easy, but you accept this duty. Your quest will take you to uncharted reaches of the Isles of Wynmar. Traps, puzzles, and powerful magic items await, which may or may not be able to help you. 

Those brave and foolish enough to face these perilous perils will come face to face with the Lord of Storms!

This Nox Archaist expansion pack includes:

• 15+ hours of new content, including a new quest line
• New mobs and new unique items
• New features, including character renaming
• PDF of the manual with full color art

CLICK HERE TO ORDER LORD OF STORMS

Buy Lord of Storms as a Bundle **SALE**

You can also pick up our new DLC Bundle, on sale now, which includes Lord of Storms, the Book of Hints (original game), and the Making of Nox Archaist ebook.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER LORD OF STORMS DLC BUNDLE

COLLECTOR'S EDITION

We have less than 10 copies left of the Collector's Edition for the original Nox Archaist game. After those are gone, we plan to accept preorders for another production run later this year. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER COLLECTOR'S EDITION

6502 Workshop On Mastodon

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW US

2-Year Anniversary Sale!

 As a holiday and 2-year release anniversary promotion, we are offering a 60% discount on digital products, including the Book of Hints and Making of Nox Archaist book! 

And, a 10% discount on all merch items at Willy's, the Nox Archaist store, such as mugs, posters, hoodies and the Lord British Undefeated T-shirt! Perfect for holiday gifts!


Books of Hints



Making of Nox Archaist



Nox Archaist T-Shirt

6502 Workshop Patreon!

Many thanks to everyone who has supported us on Patreon!

If you have not yet joined, would you consider helping 6502 Workshop release more games at a faster pace?

Patreon members get perks that give unparalleled insider access to details about the projects we have underway, and even the opportunity to directly influence those projects. 

Click here to join up!







Patreon FAQ

How does Patreon help us produce games faster?

The short version is, the more income we receive from Patreon, the more time we can devote directly to making games.  This is especially true for lead developer Mark Lemmert, as his day job is freelance consulting. The nature of this job is such that he can adjust his workload as he sees fit.  This literally means that for Mark, income from Patreon translates directly to more game development hours each month!

Will 6502 Workshop make more games anyway, even without Patreon support?

Probably.  However, Patreon support helps us to do so much more quickly!


What sort of perks and insider access is available through Patreon?

Depending on your pledge level, you can get access to the Inner Circle Discord channel where only 6502 Workshop developers have access, and an invite to the monthly live video chat with the 6502 Workshop developers, insider updates, exclusive swag, and more!
 

Thanks for your support of Nox Archaist!

Nox Archaist Expansion Pack! **NEW**

 Announcing Nox Archaist: Lord of Storms!

PREORDER LORD OF STORMS HERE

 

You have learned of Lord Estintar’s suspicions that the cult has something to do with the increase in storm activity. He charges you with investigating. The task will not be easy, but you accept this duty.

Your quest will take you to uncharted reaches of the Isles of Wynmar. Traps, puzzles, and powerful magic items await, which may or may not be able to help you.

Those brave and foolish enough to face these perils will come face to face with the Lord of Storms!

The Nox Archaist: Lord of Storms digital download includes:

• New HDV hard-drive image for Apple II, Mac, or PC
• A brand new quest line
• New mobs and new unique items
• New features, including character renaming
• PDF of the manual

Note: This is an expansion pack for Nox Archaist, and requires the full game to run. 

PREORDER LORD OF STORMS HERE

6502 Workshop Patreon!

Does the idea of helping 6502 Workshop release more games at a faster pace sound like something you'd be interested in?  Want to get perks that give you unparalleled insider access to details about the projects we have underway, and even the opportunity to directly influence those projects?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, the new 6502 Workshop Patreon is what you're looking for!  Click here to join up!

Patreon FAQ

How does Patreon help us produce games faster?

The short version is, the more income we receive from Patreon, the more time we can devote directly to making games.  This is especially true for lead developer Mark Lemmert, as his day job is freelance consulting. The nature of this job is such that he can adjust his workload as he sees fit.  This literally means that for Mark, income from Patreon translates directly to more game development hours each month!

Will 6502 Workshop make more games anyway, even without Patreon support?

Probably.  However, Patreon support helps us to do so much more quickly!

What sort of perks and insider access is available through Patreon?

Depending on your pledge level, you can get access to the Inner Circle Discord channel where only 6502 Workshop developers have access, and an invite to the monthly live video chat with the 6502 Workshop developers, insider updates, free swag, and more!

Regards,

Mark Lemmert 

Co-Founder and Lead Developer

6502 Workshop 

Website - http://www.6502workshop.com

Patreon - http://patreon.com/6502workshop
Discord - http://discord.noxarchaist.com
Twitter - @6502Workshop
Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com
Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com
Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

Do you want more 8-bit games like Nox Archaist?

 Announcing the 6502 Workshop Patreon!

Does the idea of helping 6502 Workshop release more games at a faster pace sound like something you'd be interested in?  Want to get perks that give you unparalleled insider access to details about the projects we have underway, and even the opportunity to directly influence those projects?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, the new 6502 Workshop Patreon is what you're looking for!  Click here to join up!

Patreon FAQ

How does Patreon help us produce games faster?

The short version is, the more income we receive from Patreon, the more time we can devote directly to making games.  This is especially true for lead developer Mark Lemmert, as his day job is freelance consulting. The nature of this job is such that he can adjust his workload as he sees fit.  This literally means that for Mark, income from Patreon translates directly to more game development hours each month!

Will 6502 Workshop make more games anyway, even without Patreon support?

Probably.  However, Patreon support helps us to do so much more quickly!

What sort of perks and insider access is available through Patreon?

Depending on your pledge level, you can get access to the Inner Circle Discord channel where only 6502 Workshop developers have access, and an invite to the monthly live video chat with the 6502 Workshop developers, insider updates, free swag, and more!

Other News

After announcing its release last month we sold out of the Making of Nox Archaist print edition! Many thanks to everyone who bought a copy! 

We've got more copies in stock now, available to order here (full-color print + ebook or separate ebook).

In the Making of Nox Archaist, co-founder and lead developer Mark Lemmert talks about how making the game began as a childhood dream and ended with the first commercial role-playing game released on the Apple II in 30 years. 

Mark describes the challenges, including a failed Kickstarter, the Apple’s quirky graphics system, and getting decent audio out of a one-bit speaker. Along the way, the team received help from many sources, including Richard Garriott (Lord British), Dr. Cat, Burger Becky, and Steve Wozniak (Woz). Finally, after a wildly-successful Kickstarter and a year of non-stop coding, Mark details how an obscure floppy-disk bug nearly derailed the entire project just weeks before release.

We hope that you enjoy reading our story! Order HERE!

And, you can help us make more games and related products like this book by supporting our Patreon!

Regards

Mark Lemmert - 6502 Workshop Co-Founder and Lead Developer
Website - http://www.6502workshop.com

Patreon - http://patreon.com/6502workshop
Discord - http://discord.noxarchaist.com
Twitter - @6502Workshop
Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com
Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com
Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

Making of Nox Archaist Book (In Stock)

 

We are excited to announce the print edition of the Making of Nox Archaist book is now in stock and available to order! 

An e-book version is also now available. 

 

Click HERE to order your copy with color cover and interior!

In the Making of Nox Archaist, co-founder and lead developer Mark Lemmert talks about how making the game began as a childhood dream and ended with the first commercial role-playing game released on the Apple II in 30 years. 

Mark describes the challenges, including a failed Kickstarter, the Apple’s quirky graphics system, and getting decent audio out of a one-bit speaker. Along the way, the team received help from many sources, including Richard Garriott (Lord British), Dr. Cat, Burger Becky, and Steve Wozniak (Woz). Finally, after a wildly-successful Kickstarter and a year of non-stop coding, Mark details how an obscure floppy-disk bug nearly derailed the entire project just weeks before release.

We hope that you enjoy reading our story! Order HERE!

And...

If you haven't already, we invite you to join our Nox Archaist Discord server. It's a great place to share tips and tricks with other players and ask questions to the dev team. 

http://discord.noxarchaist.com

-Mark, Chris & the 6502 Workshop Team

Website - http://www.6502workshop.com

Discord - http://discord.noxarchaist.com

Twitter - @6502Workshop

Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com

Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com

Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

Nox Archaist 1-year Anniversary!

Happy birthday to Nox Archaist! The game was released 1 year ago today. 

To celebrate, Nox Archaist digital edition and Book of Hints (digital) are 50% off in our store and on GOG & Steam!

Lord British T-Shirt **NEW** & Holiday Discounts!

As a holiday and 1-year anniversary promotion, we are offering a 10% discount on all items at Willy's, the Nox Archaist store, until Dec 31. Enter promo code HOLIDAY2021 at checkout.    

In addition to mugs, posters, adventure journals, Nox Archaist boxed sets and more, the store also now has a Lord British t-shirt!

According to former Origin Systems developer Dr. Cat, Nox Archaist is the only personal computer game that Lord British appears in as a character in which he remains undefeated!

This is also a great time to order the Book of Hints, which, now has much lower shipping costs for destinations outside the United States. The book is also eligible for the holiday discount. 

The discount also applies to Nox Archaist boxed sets, which are in stock and ready to ship!

There is still time to preorder the Making of Nox Archaist book, expected to ship February 2022. This is a little later than originally intended but this will allow us to get some additional content into the book that wasn't originally planned. 

Click HERE to reserve your copy of the printed edition + ebook, both with color cover and interior!

And…..if you haven't already, we invite you to join our Nox Archaist Discord server. It's a great place to share tips and tricks with other players and ask questions to the dev team. 

http://discord.noxarchaist.com

 

-Mark, Chris & the 6502 Workshop Team

Website - http://www.6502workshop.com

Discord - http://discord.noxarchaist.com

Twitter - @6502Workshop

Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com

Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com

Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

Making of Nox Archaist Book ---NEW--

 

We are excited to announce the Making of Nox Archaist book is now available for preorder, expected to ship early December 2021! 

Click HERE to reserve your copy of the printed edition + ebook, both with color cover and interior!

In the Making of Nox Archaist, co-founder and lead developer Mark Lemmert talks about how making the game began as a childhood dream and ended with the first commercial role-playing game released on the Apple II in 30 years. 

Mark describes the challenges, including a failed Kickstarter, the Apple’s quirky graphics system, and getting decent audio out of a one-bit speaker. Along the way, the team received help from many sources, including Richard Garriott (Lord British), Dr. Cat, Burger Becky, and Steve Wozniak (Woz). Finally, after a wildly-successful Kickstarter and a year of non-stop coding, Mark details how an obscure floppy-disk bug nearly derailed the entire project just weeks before release.

We hope that you enjoy reading our story! Preorder HERE!

BOOK OF HINTS

Also, the official Book of Hints is in stock, available as a coil bound print + e-book or e-book only. 

Order your copy HERE.

Designed for new players, experienced players and replays. 

3RD BOXED-SET PRODUCTION RUN

If you want an extra boxed-set to keep shrink wrapped for your collection, or you missed out on the prior runs we have good news!

We are accepting preorders for the 3rd production run, expected to ship in September 2021. Click HERE to reserve your regular boxed-set or HERE to reserve your Collector’s Edition.

And...

If you haven't already, we invite you to join our Nox Archaist Discord server. It's a great place to share tips and tricks with other players and ask questions to the dev team. 

http://discord.noxarchaist.com

-Mark, Chris & the 6502 Workshop Team

Website - http://www.6502workshop.com

Discord - http://discord.noxarchaist.com

Twitter - @6502Workshop

Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com

Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com

Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

Nox Archaist Received Award!

 Nox Archaist received the Apple II Forever Award today at KansasFest 2021!

Many thanks to the Apple II community and the entire Nox Archaist community for your support, which kept us marching forward for 5 years to complete this game.

-Mark & the 6502 Workshop Team

Nox Archaist opens KansasFest 2021

 KansasFest 2021 will open at 10:00am (US CDT) on Friday July 23rd with a Nox Archaist session!

Join us to take a look back at the 5 year development adventure including early screenshots, diagrams, and some hilarious outtakes!

We'll also provide updates on current and future 6502 Workshop projects. 

Register for the event to access the Zoom webinar or tune into the live stream on YouTube. 

Book of Hints - back in stock!

 

The official Nox Archaist Book of Hints is back in stock (2nd run)!

Act fast - the 1st run was sold out within a couple hours.

Available as coil bound print + e-book or e-book only.

Click HERE to reserve your copy!

At over 175 pages the Book of Hints is filled with:

• Walkthroughs

• Hints

• Merchant & item information

• Replay tips

• Maps (spoiler and non-spoiler)

Players who just want a hint on a tough quest, players who want a full step-by-step walkthrough and those looking for strategies to spice up a replay will all find lots of useful information in the Book of Hints.

(more sample pages are available on the order page)

The text and layout of the Book of Hints are complete. We are running a preorder so we know how many books to order from the printing company. 

Click HERE to reserve your copy!

Mark, Chris & the 6502 Workshop Team
Website - http://www.6502workshop.com
Twitter - @6502Workshop
Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com
Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com
Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

If you haven't already, we invite you to join our Nox Archaist Discord server. It's a great place to share tips and tricks with other players and ask questions to the dev team. 

 

http://discord.noxarchaist.com

Nox Archaist Boxed-Sets - 3rd Production Run

We are pleased to announce a 3rd production run of the Nox Archaist Boxed-Sets!

If you've never taken your Boxed-Set out of the shrink wrap, this is an opportunity to get another Boxed-Set to open up and enjoy!

Click here to preorder. We expect to ship this September. 

Also, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our Nox Archaist Discord server. It's a great place to share tips and tricks with other players and ask questions to the dev team. 

http://discord.noxarchaist.com

Mark Lemmert & the 6502 Workshop Team
Website - http://www.6502workshop.com
Discord - http://discord.noxarchaist.com
Twitter - @6502Workshop
Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com
Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com
Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

Book of Hints: now in stock! E-book version!

 

We are excited to announce the print edition of the official Nox Archaist Book of Hints is now in stock!

The coil-bound print edition includes an e-book and the e-book can now be purchased separately.  

Click HERE to reserve your copy!

At over 175 pages the Book of Hints is filled with:

• Walkthroughs

• Hints

• Merchant & item information

• Replay tips

• Maps (spoiler and non-spoiler)

Players who just want a hint on a tough quest, players who want a full step-by-step walkthrough and those looking for strategies to spice up a replay will all find lots of useful information in the Book of Hints.

(more sample pages are available on the order page)

The text and layout of the Book of Hints are complete. We are running a preorder so we know how many books to order from the printing company. 

Click HERE to reserve your copy!

Mark, Chris & the 6502 Workshop Team
Website - http://www.6502workshop.com
Twitter - @6502Workshop
Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com
Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com
Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

If you haven't already, we invite you to join our Nox Archaist Discord server. It's a great place to share tips and tricks with other players and ask questions to the dev team. 

 

http://discord.noxarchaist.com

Official Nox Archaist Book of Hints

 

We are excited to announce the official Nox Archaist Book of Hints is now available for preorder, expected to ship late May! 

Click HERE to reserve your copy of the printed coil-bound edition + e-book!

At over 175 pages the Book of Hints is filled with:

• Walkthroughs

• Hints

• Merchant & item information

• Replay tips

• Maps (spoiler and non-spoiler)

Players who just want a hint on a tough quest, players who want a full step-by-step walkthrough and those looking for strategies to spice up a replay will all find lots of useful information in the Book of Hints.

(more sample pages are available on the preorder page)

The text and layout of the Book of Hints are complete. We are running a preorder so we know how many books to order from the printing company. 

Click HERE to reserve your copy!

OTHER APPLE II GAMES

The arcade style game Attack of the Petscii Robots has been freshly ported to the Apple II!

A digital edition and boxed-set are available to order from the 8-bit Guy, who shows some gameplay and talks about some of the technical aspects of the project in this video.

Mark, Chris & the 6502 Workshop Team
Website - http://www.6502workshop.com
Twitter - @6502Workshop
Forums - http://forums.noxarchaist.com
Facebook - http://facebook.noxarchaist.com
Kickstarter - http://kickstarter.noxarchaist.com

If you haven't already, we invite you to join our Nox Archaist Discord server. It's a great place to share tips and tricks with other players and ask questions to the dev team. 

 

http://discord.noxarchaist.com