The object of the game is to stay alive as much as possible. There are enemies coming who would like to harm you, unless you shoot them. Rather simple and violent, but, well, heck, whatever. I prefer to act out violence in computer games, than to perform it with people. So should you!

New levels start after every 50 hits. Then, you receive additional health if you need some. The game becomes a bit harder with each new level.

A skilled archer with a Welsh longbow was able to pierce armor at about 180 meters (200 yards). The longbow's range exceeded that of the crossbow. 

English supremacy in the 100 years war with France was partially based on the use of this technology, as well as on the arrogance of the French nobility. The French continually used the tactic of frontal attack, resulting in their defeats at Crécy (1346), Poitiers (1356), and Agincourt (1415), even though they were far superior in numbers.

The design of the costumes in the game is based on the crusader outfits from XII century, as described in the book "Costumes through the ages : the evolution of styles of dress illustrated in 250 plates and over 1500 figures"  by L. Braun ... [et al.] (New York : Rizzoli, 1982, c1981). Zoom in while in the game to take a better look.

Here are some scanned samples from the book:

• Eleventh century
  • Norman noblewomen and Crusaders
• Twelfth century
  • Crusaders and commoners
• Twelfth to Thirteenth century
  • Ladies and Knights of the Order of Malta
  • Teutonic and templar knights

Play : Longbow (full version) | Longbow (lite version). 

This page is located at http://filip.stir.org/games/longbow.