Alchemist (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Alchemist is a board game released in 2007, designed by Carlo A. Rossi and published by AMIGO. The game is set in a medieval world and focuses on economic strategies and set collection mechanics.

Game Components of Alchemist

160 ingredient cubes

1 game board

10 potion value tiles (numbered 1 through 10)

Piles of 50 and 100 chips

Player shields

School ingredient cards (matching one of the five colors)

Five seal stones in each player’s color

Ten cauldrons on the board showing different color combinations

How To Setup Alchemist

To set up the game, each player receives a player shield, a school ingredient card matching one of the five colors, five seal stones in their color, and twelve random ingredient cubes drawn from a bag. Players place their markers on a scoring track. Near the board, piles of 50 and 100 chips are placed, along with ten potion value tiles and piles of ingredients sorted by color. The number of ingredients in the bag and in reserve is determined by the number of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: To become the Supreme Adept by scoring the most points.

Actions:
– Take one ingredient of choice from the reserve or two random ingredients from the bag.
– Create a new potion by playing one to five ingredients on an empty cauldron, following specific color restrictions.
– Copy a potion created by another player by playing the correct ingredients and scoring points.

Potion Creation:
– Players may not use one of the two colors shown on the cauldron or more than two cubes of the same color.
– Players may not create an identical recipe to one already on another cauldron.
– Players receive points equal to the potion’s value and ingredients of the two colors on the potion.

Game End:
– The round finishes when there are two or fewer types of ingredients left in the reserve.
– Players reveal their stashes, score points for their ingredients, and receive bonus points based on the least ingredients remaining in their school.

Player Experience

In **Alchemist**, players immerse themselves in the world of alchemy, competing to create the most valuable potions. The game requires strategic thinking and resource management as players must carefully choose their ingredients and actions to maximize their scores. The ability to copy other players’ potions adds a layer of social interaction and strategic depth.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers complex decision-making and resource management.

Social Interaction: Players can copy each other’s potions, adding a competitive and interactive element.

Variety: With multiple actions and a wide range of ingredient combinations, each game can be different.

Theme: The alchemy theme is engaging and immersive.

Cons

Complexity: The rules and gameplay mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Playtime: The game can be quite long, lasting 90-120 minutes.

Luck: The random drawing of ingredients can introduce an element of luck that may affect strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Alchemist

**Alchemist** is a game suited for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong thematic element. It is ideal for those who like puzzle-solving and resource management, as well as players who appreciate a game with depth and complexity. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick play experience.

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