Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula (2019) Board Game

Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula is a board game released in 2019 by Board&Dice. Designed by Federico Pierlorenzi and Daniele Tascini, the game caters to 1-4 players with a best experience for 2 players. Set in a world of alchemy and mysticism, players take on the roles of alchemists competing to create the most powerful potions and discover the ultimate formula.

Game Components of Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula

Dice: Five varieties (lead, copper, tin, mercury, and iron) with three different colors (red, black, and white).

Player Boards: Asymmetrical boards for each player.

Essences: Used for transmutations and progressing on tracks.

Artifacts: Provide various abilities and bonuses.

Formula Tiles: Used for researching the Philosopher’s Stone.

Reaction Tokens: Allow players to use dice on other players’ turns.

Raw and Refined Materials: Used in transmutations and experiments.

Experiment Cards: Require specific materials and essences to complete.

How To Setup Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula

Setting up the game involves distributing player boards, arranging the dice, essence tokens, and artifact cards. Each player chooses a starting artifact and begins with a set of raw materials. The main board is set up with the formula tiles and experiment cards. The game is divided into three rounds, and each round requires refreshing cards, recharging artifacts and reaction tokens, and rerolling the dice.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Drafting: Players draft exactly three dice over three rounds.

Transmutations: Convert raw materials into refined materials using dice and essences.

Artifact Usage: Use artifacts to gain resources, essences, or other benefits.

Experiment Completion: Complete experiments to earn victory points and progress towards the Philosopher’s Stone.

Track Progression: Advance on tracks by using essences to unlock further abilities and points.

Reaction Tokens: Use tokens to react to other players’ actions.

Player Experience

Playing **Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula** is a deeply strategic and reflective experience. The game demands careful planning and consideration of each action, as the sequence and timing of actions are crucial. Players must balance resource gathering, essence management, and artifact usage to achieve their goals. The game is prone to analysis paralysis due to the multiple uses of dice and the cascading consequences of each decision.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex and engaging gameplay with multiple layers.

Asymmetrical Player Boards: Provides unique play experiences for each player.

High Replayability: Different dice drafts and artifact choices ensure varied gameplay each time.

Thematic Depth: Immerses players in the world of alchemy with detailed mechanics.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rules can be confusing and require multiple readings to understand.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires significant time to master the game mechanics.

Analysis Paralysis: The game’s depth can lead to extended decision-making times.

Limited Player Interaction: The game is largely a solo experience, with minimal direct interaction between players.

Personal Thoughts on Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula

**Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic games. It is not suited for casual players due to its steep learning curve and the need for concentrated planning. The game is best played with a lower number of players to maintain a manageable gameplay duration. If you enjoy brain-burning puzzles and are willing to invest time in learning the mechanics, **Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula** offers a rich and rewarding experience.

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