Weird Alchemy (2019) Board Game

Weird Alchemy is a card game released in 2019 by Clever Unicorn Games. Designed by Chris Winterburn and featuring art by Juan Moore, the game is a mix of fantasy and hand management mechanics, making it a unique addition to the tabletop gaming world.

Game Components of Weird Alchemy

Card Deck: Includes monster cards, magic cards, Pass cards, and accident cards.

Player Hands: Each player starts with a hand of three cards.

Tableau: Where players place their revealed monsters.

Artwork: Illustrated by Juan Moore, known for its medieval, alchemical theme.

How To Setup Weird Alchemy

To set up Weird Alchemy, each player starts with a hand of three cards. The remaining cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players. The accident cards are randomly interspersed within the deck to ensure unpredictability.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their hand by discarding Pass cards to move other cards to adjacent players.

Pass Mechanic: Players use Pass cards to determine the direction and recipient of the card they are passing.

Drawing Cards: After passing a card, players draw a new card from the deck.

Accidents: When an accident card is drawn, all players reveal their hands and place any monster cards in their tableau.

Magic Cards: Can be used to move or hide monster cards when accidents occur.

Set Collection: Collecting three monsters of the same color symbol scores zero points.

Objective: The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins. Monsters on the table are worth 2 points each, and cards left in hand are worth 1 point for every two.

Player Experience

Weird Alchemy offers a quick and quirky gaming experience. The simple rules make it easy to learn, but the unpredictable nature of the accidents keeps players on their toes. The game feels like a card game version of musical chairs or pass the parcel, especially with the use of magic cards and interrupts. It is particularly chaotic and enjoyable with 5 or 6 players.

Pros

Quick Playtime: Games last only 10-20 minutes.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and understand.

Beautiful Artwork: The medieval, alchemical theme is visually appealing.

High Replayability: Random accident cards ensure each game is different.

Engaging Mechanics: Hand management and set collection add depth to the game.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: Accidents can significantly impact the game, making it sometimes feel out of the player’s control.

Limited Strategy: Some players may find the game too reliant on luck rather than strategic planning.

Personal Thoughts on Weird Alchemy

Weird Alchemy is perfect for those looking for a light, filler game that can be played in a short amount of time. It is ideal for groups of friends or family who enjoy quick, fun games with a bit of chaos and unpredictability. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, its accessibility and visually appealing artwork make it a great addition to any game collection.

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