When I first looked at the screenshots for Alchemist: The Potion Monger I have to admit, I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. Rather than trying to describe it myself, I’ll take the official description of the game, a first-person alchemist simulator with RPG elements. This may be a one-of-a-kind title because I can’t think of anything else I’ve played where you’ll be brewing potions and deciding what to do with them next. Admittedly I did become a little addicted to the whole process of gathering ingredients and trying to flog them for profit or just messing about them for laughs. Those who love a bit of a grind for decent outcomes may like the rinse-and-repeat process of this one, but it does have some other great features outside of the mixing pot.

These Potions Are Not Tested On Animals

The main premise essentially is gathering ingredients, creating potions and increasing your reputation across the game world. You can do this by performing tasks for the residents of the local area. When starting out and choosing your character, you’ll be led gently into the game. You’re able to arrange the furniture in your home, get friendly with your pet dog and start diving into your adventure. The world is open but isn’t as vast as I’d have liked, but sizable enough to wander around and explore. There is combat throughout the game, but this is tame and fighting with little blobs and bigger bosses. You need not worry about children playing this one, it all remains less than PG.

Creation of potions can be a bit fiddly at times and some may find the grind element of finding the ingredients a bit of a bore after a few hours. It was frustrating that every time I wanted to save the game, I had to go back to my home and manually save it there. This meant if you forget or die along the way, you lose any progress from when you last saved the game. Overall though, there is enough content to keep you going here for a decent period of a long play session or a good two or three longer periods.

Visuals & Audio

Visually Alchemist: The Potion Monger has bright yet warm and colourful presentation. I did find the UI a bit too intrusive at times but it doesn’t really tamper with the gameplay experience overall. The music is subtle and soothing which suits the atmosphere of the world before you. The first moments of the game introduce you to the mechanics of the game and how to craft and create potions. This is where you’ll see the Great Alchemy wheel in action, it comes across as confusing at first but over time it becomes quite simple.

When it comes to the audio side of the coin, a narrator will guide you through certain portions of the game. Sound effects function as you’d expect with some lovely barks from your Shiba Inu friend.

Final Thoughts

Alchemist: The Potion Monger is a unique experience that can be enjoyable for certain players. It is an accessible title for the most casual gamers or a nice break from the online world of competitive multiplayer games. It is family-friendly, and those with a love of animals may love its cutesy, colourful aesthetics. Don’t let the simplistic-looking screenshots sway you from giving this one a try, because there is a surprisingly deep 8-10 hours of gameplay here if you want it.

Overall
  • 70%
    CX Score - 70%
70%

Summary

Pros

  • Appeals to younger and older players
  • Warm colourful visuals
  • Potion brewing is good fun

 

Cons

  • Can be a little grindy
  • Can only manually save from your house
  • Combat could be a bit better

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