''Alchemist'' is an

action-adventure game The action-adventure genre is a video game hybrid genre that combines core elements from both the action game and adventure game genres. Typically, pure adventure games have situational problems for the player to solve to complete a story ...

for the ZX Spectrum and released by Imagine Software in 1983. The player controls an

alchemist Alchemy (from Arabic: ''al-kīmiyā''; from Ancient Greek: χυμεία, ''khumeía'') is an ancient branch of natural philosophy, a philosophical and protoscience, protoscientific tradition that was historically practiced in Chinese alchemy, C ...

who can shape-shift into a golden eagle. ''Alchemist'' was developed by Ian Weatherburn and Paul Lindale and was Imagine's first action-adventure. It was the first piece of software to be released on a gold-coloured cassette and box.

Gameplay

The player controls an

who has been summoned to defeat an evil warlock. The game is set inside the warlock's castle, with the game's primary objective being finding four pieces of a magic scroll. This allows the alchemist to use the "Spell of Destruction" to defeat the warlock. The alchemist can transform into a golden eagle, requiring the use of spell energy. Transforming between the two is essential to completing the game. The alchemist can hurl lightning bolts and other spells, but the eagle form is required to negotiate steep hills or drops. The alchemist can only carry one item at a time and must consume food to keep stamina levels up. Movement, bumping into objects, or transforming depletes the character's stamina. Fighting monsters also reduces the character's stamina, although this can be mitigated by carrying an axe or sword.

Reception

''Alchemist'' was released to positive reviews from critics. Reviewers drew comparisons to '' Atic Atac'' due to the similar atmosphere and play style. '' Sinclair User'' highlighted ''Alchemist'''s cartoon graphics and storyline. '' CRASH'' praised the game's presentation, graphics and "spooky organ tune". While the exploration of the castle was a drawback for one reviewer, overall opinions about the game's addictiveness was mixed. In ''CRASH''s 1984 retrospective, it was felt that the graphics in ''Alchemist'', whilst detailed, had not aged well. The jerky scrolling, poor keyboard layout, and lack of replayability were also criticised. '' Your Spectrum'' highlighted the alchemist character's graphic, and his eagle transformation animation.

References

External links

*{{WoS_game, id=0000139, name=Alchemist 1983 video games Action-adventure games Video games developed in the United Kingdom Video games scored by Fred Gray ZX Spectrum games ZX Spectrum-only games Single-player video games