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Alchemist (video game)
Encyclopedia
Alchemist is a computer game developed by Ian Weatherburn
for the ZX Spectrum
and released by Imagine Software
in 1983. It is an action-adventure game
in which the player controls an alchemist
who may transform into a golden eagle
.
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 food needs to be found during the game to keep stamina levels up. Movement, bumping into objects, or transforming depletes stamina. Fighting monsters also reduces stamina although this can be mitigated by carrying an axe or sword.
. Sinclair User
highlighted Alchemist's cartoon graphics and storyline. CRASH
praised the game's presentation, graphics and "spooky organ tune". Whilst the exploration of the castle was a draw for one reviewer, overall opinions about the game's addictiveness was mixed. In CRASHs 1984 retrospective, it was felt that the graphics in Alchemist, whilst detailed, had not aged well. The jerky scrolling and poor keyboard layout, and lack of replayability were also criticised. Your Spectrum highlighted the alchemist character's graphic, and his eagle transformation animation.
Ian Weatherburn (computer programmer)
Ian Weatherburn was a computer programmer of 8-bit computers, including the ZX Spectrum. He wrote games for companies such as Ocean Software, Imagine Software and U.S. Gold. He committed suicide in March 1989.-Games:...
for the ZX Spectrum
ZX Spectrum
The ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit personal home computer released in the United Kingdom in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd...
and released by Imagine Software
Imagine Software
Imagine Software was a British video games developer based in Liverpool which existed briefly in the early 1980s, initially producing software for the ZX Spectrum and VIC-20...
in 1983. It is an action-adventure game
Action-adventure game
An action-adventure game is a video game that combines elements of the adventure game genre with various action game elements. It is perhaps the broadest and most diverse genre in gaming, and can include many games which might better be categorized under narrow genres...
in which the player controls an alchemist
Alchemy
Alchemy is an influential philosophical tradition whose early practitioners’ claims to profound powers were known from antiquity. The defining objectives of alchemy are varied; these include the creation of the fabled philosopher's stone possessing powers including the capability of turning base...
who may transform into a golden eagle
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. Once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many of the more heavily populated areas...
.
History
Alchemist was authored by Ian Weatherburn and Paul Lindale, and was Imagine's first arcade adventure. This release was also the first piece of software to be released on a gold-coloured cassette and box.Gameplay
The player controls a skilled alchemist, who has been summoned to defeat an evil warlock. The game takes place in the warlock's castle, with the objective of finding four pieces of a magic scroll. This will allow 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 food needs to be found during the game to keep stamina levels up. Movement, bumping into objects, or transforming depletes stamina. Fighting monsters also reduces stamina although this can be mitigated by carrying an axe or sword.
Critical reception
Alchemist was critically well received on release. Its atmosphere and play style drew comparisons with Atic AtacAtic Atac
Atic Atac is a ZX Spectrum video game developed and released by Ultimate Play The Game in 1983. It takes place within a flip-screen castle in which the player must seek out the "Golden Key of ACG"...
. Sinclair User
Sinclair User
Sinclair User, often abbreviated SU, was a magazine dedicated to the Sinclair Research range of home computers, most specifically the ZX Spectrum...
highlighted Alchemist
CRASH (magazine)
Crash was a magazine dedicated to the ZX Spectrum home computer. It was published from 1984 to 1991 by Newsfield Publications Ltd until their liquidation, and then until 1992 by Europress.-Development:...
praised the game's presentation, graphics and "spooky organ tune". Whilst the exploration of the castle was a draw for one reviewer, overall opinions about the game's addictiveness was mixed. In CRASHs 1984 retrospective, it was felt that the graphics in Alchemist, whilst detailed, had not aged well. The jerky scrolling and poor keyboard layout, and lack of replayability were also criticised. Your Spectrum highlighted the alchemist character's graphic, and his eagle transformation animation.