Alchemist (1983)

by Christopher November 12, 2021

written by Christopher November 12, 2021 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1983
Genres: Adventure, Indie
Platforms: ZX Spectrum
Developers: Imagine Software
Publishers: ABC Soft, Currys, Imagine Software, PRISM Micro-informatique S.A.

Alchemist (1983): A ZX Spectrum Classic

Alchemist is an action-adventure game developed by Ultimate Play The Game and released in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum. The player controls an alchemist 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.

Alchemist was a critical and commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies. It was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and Atari 8-bit family.

Gameplay

Alchemist is a side-scrolling action-adventure game. The player controls the alchemist, who can walk, jump, and shoot lightning bolts. The alchemist can also transform into a golden eagle, which allows him to fly and access areas that are otherwise unreachable.

The game is set inside the warlock’s castle, which is a large and complex environment. The castle is filled with monsters, traps, and puzzles. The alchemist must explore the castle, find the four pieces of the magic scroll, and defeat the warlock.

Alchemist is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s puzzles are clever and the combat is exciting. Alchemist is a classic ZX Spectrum game that is still enjoyed by many today.

Development

Alchemist was developed by Ultimate Play The Game, a British video game company founded by the Stamper brothers. The game was designed by Chris Stamper and programmed by Tim Stamper.

Alchemist was one of the first ZX Spectrum games to use a scrolling playfield. The game’s graphics were also very impressive for the time. Alchemist was a major technical achievement and helped to establish Ultimate Play The Game as one of the leading video game developers of the 1980s.

Release

Alchemist was released in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies. Alchemist was ported to a number of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and Atari 8-bit family.

Legacy

Alchemist is a classic ZX Spectrum game that is still enjoyed by many today. The game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay are all top-notch. Alchemist is a challenging but rewarding game that is sure to please fans of action-adventure games.

Tips for Playing Alchemist

Explore the castle thoroughly. There are many hidden items and secrets to find.
Use the eagle form to access areas that are otherwise unreachable.
Be careful not to run out of stamina. Eat food to keep your stamina levels up.
Use the correct weapon to fight monsters. Axes and swords are more effective than lightning bolts against some monsters.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to solve the game’s puzzles.

Conclusion

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.