Alchemic Cutie

Gamers have always been partial to a rather intense gaming experience. Whether than be guns, explosions, hand to hand combat, sword fighting or full scale war, there is always seemingly high stakes when gaming is concerned. However, in recent years, we have seen a shift of sorts and games that offer a relaxing escape from the pressures of modern life are becoming much more popular. Alchemic Cutie is one such game and aims to offer that same zen experience to all it’s players.

This game plays like other relaxing and chill titles such as Stardew Valley, Forager, Harvest Moon, Slime Rancher and Animal Crossing to name a few. This title aims to offer another indie farming simulator while providing a gaming experience which sets itself apart from the rest. However, is this game just another dine a dozen farming sims? We find out in our review of Alchemic Cutie.

A Cutie Indeed

Let’s begin with the visual offerings present in Alchemic Cutie. This game is a very striking one that designs its environment much like games such as Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon. Players will still explore the town, meet interesting villagers and have the same quintessential farming sim experience we have all grown to love. However, the visual stylings are much more in line with the top-down 2D Legend of Zelda adventures or EarthBound for example. It’s a wonderful direction to take and does a lot to help set this game apart.

Then as for the gameplay, to set itself apart from the pack again, the game does away with conventional farming. Instead urging players to tame and capture wild jellies, creates that you can keep, race and sell. These jellies are scattered around the island, hidden in secret locations and require you to uncover these secrets through engaging with the local community.

If you can’t picture it, imagine a Pokemon game, merged with a farming sim, merged with a retro Legend of Zelda handheld title. All tied together with the beautiful bow that is this game’s soundtrack. Admittedly, it is a game that perhaps runs out of ideas as you become accustomed to its gameplay mechanics, but for the causal player looking to kill some time, this isn’t too much of an issue.

The Verdict

As we mentioned, after about 10-20 hours, you will have seen all that this game has to offer you. Which is a shame considering that these types of games have the capacity to hold player’s attention for hundreds of hours. However, the time you spend with this game will not be ill spent.

Pros:

• Outstanding audio and visual offerings
• Gameplay is surprisingly unique considering the genre
• Infinite replay value

Cons:

• The game runs out of steam far too quickly