Alcahest

Game Details:

《Alcahest》 is a side-scrolling, top-down action RPG where the protagonist, Alcahest, is chosen to fight against the resurrected forces of darkness. In the game, players can obtain the powers of four guardian deities, each providing unique skills such as fire attacks and freezing enemies. These skills are not only used in combat but also for puzzle-solving and level progression.

The game is divided into multiple levels, each ending with a boss battle, designed to be compact and rhythmic. The controls are simple and smooth, including basic elements such as attack, defense, and item switching.

Although the game's duration is not long, the scenery is varied, the music is excellent, and the BOSS designs are challenging, making it a "hidden gem" praised by many SFC players.

Editor's Recommendation:

As one of HAL's late SFC works, 《Alcahest》 is a gem forgotten by time. It combines the exhilaration of action games with the growth fun of RPG systems. The four guardian deity skills provide combat diversity and strategy, making it endlessly replayable.

The game has a brisk pace and satisfying impact, with BOSS designs that are unique and varied, allowing players to have a fulfilling adventure experience in a short amount of time. For players who enjoy 《The Legend of Zelda》 or 《Secret of Mana》, this title is definitely worth a try.

Game Guide:

I. Order and Characteristics of Obtaining Guardian Deity Powers:

• Fire God Power (Ignis): Acquired early on, powerful area damage, can clear mobs.
• Water God Power (Aqua): Acquired mid-game, can freeze enemies and reduce BOSS attack speed.
• Wind God Power (Ventus): Increases mobility and ranged attack speed.
• Earth God Power (Terra): Provides defense bonus, suitable for melee combat.

II. BOSS Battle Tips

• Each BOSS has unique mechanics, it is recommended to try using different guardian deities to find weaknesses.
• Using roll dodge + ranged attack is a safe strategy against high-damage BOSSes.
• Most BOSSes have obvious start-up animations before attacking, seize the gaps to perform combos.

III. Level Exploration Tips

• Each level contains hidden rooms and energy replenishment, make good use of the wind god's ability to explore.
• Fire and water abilities can be used for puzzles, such as lighting torches or freezing water to create passages.

IV. Recommended Completion Order and Resource Management

• Prioritize upgrading defense stats, some levels have enemies with high output.
• Keep rare items for BOSS battles or the final chapter, don't waste them on mobs.

Overall, reasonably allocating the four great divine powers and understanding enemy mechanics are the keys to victory.