Alchemy FAQ
"Who needs ASCII art?"
created by Michael Segekihei
VERSION 1.00
DISCLAIMER:
The game Alchemy is owned by, created by, and the full property of PopCap
Games and SAC, inc. The following guide, including tips, hints, and
suggestions, is owned by, created by, and the full property of "Michael
Segekihei".
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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-. Update History
I. Introduction
A. What is Alchemy?
B. How does Alchemy work?
C. Okay, I'm hooked; how can I get this?
D. How much does registration cost?
II. Runes
A. Shapes
B. Colors
C. Special Runes
III.Gameplay Modes
A. Strategic
B. Timed
IV. Tips and Tricks
A. Strategic Tips
B. Timed Tips
V. Credits
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-. Update History
(3/20/03) v. 1.00. First created FAQ. Contents, Introduction, Runes,
Strategic, and Strategic Tips uploaded. More things to come as I advance
further in the game...
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I. Introduction
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A. What is Alchemy?
*Alchemy is the medieval art of changing cheap materials, like lead, into
gold. While most (if not all) have failed, some legends snake through about
some great wizards who did this. You take the role of one such wizard,
who is attempting to create gold from a board of lead.
B. How does Alchemy work?
*The Alchemy board is divided into a 9 by 8 grid. The first block you
recieve (or, on the first level, it is already placed) is a grey rune,
a wild card (more on that later). You must place runes on a board, matching
them side by side by color or shape. For each rune you successfully place,
that square will become gold. When the entire board is gold, all runes will
clear and you will advance to the next level. There is also a forge to the
left of the screen in that sidebar. When you discard a rune (in Strategic)
or throughout Timed mode, the forge will raise. In Strategic mode, the game
is over when the forge is filled and you are forced to discard another rune.
In Timed mode, the game is over when the forge fills completely.
C. Okay, I'm hooked; how can I get this?
*Alchemy is available at the PopCap home site, www.popcap.com, or bundled
with Bejeweled at some computer games stores. The initial download is
unregistered. The purchased copy is registered at installation.
D. How much does registration cost?
*Initially, the free copy is fully functional, except for the fact that you
can't use the high score table, and there is an ever-increasing delay at the
opening splash screen. However, as you play more and more with the free copy,
eventually, the delay will be eliminated--and so will the game. It will refuse
to operate unless you purchase the game. Purchasing the game is $20. However,
if you bought the game from a PC store, like I did, you'll get the game and
Bejeweled fully registered. Convienient, neh?
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II. Runes
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NOTE: The introduction levels of the following are introduction levels from
Strategic mode. Timed mode introduction levels/times will be added in a later
update.
A. Shapes -- STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
*There are several shapes in the Runes of Alchemy. The shapes you will see
most often (i.e., the shapes at the start) are:
II -- two capital i's.
Devil Horns -- a small circle with a semicircle on top of it.
Detached Infinity -- looks like the infinity sign with lines on top and
then detached at the circles
Curve Snake -- something that looks like a snake curving around with an
arch at the top and the head near the bottom right corner
Splitter Snake -- looks like a two headed snake. Nuff said...
There are also other types of runes that are added as the game progresses.
These are:
Omega -- The omega symbol from the ancient Latin alphabet. Introduced
in level three.
M -- It's a curving M. Introduced in level four.
Dagger -- Basically, a dagger. Introduced in level five.
There might be, nay, probably are more runes, but I haven't made it that
far in the game yet, but as soon as I see them, I'll update the list.
B. Colors -- STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
*There are several colors that the Alchemy Runes come in. The starting
colors are:
Red
Blue
Green
Pink
The colors that are subsequentially introduced are:
Yellow -- introduced in level two
Light Blue -- introduced in level six
C. Special Runes
*There are two special Runes that are seen less often than the Runes
described above. Each has a special function of their own which can make or
break a game based on their user's skills.
Grey Rune: The Gray Rune is the wild card. It is initially placed in
Strategic mode's first level and is the subsequent first block in each
following level. They randomly appear in the game at a less frequent rate than
any individual Rune would. They can be placed next to any block, and any
block can be placed next to them. The Grey Rune can be discarded; however, I
highly recommend you always use these somewhere because of their rarity and
high value.
Skull Rune: The Skull Rune is the only backspace in the game. It is the
only block that allows you to delete a Rune already placed on the board. If,
however, you have no desire to destroy a Rune, and the forge is reasonably
empty, you can discard it and move on. It melts like a normal Rune would.
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III.Gameplay Modes
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A. Strategic Mode -- STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
*Strategic mode is the traditional mode found on the web game as well as one
of the two download modes. It is untimed and features you competing to simply
clear the board, with the forge only increasing in level when a Rune is
discarded. I, personally, prefer this mode to Timed because of the ability
to multi-task while playing. It's very soothing...
There are seven levels to Strategic Mode. Currently, I've only made it
through six. If anyone wants to tell me what it says after level seven, leave
a message on the Alchemy message boards.
B. Timed Mode -- TO BE COMPLETED
*Due to initial time difficulties, this section has been omitted in v. 1.00.
Look for it in a future update.
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IV. Tips and Tricks -- TO BE COMPLETED
*Tips and Tricks will be included one day soon. I'm still going through a
list of tips and hints, picking the best ones to include in this FAQ. Expect
them in the next level.
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V. Credits
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Thanks to:
PopCap Games, for creating an excellent deal
My sister Katy, for introducing me (and purchasing) this game
My sister Katy again, for helping with some Runes info
