Alchemists

A little mandrake root, a little raven's feather — toss them in the cauldron and see what they make. Should you drink it? Maybe not; that's what students are for. In Alchemists, players perform experiments to discover the magical properties of their ingredients, then demonstrate their knowledge by selling potions. Use the money to buy artifacts that further your research, publish theories to earn grants, and expose the fallacies published by your rivals.

Alchemists is a game of strategy, risk assessment, and deduction. Do you experiment for more knowledge, or publish now for points? The game uses a free companion app (iOS, Android, Windows) that turns your device into an ingredient card reader and randomizes the rules of alchemy for each new game — or play with a web-based version or a designated gamemaster if you'd rather skip the app.

• Double-sided game board, theory board, exhibition board, 4 player boards
• 40 ingredient cards, 22 favor cards, 18 artifact cards, plastic beaker figures
• 2–4 players, ages 13+, about 120 minute playtime