I recently played BattleJuice Alchemist, a new title from Alchemical Works and ESDigital Games. As a fan of gothic horror and RPGs, I was intrigued by the game’s premise and had wanted to try out its unique gameplay since I saw its first launch trailer.
The game is unlike anything else I’ve ever played, but it’s very fun. It feels like a mix of isometric ARPG and mildly turn-based RPG mechanics.
Gothic Protagonist With Alchemical Powers
The game’s main character, Juice, immediately stands out with his sharp features and ghostly complexion, reminiscent of characters from Tim Burton movies like Edward Scissorhands and Corpse Bride. Along with some clear inspiration from Darkest Dungeon.
Juice fits seamlessly into the game’s gothic fairy tale aesthetic, which made me feel like I was actually exploring a living, breathing Burton-esque universe.
There is a character selection screen when you start a new game that gives you the 3 options with different perks:
- The Bold Alchemist – gives you health gear and flasks that can be dropped at your feet to cause large explosions
- The Swift Alchemist – gives you damage gear and let’s you do ranged attacks with your flasks
- The Sly Alchemist – gives you liquid gear and let’s you do timed damage with flasks
You can also customise how your character looks to a certain extent, changing hair colour, type and gender. The options are limited but considering you’ll only be seeing your character up close during close encounters during combat, it doesn’t really seem to be an issue.
The introduction to Battlejuice Alchemist with the paper cut out story book design is absolutely stunning and the developer has obviously spent a lot of time and effort on creating an immersive experience – it’s one of the more memorable beginnings to an ARPG I think I’ve come across.
Immersive Audio and Stunning Visual Design
BattleJuice Alchemist’s audio design is a highlight, featuring haunting melodies and chilling sound effects that keep players engaged and on edge throughout their journey.
The game’s visuals once you get into the game are equally impressive, with muted colors and intricate, stylized designs that mirror the storybook-like atmosphere in the introduction.
Alchemy: The Heart of the Game
The alchemy system is the core mechanic of BattleJuice Alchemist, allowing players to craft powerful potions to aid them in combat and exploration. As I started to progress through the levels, I found I was drawn into the process of gathering ingredients and experimenting with various recipes.
The satisfaction you get of creating a potent elixir and using it to overcome challenging enemies is a standout aspect of the game. You become more and more powerful – and agile – as you level, with a deep enough character progression system to let you customise how you play.
The game can be unforgiving if you don’t quite nail an encounter, however it doesn’t penalise you for dying.
A Huge, Procedurally Generated World
One of the most appealing features of BattleJuice Alchemist is its expansive, procedurally generated world filled with secrets to uncover.
Although I haven’t completed the main story, I can see how each playthrough would give you a fresh experience, with new challenges and rewards to discover. The hand-crafted towns scattered throughout the world are gorgeous and add to the game’s overall charm.
Early Access Hiccups
As with many Early Access titles, BattleJuice Alchemist has a few quirks that need ironing out. During my playthrough, I encountered a couple of instances where my character got stuck in the landscape. I’m also not a fan of the red colour used in menus.
You can check out the demo of Battlejuice Alchemist if you’d like to see what the game is all about before buying.
I understand the reason behind using this colour but it’s jarring to have to look at for any period of time. While these issues can be frustrating, they’re not entirely unexpected for a game still in development, and I’m confident that the developers will address these issues as they continue to refine the game.
A RPG Adventure Worth Experiencing
Despite its Early Access status, BattleJuice Alchemist already offers a captivating gothic experience. The game’s haunting visuals, immersive audio, and engaging alchemy system come together to create a unique and memorable RPG. As the game nears its full release on PC and consoles, I’m excited to see how it evolves and improves.
If you enjoy gothic horror, RPGs, or appreciate games with a strong artistic vision, BattleJuice Alchemist is definitely worth checking out. Embrace the darkness, master the art of alchemy, and immerse yourself in a world that feels like it’s been plucked from the pages of a Tim Burton sketchbook.
