Alcahest (video game)

 is an action game for the Super Famicom, developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Square. The game was released in 1993 in Japan, however fans have created an English translation patch.
Gameplay.
"Alcahest" is an action game with a top-down perspective that plays similar to games like "The Legend of Zelda" or "Gauntle"t. It is divided into 8 stages that are progressed by finding items that aid the protagonist Alen on his quest, and end with a boss battle. After specific boss fights, the player gains the abilities of one of the four elemental Guardians. Alen will also find five allies that join him at predetermined points of some levels. They are the young wizard Garstein, the princess Elikshil, the knight Sirius, the android Magna and the shape-shifter dragon goddess Nevis. Though they cannot be controlled directly, allies attack and use special moves when the corresponding button is pressed.
The player's vitality decreases when attacked. MP are used to summon Guardians in battle, and SP (Special Points) are required for a partner's special attack. At the end of each stage, Alen's vitality increases. The player is also able to attack enemies using a sword, which can also be charged for a special attack, different depending on the elemental Guardian selected. Items can also be found that restore Alen's stats.
The player gains points by defeating enemies and bosses. After gaining a certain number of points, the player earns an additional continue. The player is given passwords at the beginning of each new stage.
Development and release.
"Alcahest" was first announced in 1992 under the tentative name "Guardian Blade".
Reception.
"Alcahest" was mostly well-received by critics who reviewed it as an import title since its release. Public reception was also positive: in a poll taken by "Famimaga", it received a score of 21.2 out of 30, indicating a popular following.