The gameplay in Alchymedes is a little unusual - every time you land a successful combination, the winning symbols will be marked with a golden background. Once every symbol position on the reels has featured in a winner and been given the golden background, then you'll move up a level.
Look out for the magical spreading wild patterns - a pattern is drawn before the start of the level. This will be in play throughout that level. Every time a wild lands in the pattern, it will spread to fill the rest of the spaces in it. This is called the Spreading Wild Pattern feature.
You can also boost your wins with a multiplier. You'll start the level at the standard 1x. Multipliers of 1x to 5x can be added at random on each spin. This multiplier will then be applied to the final spin of the level when the golden background is complete.
Once you have completed a level, the animated Alchemist will appear and offer you the choice of green or red potion.
Opt for the green potion and the mysterious magician will increase the potential wild pattern – The Alchemist’s Scales feature. Go for the red and the potential on offer from the multiplier is boosted – the Level Completion Multiplier feature.
There are no traditional features or free spins on offer here - all of the action centres on the base game. The chance to boost the multiplier or wild potential when levelling up keeps things interesting though. As far as volatility goes, Alchymedes is in the medium range. You won't be waiting ages to land a winner but there's still potential for a decent paying combination.
The design is as high end as you'd expect from Yggdrasil Gaming - the science lab setting works well with beakers, blood and radioactive material adorning the reels. Alchymedes is certainly a little unusual. Despite the lack of traditional bonus features, the gameplay is pretty brisk and there's a sense of anticipation when you get close to completing a level.
If you're looking for a slot game that offers something a little different, then Alchymedes offers just that. Get lucky with those wilds and multipliers and this zany scientist can conjure up some impressive concoctions. If you like science themed games, Reel Attraction by Novomatic is pretty good.