Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 66 | 11 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 79% | 73 | 84 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 84% | 77 | 152 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Jul 19, 2024) · 112 reviews sampled · 152 total reviews in window · weighted 69.3 up / 13.5 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (11)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“The Last Alchemist is like a promising elixir still in development, it contains the rare ingredients of a picturesque world and the essence of a relaxing experience. However, the recipe was mixed by an unskilled hand, so sediment appears in the flask in the form of clunky controls and unpolished mechanics. Nevertheless, the game holds within it a spark of the true alchemist’s philosophy: trial and error ultimately leads to success. If you’re willing to turn a blind eye to a few drops of bitterness, this alchemical potion might just delight you.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Good graphics and solid mechanics are held back by the way the player is never given much of a reason to do anything but the current main objective, and the laid-back nature of the game conflicts with the main-character-is-dying dilemma presented as the driving force of the story. The developers at Vile Monarch have put together some great systems and laid the groundwork for a fun simulation game, but fall short of giving players much of a reason or opportunity to actually play in it. There are a lot of good things here, and with more direction and purpose, the team is clearly capable of making something great. Despite the flaws, The Last Alchemist is still a fun casual game that'll feel right at home for those who love a nice stroll through a whimsical landscape or laid-back puzzle solving.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The Last Alchemist has some good puzzle-solving which immerses you in the life of an alchemist. Experimenting and treating every resource with respect is part of the charm. But it feels like the game relies on padding to extend its length. There aren't many activities to do in-game and the game length is short. The puzzles are certainly interesting, but there isn't much to do outside of running around and finding essence ingredients.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“The Last Alchemist is a good time. It’s relaxing and cosy but also likes to make you rack your brain and experiment to come up with solutions to create, uh, solutions. It can feel like a chore at times, but the effort and time put into it is well worth it.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“The Last Alchemist truly stands out in the adventure simulation genre, offering a refreshing experience for players. The captivating visuals draw you in, while the intriguing narrative keeps you engaged. But what truly steals the show are the Agari, delightful and endearing beings that inject humour and cuteness into the game. It’s rare to come across such charming characters, making The Last Alchemist a truly heartwarming experience.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The Last Alchemist is a title that manages to be enjoyable, although it definitely lacks quality of life and is graphically and technically a little below average.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“With a beautiful world to explore, an interesting narrative and a rewarding sense of player agency, we really could have loved The Last Alchemist. But convoluted systems, tedious controls and the lack of controller support sadly make it rather cumbersome to play, sucking out much of the enjoyment to be had.”
read full review ↗ - 64
“With a quaint world populated by mushroom folks and a sense of discovery that’s rooted in scientific methods, The Last Alchemist reveals promise. But sadly, this potential is tainted by a control scheme that’s persistently uncooperative. The lesson here is that a formula can skimp on fundamental ingredients.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Master the wonders of alchemy! Solve alchemical puzzles by transforming and combining Essences. Craft items, tools and machines. Explore the enchanting world, gather peculiar resources, and befriend the Agari, adorable mushroom folk who will help you find the cure for your mysterious disease (developed and published by Vile Monarch)”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Despite my frustrations with math and science, the game is carefully designed to encourage experimentation and exploration. A wealth of resources and notes in the encyclopedia help guide you to finding the cure for your illness all while working alongside the most adorable mushrooms you’ve ever seen.”
read full review ↗ - 67
“The Last Alchemist is a simulation game that takes place in a charming fantasy setting with cute creatures and talking mushrooms. The game swings between crafting stages and exploration, providing an overall pleasant experience with an interesting storyline as well as occasionally overly challenging gameplay.”
read full review ↗
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SpaziogamesPatch history
- v0.1.2280 Patch NotesAug 8, 2024
- v1.02279 Patch NotesAug 7, 2024
- v1.02269 Patch NotesAug 2, 2024
- v1.0.2264 Patch NotesJul 31, 2024
- v1.0.2245 Patch NotesJul 19, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Our updated demo is available to play now!Aug 3, 2023significant · resets scoring window