Little Alchemist Components Overview and Impressions

A semi-legacy game is a bit difficult to review, both talking about the game and explaining what comes in the box. We’ve had a great time with this game, slowly opening new boxes and adding new content to the game, but I hope to be as free of spoilers as possible in this components overview as to not spoil anything! Is Little Alchemist living up to the CGE standard?

First and foremost, the cardboard in this game is incredibly thick, and for some they might deem it too thick. I’m actually OK with really thick cardboard when it comes to games aimed at kids, and as the title suggests, Little Alchemist is aimed at kids. It’s nice to see so much work go into a kids game, which are often overlooked and underproduced as the argument is, “well, it’s just a kids game.” CGE opted to continue an outstanding legacy of quality products with this release, and just looking at the first sheet of cardboard illustrated that to me.

The game does use a ton of cardboard, so you won’t be getting wooden components here, but the cardboard (again, let’s beat this dead horse!) is so thick it’s almost wood like if that makes sense? I hope it does, but if not – it’s solid. I was VERY impressed with the player screens. In Little Alchemist, players will be performing things on their player boards in secret, so each player gets a screen. In most games – even games that are produced at a high level – these screens are generally thin card, perhaps a card stock thickness at maximum. That is NOT the case here. These player screens bend very nicely, but are also incredibly thick. They are beautifully detailed as well. Again, put another check in the pro column for CGE here.

The game does include a few plastic pieces, small little alchemist bottles in each of the four player colours. They are a nice touch and pop a bit more when in use than a cardboard token would. Prior to finding all the hidden, numbered boxes that you will open over time, there is a sticker sheet of keys and little pads that will lift a board slightly off the ground. I love games that incldue these little pads, especially when it’s almost required when cards need to be slid under boards.

I’m not going to talk about any of the components or items in the hidden boxes, but rest assured the quality that is present when you first open the box cascades through all of those hidden boxes as well. This is a beautifully produced game with some fantastic artwork, especially on those player screens. I love that CGE is treating the younger audience with the respect they deserve. Adults love well produced games, but kids do as well. And CGE definitely stepped up with this release when compared to kids games from other companies!