Alquiem

A really good and free oldschool rpg. The progression is good and even without spending a cent, you can grind your way to the contents that is not free. I think this game would rly skyrocket in popularity if it had an english translation.

Alquiem is the kind of project that feels shaped more by passion than by convention, blending several familiar systems into something that doesn’t neatly sit in a single genre. Developed and published by Regalia Project, it draws heavily from classic RPG sensibilities while layering in idle mechanics and long-term progression systems that reflect more modern design trends. The result is a game that doesn’t aim for immediate polish or accessibility, but instead invites players into a slower, more deliberate experience built around experimentation and gradual mastery. The foundation of the game lies in its character-building systems, which offer a surprising amount of flexibility for a project of its scale. Players are not confined to rigid class identities; instead, they can shape their character through a wide array of talents and abilities that allow for hybrid builds and evolving playstyles. Whether leaning into summoning mechanics, sustained damage, or resource-based strategies, the system encourages curiosity and rewards those who are willing to test different combinations. This openness gives the progression a sense of ownership, as each build feels like a personal creation rather than a predefined path. Combat operates in an interesting middle ground between automation and player control. Basic actions play out on their own, creating a steady flow that keeps encounters moving, but key abilities require manual activation, giving players moments where timing and decision-making still matter. This hybrid approach creates a rhythm that feels neither fully idle nor fully active. It allows the game to maintain engagement without demanding constant attention, making it particularly well-suited for extended sessions where players can shift between passive observation and active involvement. Exploration and combat are tied together through a dungeon-based structure that steadily introduces tougher enemies and more demanding encounters. As players push deeper, they encounter elite foes and increasingly complex challenges that test the effectiveness of their builds. The inclusion of endless-style modes adds another layer of longevity, encouraging optimization and long-term planning rather than short bursts of progress. It’s in these later stages that the game’s systems begin to interlock more meaningfully, turning what initially feels simple into something with more strategic weight. Beyond combat, Alquiem expands its progression loop with a range of supporting systems that deepen the experience. Gathering and crafting play a significant role, allowing players to collect resources and transform them into useful gear or enhancements. These mechanics feed directly back into character progression, creating a satisfying cycle where time invested in non-combat activities still contributes to overall strength. The addition of a persistent hub or settlement system further reinforces this sense of continuity, offering upgrades that carry across runs and provide a steady sense of advancement even when individual attempts fall short. One of the defining aspects of the game is its respect for the player’s time. Progress continues even when you’re not actively playing, making it easy to step away and return later without feeling left behind. This idle integration is handled in a way that complements the rest of the design rather than replacing it, ensuring that active play still feels meaningful while passive gains help smooth out the pacing. It’s a balance that gives the game a relaxed, almost routine-friendly quality, particularly for players who prefer long-term progression over constant engagement. At the same time, the game’s independent development is evident in its rough edges. The interface, while functional, can feel basic and occasionally unintuitive, and some systems lack the clarity or refinement that would make them easier to grasp. There’s also a noticeable lack of broader accessibility features, which may limit its appeal to a wider audience. These issues don’t necessarily break the experience, but they do require a degree of patience, especially during the early hours when the game is still revealing how its systems connect. Despite these shortcomings, there’s a strong sense of identity running through Alquiem. It doesn’t try to compete with larger, more polished RPGs, nor does it fully commit to being a pure idle game. Instead, it occupies a space in between, offering a layered experience that rewards both active engagement and passive progression. Its appeal lies in its willingness to let players find their own pace, whether that means diving deep into build optimization or simply letting the game run in the background while progress accumulates. In the end, Alquiem is a thoughtful and ambitious hybrid that succeeds more through its systems and flexibility than through presentation. It asks for patience and a bit of experimentation, but in return it offers a steady, rewarding sense of growth that can be surprisingly compelling over time. It’s not without flaws, but for players who enjoy crafting their own path and watching it evolve gradually, it provides a uniquely satisfying experience. Rating: 8/10

J’ai vraiment bien aimé ce jeu. C’est un idle game super relax, bien meilleur qu’il n’en a l’air au premier coup d’œil. Si tu aimes voir ta progression évoluer petit à petit, tester différents builds et regarder les chiffres grimper pendant que tu fais autre chose, c’est exactement ton style de jeu. Il m’a fallu environ une cinquantaine d’heures pour tout compléter, et honnêtement, j’ai passé un bon moment du début à la fin. Il y a plusieurs builds possibles pour les personnages (certains bien plus puissants que d’autres), et c’est toujours satisfaisant de trouver la bonne combinaison qui fait tout exploser. La progression est fluide et bien pensée, même si le rythme ralentit un peu sur la fin. J’espère vraiment qu’ils vont rajouter du contenu, parce que le jeu a une excellente base et mérite d’être développé davantage. C’est tout à fait jouable en Free to Play, mais il faut s’attendre à un peu plus de grind. Rien d’excessif, juste un peu plus de patience. Si tu as grandi avec les jeux Flash ou que tu aimes les jeux au look rétro avec une ambiance tranquille, Alquiem vaut clairement le détour. C’est gratuit, c’est détendant, et ça a juste assez de profondeur pour te garder accroché pendant des dizaines d’heures. Je recommande sans hésiter à tous les amateurs de jeux idle ou rétro.