Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula

Board&Dice, Game Harbor, Giant Roc · Board game · 2019
1–4 · best 2 Solo 90–120 min Weight 4.2/5
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
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8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A treat for those who love complex euros and the alchemy theme. The transmutation system is fascinating and rewarding.

Highlights
  • Very deep transmutation system
  • High quality components
  • Extremely solid solo mode
  • Satisfying sense of progression
Keep in mind
  • Quite a steep learning curve
  • Dense rules requiring focus
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Ever dreamed of becoming the successor to the legendary Hermes Trismegistus? In Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula, you step into the shoes of an ambitious alchemist searching for the ultimate formula. The goal is simple in theory but complex in execution: transmute common metals into pure gold, conduct daring experiments, and craft powerful artifacts to achieve everlasting greatness.

The game unfolds over three intense rounds. The core mechanic revolves around drafting customized dice, where each face represents alchemical materials. You'll need to choose your dice wisely, as they are the energy source for everything: collecting essences, refining materials, and progressing along four mastery tracks. The color of the die is crucial, as it dictates which types of transmutations you can perform.

But it's not just about rolling dice and hoping for the best. You must manage the potency of your dice to activate artifacts that optimize your actions and conduct experiments that elevate your knowledge. Additionally, you'll build a secret hand of publication cards, which hold valuable points for the endgame. The final score is a combination of everything: the value of your experiments, the completed formulas of your Philosopher's Stone, the accumulated gold, and your secret publications.

Prepare yourself for a heavy-weight game where strategy and optimization are key. If you enjoy 'euro' games with significant depth and love the feeling of building an efficient engine, this title is for you. And if you're on your own, no problem: the game features a robust solo mode, developed by solo design experts, ensuring that the quest for the supreme formula is challenging even without other players.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 OK
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Game details

Categories

Families

Components: Dice with Icons Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Mechanism: Dice Drafting Misc: LongPack Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Series: T games (Daniele Tascini) Theme: Alchemy
Publisher Board&Dice, Game Harbor, Giant Roc, Giochix.it, Lucrum Games, Maldito Games, Pixie Games
Designer Daniele Tascini, Federico Pierlorenzi
Artist Paulina Wach, Paweł Niziołek
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
Yes, it has a significant weight (4.18). It's not for beginners; be prepared to read the manual carefully or watch a tutorial.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the group's experience.
Does it work well solo?
Absolutely! The solo mode was designed by experts and offers a challenge on par with the multiplayer experience.
Are the dice purely random?
While there is rolling, the drafting and the way you use the dice's 'potency' mitigate luck, turning them into strategic resources.
Who would you recommend this game to?
To expert gamers who enjoy optimization, resource management, and games with multiple layers of interaction and scoring.