Andy Lingua
First of all I want to thank Wim De Hert and Briganti for sending us a key of Dungeon Alchemist, the software I’m going to tell you about in this review that allows you to create maps for roleplaying games in a fast and fun way. To be precise, these are maps of specific places to explore or fight in, not maps of continents or kingdoms.
Creating custom maps for tabletop RPGs can be a pain, if you’re not an artist. You can buy bundles online, but they are not always in line with what you want to bring to the gaming table. This software was created precisely for these needs and wants to combine a satisfying (and consistent in style) aesthetic with total freedom of customization.
The project was born through a successful Kickstarter campaign, but is now already available for purchase; after reafing this review, if you are interested you can find Dungeon Alchemist on Steam at the price of € 37.99. I advise you to scroll to the bottom of that page and also check the minimum system requirements, in order to be sure you can run it on your computer.
But now let’s take it slow and understand what it takes to create a map with this tool.
First Step: Creation
Dungoen Alchemist proves to be immediately simple and intuitive to use; the author has put great care and attention in order to avoid any kind of frustration in the process of creating the maps. Instead of starting from an empty project, in fact we have the possibility to choose the format (smaller if we intend to print it, larger if intended for online use) and some basic elements (terrain, elevation, presence of water, vegetation and weather); starting from these bases, the software (thanks to a AI) automatically creates a map (with the classic top view), already including some scenic elements.
At this point we can obviously modify every single element, from the conformation of the terrain to every small prop; in the same way we can add and remove them, until we get exactly the result we had in mind. This is also possible since each element is rotatable, scalable in size and individually placeable. The level of customization really amazed me; each light can be changed in color, there are brushes to distribute repeating objects (such as cobwebs and gravestones), and some objects can even include images uploaded from your device. At the moment the elements available are perfect for creating fantasy scenarios, with the possibility of crossing over into the steampunk genre as well. However, the author has been attentive to user requests and is constantly expanding the available options.
In case you want to check your work, you can also use a first person view and literally explore the map; some objects are also interactable, such as doors to open and lights to turn on.
Second Step: Finalization
Once our map is finished, we can proceed to save it, so that we can then modify it again later if needed. But how to use it to play? There are mainly two ways and both involve exporting it.
The first is to export it as an image (in JPEG format) or as a video (MP4 or WEBM); by doing so we will have a file that we can print, show on a screen or send to our players. As you can see from the images included in this review, Dungeon Alchemist has a classic and captivating graphic style and the results prove it.
The second method to use the maps is to export them in a specific format for a VTT (Foundry VTT, Roll20, Fantasy Grounds or a generic version). In this case we will have two different files; one will be the image or video, the other will allow it to be “read” from your virtual tabletop. I personally used Foundry VTT and, with this option, in a few minutes I had a map ready to play; this also includes the automatic creation of suggestive scene elements, such as dynamic lights and walls that block vision and movement. If you choose to use the video you will obviously have a heavier file, but at the same time it will allow us to easily create dynamic maps. In case you think that this second method is complicated, know that it is not; the author has also made available a very quick step-by-step guide.
Also keep in mind that you can upload your own creations and download those of other users from the Steam Workshop. If you are undecided about the potential of this software, I suggest you take a look and see what is possible to create with it.
Conclusions of the Dungeon Alchemist Review
I really liked the interface of this software and found it very user-friendly. The user has many options but never runs the risk of getting lost. There are also guides and options to make the experience suitable for your tastes and for your computer.
A further good idea is the possibility of connecting your own Hero Forge account from which to directly import the models of the miniatures purchased. A simple click and your characters enter the scene!
As anticipated, at the moment most of the options fall into the fantasy and steampunk genres, so this product is valid for creating maps of this type. I am sure however that the options will continue to expand, given the professionalism of the author. In this regard, I advise you to report any deficiencies because they will really be taken into consideration.
To conclude this review, I highly recommend Dungeon Alchemist to anyone who wants to create complete and immersive maps in a very short time (also excellent for those who like to improvise); in the same way, even those with a passion for detail will be satisfied with a product that allows for almost maniacal customization!
