What is Total Synthesis?
Ever wanted to feel like a mad scientist without actually blowing up your kitchen? You've gotta check out Total Synthesis. It's one of the weirdest hybrids I've touched lately—basically a roguelike deckbuilder that's also a legit study tool for organic chemistry. It's not your typical 'kill the boss' loop, but if you're into high-concept systems, it's a trip.
Gameplay
You're not fighting monsters here; you're fighting chemical reactions. The core loop is wild: you build decks of reagents and mechanisms to synthesize target molecules. Instead of stacking damage like you would in Slay the Spire, your 'attacks' are actual scientific laws. You chain reactions together to reach a specific molecular goal, which makes the synergy feel more like a high-stakes puzzle than a typical RNG brawl. It's a steep climb if you aren't a science nerd, but the loop clicks once you realize the meta is just actual chemistry.
Run variety comes from the complexity of the molecules you're tasked to build. The meta-progression is where it gets truly bizarre—as you win runs, you're actually learning organic chemistry for real. It's designed to help you crush the MCAT or college exams, which is a hell of a way to level up. However, it's definitely rough around the edges. It's not a polished AAA title, and since it's primarily a study app with 28 flashcard decks and mock exams, the roguelike part sometimes feels like it's fighting for space. At $9.99, you're paying for a hybrid tool, so the value depends on whether you actually want to study while you play.
Key Features
- Combat based on chemical reactions
- Target molecule synthesis loops
- MCAT and college exam prep
- Over 1,000 practice items
Screenshots
Verdict
Grab this if you want a brain-burner that makes you feel like a genius or if you're actually prepping for a science degree. If you hate school or want a polished, pure gaming experience, you'll probably bounce off it in ten minutes.
View on Steam →* Price at time of publication (checked 04.09.2026). Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. This is an editorial review, not a commercial offer.