Little Alchemy is an adorable Pokki-based element creation game for Windows.

Pokki? Element Creation?

Pokki is an application platform, a little like Adobe Air. You'll need it to install the game, but rest assured - it's free and only takes a click or two. Element creation games are a niche area of gaming that you'll either love or hate. The involve combining basic scientific elements - like air, earth and water - and seeing what new elements you can come up with.

Finding elements

Little Alchemy has 270 elements for you to produce, and it marks them as you find them. There's a search function, which is perfect when you have discovered more than fit comfortably in the interface. If you've reached the final result of any given element (i.e., it can't be combined with anything to make something new), it will glow red when you mouse over.

Lovely graphics

There are several games like Little Alchemy, but what makes this one stand out is the lovely interface. The elements have a lovely, whimsical appearance, and they are easy to work with. Little Alchemy doesn't offer many extra options - there are only two, in fact - but the "recycle" icon in the bottom right corner of the left-hand panel does offer a really easy way of clearing off your virtual workspace.

Personal taste

Little Alchemy is really just that - combine the elements and see what you get. This is surprisingly addictive, but there's always the chance that it just doesn't appeal. Given that Little Alchemy is free, though, there's no harm if you give it a try. If you are hooked by Little Alchemy, though, and you need a little extra help for figuring out those Little Alchemy combinations, look here .

Little Alchemy is a lovely element-combining game that will keep you charmed and entertained for hours.