For alchemical processes, the game measures the distance your buttwad hero travels. To speed up the concoction, do your alchemical mix and locate a house or space where your hero can walk against the wall or corner. Tilt the joystick off center to get your hero moving and keep it steady. You can use rubber bands, an eraser, paper clips, or just rest your PS2 controller on its "legs" and flip it so the sticks are kept off center to do this.

Now you can leave it and do something else (like your homework). When you come back, your mixture will be finished done. Most mixes takes only about 3 to 4 minutes real time using this method.