Alice: Madness Returns
" Atmospheric action-adventure with stunning gothic art and deep story, but technical issues persist "
Alice: Madness Returns Review
Alice: Madness Returns is widely celebrated as a dark, visually stunning action-adventure game that reimagines the classic Alice in Wonderland tale through a gothic horror lens. Players follow Alice as she navigates a corrupted Wonderland, reflecting her fractured psyche after a traumatic past. The game combines third-person combat, platforming, and puzzles with a compelling narrative exploring themes of trauma and madness.
Its distinctive art style, atmospheric environments, and haunting soundtrack receive high praise, creating an immersive experience. However, some players report technical issues such as crashes and bugs, especially on PC, which can detract from gameplay. Combat and platforming are generally fun but sometimes criticized for clunkiness and repetitive enemy encounters. Despite these flaws, the game’s emotional depth, originality, and artistic vision make it a memorable title cherished by fans of dark fantasy and psychological storytelling.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the game's unique and rich artistic design, blending Victorian gothic and twisted fairy tale aesthetics. The storyline is lauded for its depth, psychological themes, and atmospheric narrative. Gameplay mechanics, including combat with varied weapons and intricate platforming, offer satisfying challenges. The game’s immersive environments and symbolic level designs enhance player engagement. Fans also appreciate the detailed character and costume designs that tie into the story progression.
The soundtrack and sound design further elevate the eerie, haunting mood, making the game an artistic and emotional experience.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on technical issues such as frequent crashes and bugs, particularly on PC platforms, which sometimes require workarounds. The camera controls and lock-on targeting are often described as frustrating and occasionally detrimental to gameplay precision. Some players find the combat repetitive and the enemy variety limited, leading to a tedious experience over time. Platforming sections can feel clunky, and certain chapters are criticized for pacing issues or drawn-out gameplay. Additionally, the story’s cryptic nature may not appeal to those preferring straightforward narratives.
Pros
- • Stunning, unique gothic art style with rich symbolic environments.
- • Deep, psychologically complex storyline exploring trauma and madness.
- • Engaging combat system with diverse weapons and enemy patterns.
- • Intricate platforming challenges that complement the dark fantasy theme.
- • Memorable soundtrack enhancing the haunting atmosphere.
- • Thoughtfully designed character costumes tied to narrative progression.
- • Creative level design blending whimsy and horror effectively.
Cons
- • Frequent crashes and bugs, especially on PC versions.
- • Frustrating camera controls and unreliable lock-on targeting.
- • Repetitive combat encounters can become tedious over time.
- • Some platforming sections feel clunky and imprecise.
- • Certain chapters suffer from pacing issues and drawn-out gameplay.
- • Story can be cryptic and confusing for some players.
- • Lack of official support and updates, causing technical issues.
Rating Criteria
Alice: Madness Returns is a third-person, single-player, action adventure platformer. Visit the grim reality of Victorian London and travel to the beautiful yet ghastly Wonderland to uncover the root of Alice's madness.
