Don’t mind if I do.

“Alice,” I sighed, “We’re in the middle of Wonderland, this is no time to be taking snapshots like common filthy tourists.”

“Just one!” she begged, “In front of the prehistoric frozen fish!”

I sighed again, heavily, and complied.

I’m liking Alice 2, but something has felt off the entire time and I don’t think I’ve got the whole picture on it yet. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful games I’ve ever taken screen shots of, but this new world Alice inhabits is so unlike the first. The London sequences, the collectible items, the new combat system; all these things are very nice, but they are a distraction. I think what I liked best about Alice was the simplicity in which you were thrust into her disjointed world. Alice: Madness Returns seems to almost borrow too much from the original material, or at least by comparison to Alice. The effect is very cartoonish, a stark contrast to the macabre both of Alice’s surroundings and the feel established by the first title. And while I like Alice’s dresses, I’m confused as to why Spicy Horse made a Barbie doll of her. Collecting memories, while disruptive to the immersion process, is a fantastic thematic addition, one that ties together Alice’s quest for mental health. I fear, however, that it is undermined by having to constantly gather pig snouts, teeth, and bottles as well.

Also disappointing is the music, or lack thereof. The opening theme is the most compelling piece thus far. The levels I’ve played have been mostly silent, with occasional chimes or random toy-like sound effects that are but a pale imitation of the work Chris Vrenna put into the original. One of Alice’s strongest points was the immersive and twisted soundtrack, and in that capacity, Madness Returns has completely failed. What a waste. Alice has one of the best soundtracks ever produced for a game. Beyond the menu theme (I suspect this was Vrenna’s only contribution), the music of Madness Returns is utterly forgettable.

All together I’m enjoying this game but it’s almost best to pretend that it’s made by someone else who only played (not made) the original. All these changes may have been better suited for a later title; as Carrol wrote, it’s “too much too quickly”. Madness Returns is startlingly beautiful, and already I love this game, but fans of the original beware that your return trip may not seem as familiar as the first.

Enjoy the screen shots! I won’t be pissed if you erase my little mini review to repost them.

More screen shots from my very important date with Alice: Madness Returns.

COME AT ME BRO

You’re still quite mangy, cat. But your grin’s a comfort.

It’s kind of odd guiding Alice through her daily life in London, more or less sane by comparison to her years at the Asylum. The beginning of the game explains that while she was definitely out of her coma at the end of Alice, she still fought daily hallucinations and depression. However, with no hope for any further improvement, it was determined she was only wasting space at Rutledge. Aimed with her small inheritance, she moves to London to stay at a boarding house while under the care of a local doctor. Every corner she turns harbors some new threat to her sanity.

New (and at least one old) Alice art, fresh from EA. These are actually some stills from the new trailer, which I’ll post momentarily.

Oh that Chesire Cat. His grin’s a comfort.

Alice: Madness Returns takes its tea starting June 19, 2011 on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Some time ago it was mentioned that the console versions of Alice 2 would have DLC, said to included new dresses for Alice and possibly the original game. AND WHAT OF THE PC? I cried. Well today my pithy pleas have been answered. EA and Spicy Horse have announced Alice: Madness Returns- The Complete Collection, a digital download PC bundle featuring a remastered copy of American McGee’s Alice along with Alice 2.

Additionally, those who pre-order the game from EA.com, Amazon, or Gamestop will get a free digital download of the original soundtrack, including a bonus track by Chris Vrenna (!). Get all the deets in the press release below:

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As psychotic as American McGee’s twisted version of Wonderland can be, I think I’m feeling more mindfucked by this new tidbit from CVG: 

“There will be DLC in the form of dresses that the player can download and Alice can wear…Those dresses come with special abilities and enhance how you play through the game.

“There’s also going to be pretty significant release which is the original Alice brought over to the consoles so that a person who’s purchased Madness Returns gets a download code and is able to bring Alice 1 onto their console and play through the entire original game alongside playing Madness Returns.”

People have been asking for a console port of the original for as long as the game has existed, so I find that pretty interesting. I hope that means the PC players will get a copy too, given that even used ones are going for a pretty penny online.

Anyway, isn’t the idea of Alice DLC a little curious (and curiouser)?

Here’s a little sneak peek at page 110 and 111 of the Art of Alice: Madness Returns book, currently on presale for $34.99 on the newly opened Alice 2 merch store.

Alice: Madness Returns tee, $24, available at Alice2Store.com

Spicy Horse has just announced their official merchandise store for Alice: Madness Returns, open NOW. Head on over to check out some of the delectable gear, including art and women’s apparel.

Official Alice: Madness Returns Store