Alice: Madness Returns drops Alice back into a nightmare world she built herself, and the game spends most of its runtime proving that nightmares can still be fun. It is a sequel, and it shares that predecessor’s love of twisted design and broken logic. But where the first game felt like a cruel puzzle box, this one mostly knows when to let go.
Trailer, via Electronic Arts.
The World
The city is a wreck of Victorian architecture turned inside out. Clock towers lean sideways, streets bend into dead ends, and the sky above is a storm of red clouds. The art direction is the strongest part of the package, and it carries the game through stretches where the action drags.
Combat
Alice fights with a sword and a pair of guns, and the combat is solid without being thrilling. Enemies swarm, and Alice moves fast enough to feel confident, but the fighting rarely surprises after the first hour.
Puzzles
Puzzles are scattered through the levels, and they range from simple platforming to elaborate machinery that requires careful observation. Some are clever. Some are frustrating. Few are memorable.
Voice Work
The voice acting leans heavily on over-the-top performances, and it mostly works. Alice’s delivery carries real conviction, even when the script asks her to say things that strain credibility.
Length
Alice: Madness Returns is a short game. Most players will finish it in under ten hours, and the pace slows near the middle before picking up again for the finale.
Music
The score matches the tone of the visuals, shifting from eerie strings to driving percussion. It is not a standout score, but it never gets in the way.
Appearance
On PS3 and X360, the game holds up decently, though textures sometimes look rough next to newer titles. On PC, the frame rate is smoother and the detail is sharper, making the case for playing it there stronger.
Replay Value
There is not much reason to return once the credits roll. The main campaign does not reward a second playthrough, and side content is thin.
A Short Game With A Strong First Impression
Alice: Madness Returns is a game that announces itself loudly and then settles into a comfortable, if limited, routine. The opening hours are the best part, and the ending feels rushed. It is not a masterpiece, but it is a solid, occasionally brilliant, trip down the rabbit hole.
The game is available on PS3, PC, and X360.
| Platform | Time To Finish |
|---|---|
| PS3 | Under 10 hours |
| PC | Under 10 hours |
| X360 | Under 10 hours |
Alice: Madness Returns scores 7.2 of 10.
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