Anyone can see that this game is visually stunning, and it's premise dark and intriguing, but how about the gameplay?
Graphics: The first thing anyone could possibly take notice of in this game is it's viduals...which are stunning. The visual direction is striking and creates a completely (and always nightmarish!) atmosphere from level to level. The Looking Glass level, done almost entirely in blacks, white and reds, particuarly stands out. It's eerie landscape will stay in your mind long after you turn the game off. Aside from the in-game visual and stunning backgrounds, there are the characters designs. And these are some of the most unique character designs you'll ever see in a game! The cheshire cat is a far cry from the fat purple disney creature you might remember from your childhood, and is instead a grisly, grinning and suitably evil-looking beast. The hatter and even alice hereself have all been re-envisioned for the game, and all are a treat to look at. The in-game character models hold up well, even compared to the phenomenal promotional images. There's certainly no disappointment in the graphics department.
Gameplay: Arguably the most important part of a game, good gameply is essential - unfortunately, here is where the game's weakness show up. While not a failure by any means, the gameplay is a relatively simple and very standard action-adventure formula. There is a healthy mix of platforming, puzzling and combat...all achieved with a simple, though at times, clunky, control scheme. This is the same type of play you've seen mass-marketed in games like, Harry Potter. While some fairly innovative things happen with the weapons - known here as "toys" - there's not much else to say in this area. While I never found myself disliking the gameplay, i never really found myself thinking anything about it. It was simply there.
Sound: Here is another strength of this game - and here it shines yet again. With delightfully eerie and atmospheric music all composed and performed by the former NiN drummer Chris Vrenna, 'Alice' scores a win in terms of music. The levels wouldn't be half as endearing or creepy if it weren't for the fitting music. Voice acting too was suprisingly top notch. Notably, the Cheshire cat has a memorable voice and a penchant for morbid rhyming that will have you loving every minute he speaks. No expense was spared in creating the perfect dialog here.
Overall: Alice is a game that's 70% Atmosphere and 30% game. More an experience than a game really, you can't go into Alice expecting a roarin' good adventure game or anything innovative for that matter. But it's simple and tried-and-true formula is still fun and addictive....muchly so beacuse you're DYING to get an eye and earful of the next desliciously nightmarish level! Play Alice with expectations of a unique experience for the senses - not so much for your fingers.