First, this is NOT based on the movie like the Wii and PC versions. Second, this game is creative, charming, and fun!
The game is a quirky puzzle-based 2D side scrolling platformer. You control one of several different creatures while guiding young Alice through the main plotline. Each creature (you can choose to switch to any of them at any time) has its own special abilities to overcome different puzzle types. The types of abilities are quite powerful and varied, such as time control and gravity switching.
Getting Alice and yourself over and through obstacles is main goal of the game, but there is also a bit of Mario-style combat. You'll fight lots of tiny little critters, a few medium sized guards (that are trying to steal Alice from you), and the odd boss.
The game is not a twitchy platformer a-la Mario, but more thoughtful and strategic, like Scribblenauts.
Part of the appeal of this game comes from the great character animations and art style throughout. It has a vaguely Danny Elfmanesque soundtrack, minimal sound effects, and no voice overs.
The good:
1. Art style and music are wonderful -- it has a hand-sketched look, and everything is fluidly animated with some very comedic touches.
2. Puzzles have a nice wide variety, from basic and simple, to very complex and thoughtful.
3. Combat is easy, but breaks up the puzzling nicely.
4. Story is obviously from the book, but is told in a way that propels the game along nicely from level to level.
5. Not too long, not too short (about 10-12 hours).
The not-so-good:
1. No voiceovers (not sure this is really a "bad"... I don't miss them in this game)
2. A lot of backtracking to previous levels to complete things you can't do until later in the game.
3. Occasional control frustrations with complex puzzles.
4. Map function is helpful but needs a zoom feature to make better.
Overall, it's a wonderful puzzle game and highly recommended to fans of Scribblenauts, Drawn To Life, etc. Get it!