Alice: Madness Returns

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 260 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 195 out of 260
  2. Mixed: 51 out of 260
  3. Negative: 14 out of 260
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  1. Dionysus-Jones
    Jun 14, 2011
    8
    The reviews are full of sh!t I don't usually make a big deal about reviews (because very rarely do they affect my purchase decision), but I'm three chapters into the game (about 6 hrs) and I'm not seeing any of the "problems" that are bringing the scores down. Well... It's not so much that some of the quibbles don't exist (audio/visual glitches, random loading), it's more that they don'tThe reviews are full of sh!t I don't usually make a big deal about reviews (because very rarely do they affect my purchase decision), but I'm three chapters into the game (about 6 hrs) and I'm not seeing any of the "problems" that are bringing the scores down. Well... It's not so much that some of the quibbles don't exist (audio/visual glitches, random loading), it's more that they don't occur frequently enough (or as bad) to distract from the actual game/gameplay. Not to mention, the game oozes an amazing artstyle & story -- and plenty of variety (contrary to what the reviews say). Presuming the game keeps on this path, I'd give it an 8/10. Maybe a 7.5/10 depending on what mood I'm in. But definitely not a 5 or 6. Gamespot has a fairly accurate review; but I just think they exaggerate how much the "bad" affects the overall enjoyment of the game. If you enjoyed the first game, enjoying the second game is a given. True story.… Expand
  2. potsherd86
    Jun 23, 2011
    9
    I must come to this game's defense. Clearly there is a discrepancy between the critic's opinions and the gaming community's opinions. Alice was not without it's faults, but I think the good far outweighed the bad.

    First, the visuals are great. The graphics are good, but what really makes the game is the attention to detail. Each environment is elaborate and littered with interesting    I must come to this game's defense. Clearly there is a discrepancy between the critic's opinions and the gaming community's opinions. Alice was not without it's faults, but I think the good far outweighed the bad.

    First, the visuals are great. The graphics are good, but what really makes the game is the attention to detail. Each environment is elaborate and littered with interesting objects that made me spend a lot of time just observing my surroundings. I also really enjoyed how Alice's outfits match the theme of the chapter (if you don't manually pick her dress and use the standard story mode). Apart from that, the gameplay was also very enjoyable. There were definitely glitches; these usually occurred when I was jumping from platforms or using the smoke vents to take me places. Other than some hiccups here and there, the gameplay worked fine. The 4 weapons are unique and fun to use and I liked how you could upgrade them and their appearances changed. My only complaint with this is they only upgrade to level 4 and I had collected so many teeth that by the beginning of Chapter 5 I upgraded everything and I still had a decent amount of the game to go. That being said, the battles were fun and some were very challenging on my first play through. FInally, the other elements like puzzles, chess, arcade mode and 2D platformer levels were a lot of fun and a good way to break up all of the running and fighting. My one final critique was dialogue glitches. When Alice was engaging in conversations with other characters. some of the words were not even said--they was just silence instead of the character talking. Other times, Alice and the characters would talk over each other and the dialogues would overlap. It is a minor problem, but when coupled with the few gameplay glitches, I think Spicy Horse should have either had a BETA test (if they didn't) or a more rigorous BETA test (if they did). Overall, this game was wonderful. The details from the environment to her wardrobe to the characters and weapons made this game one that I will definitely play over and over again.

    And if you can, BUY THE DLC. It was only $1.99 in the PSN store. It comes with 6 new dresses that each have special attributes and 4 weapons that are variants of the original 4 weapons. It is awesome and adds a lot of fun elements to the game. And it's cheap!

    One last comment regarding the bonus content. I didn't play the original Alice until I purchased Alice: Madness Returns and got it as a free download with the ore-order. I played it for a few hours and barely got anywhere--and it was on easy! It was obvious that no real changes were made to the game to make it more compatible for consoles. I can only speak to the PS3 version of course, but it was obvious that it was originally a PC game by the way it played and the reacted to the controls. Spicy Horse pretty much just took an 11 year old PC and made it accessible for the PS3 without putting much thought into translating it to a new system. On a positive note, I enjoyed the game's soundtrack that also came with the pre-order. The music was also another element of the game that I enjoyed.    … Expand
  3. peashooter
    Jun 25, 2011
    8
    Great graphics and sound. Amazing. Really brings out theme of fantasy and surrealism of the game. The colors, sounds and monsters are thematically designed and the music adds the hint of fantasy to everything. There's a good blend of fighting, puzzle solving and storyline in the game itself. The fighting mechanism is no where inferior when compared to games such as Assassin's creed orGreat graphics and sound. Amazing. Really brings out theme of fantasy and surrealism of the game. The colors, sounds and monsters are thematically designed and the music adds the hint of fantasy to everything. There's a good blend of fighting, puzzle solving and storyline in the game itself. The fighting mechanism is no where inferior when compared to games such as Assassin's creed or Batman: arkham asylum. The storyline fits well too, where it really draws out both the imaginary and eeriness of the game. The story line flips back and forth between fantasy and reality, of which a great contrast between those two is portrayed in terms of graphics and environment. The bleak and solemn reality sets off the imaginary world as a mysterious wonderland that has gone astray. The only area which can be improved will be its puzzles and environmental interaction. Certain puzzles are rather hard to complete, not because that it is hard to figure but there are certain limitations to the controls (I'm using a xbox controller). I have spent a few tries on a few of those invisible platforms and certain puzzles might just be a bit too tedious.… Expand
  4. LookinLikeMagic
    Jun 4, 2012
    8
    Alice: Madness Returns is the sequel to the critically acclaimed American McGee's Alice. It takes place a year after original game in 1875 were Alice has been released from the asylum and now lives in an orphanage under the care of Dr Bumby. Alice is still traumatised by the fire that killed her entire family and Dr Bumby encourages her to go to Wonderland in her mind as a copingAlice: Madness Returns is the sequel to the critically acclaimed American McGee's Alice. It takes place a year after original game in 1875 were Alice has been released from the asylum and now lives in an orphanage under the care of Dr Bumby. Alice is still traumatised by the fire that killed her entire family and Dr Bumby encourages her to go to Wonderland in her mind as a coping mechanism. However in her visions Wonderland has changed and is much darker and twisted than how she left it. After several hallucinations of the Jabberwock Alice once again arrives in Wonderland.

    Story: 8/10 Madness Return's storyline is very strong but it does have some minor pacing issues. New players to the series will have no trouble keeping up with the storyline as it references the first game and the Lewis Carroll novels at the start of the game and through collectable memories found throughout the game. The storyline is quite engaging and you'll want to play on to continue Alice's adventure. However I found myself wanting the game to pick up pace as I progressed towards the later chapters. The characters and voice acting however are superb and actually likeable compared to most games these days. American McGee gives an interesting edge to each of Lewis Carroll's original characters such as Hatter who is a mechanical genius who is obsessed with time and clockwork. Gameplay: 8/10 From what I have played, Madness Returns's gameplay is quite similar to the first game but it has much more emphasis on hack n slash combat aswell as platforming. Like most hack n slash games it several basic moves such as a light attack, heavy attack, ranged attack aswell as dodge and block. Alice equip several weapons and items at a time such as the Vorpal Blade and Pepper Grinder etc. The game has a basic upgrading system were Alice can upgrade several weapons by collecting"teeth" throughout the game. Personally I am a huge fan of the combination of hack n slash, platforming and RPG elements that Madness Returns uses however it does have several problems that bring it down. The camera angles and targeting system is very flawed and can be quite frustrating, for example when in a semi-large area and facing 3 or more enemies the targeting system can irrational target far off enemies. Graphics: 9/10 The environment and character designs for Madness Returns are very unique when compared to other games on the market. The artistic design really brings Lewis Carroll's Wonderland to life with a unique darker edge that only McGee can do. There is a wide range of environments that Alice travels through ranging from classic Wonderland forests to harsh arctic wastelands making each stage very different. Every new environment brings with it new diverse enemies that look and act differently such as goblins that use cutlery as weapons, undead card soldiers and sharks that hide in ice. The designs for characters in both Wonderland and London have their own unique style. Both the environments and character designs remind me of the Fable and Medevil series but with a refreshing edge. Extras: 7/10 Madness Returns only has a singleplayer campaign but due to the diverse levels and the long length of story this is to be expected. I also cannot imagine however a multiplayer or co-op feature would play into the story so I am happy with just the singleplayer mode. However if you buy a new copy of the game on either the PS3 or Xbox 360 you are entitled to a free download of the original American McGee's Alice. This much appreciated extra expands the average play time of about 10-15 hours to about 20-25 hours. It is a simple port of the original game without any graphical updates which is slightly disappointing but not a problem. Enjoyment: 8/10 Personally I found Alice: Madness Returns extremely enjoyable but this is my type of game because its a little bit of everything as I mentioned earlier such as hack n slash, platforming and minor aspects of an RPG and a 3rd person shooter. The characters and environment design of this game really made the storyline very intriguing to me and I will definitely be buying my own copy of this for the PS3. As I mentioned earlier the problems with pacing and the targeting system are the only things that brought the enjoyment of this game down because at times they can be a big issue. I would recommend this to fans of the Fable series and platforming games such as Crash Bandicoot, Medevil and A Series Of Unfortunate Events. Overrall Rating: 8    … Expand
  5. JimmyoftheDead
    Nov 18, 2012
    7
    Problem i have with this game is that I like it, even though i can see the obvious faults with it. The game is very linear, repetitive, and several glitches plagued my game as i played. What keeps me from hating it is the visuals and the story. The game takes great care in what it wants to achieve visually, grotesque and stunning both beautiful and horrifying. The story tries its hardestProblem i have with this game is that I like it, even though i can see the obvious faults with it. The game is very linear, repetitive, and several glitches plagued my game as i played. What keeps me from hating it is the visuals and the story. The game takes great care in what it wants to achieve visually, grotesque and stunning both beautiful and horrifying. The story tries its hardest to grip you into this twisted world of a girl messed up in the head. Those who enjoy this kind of tale, you will love it until the end. If you dont, then this isnt the game for you. Gameplay is very repetitive, the same enemy coming back over and over again to the point where I'm annoyed of it. The same gimmicks are used constantly, but somehow finds a way to refresh the visuals to make u want to see the next stage. Overall, Alice Madness returns is made for those who love to be shocked. Combined with the free copy of the original in new copies of the game, a game full of potential and heart.… Expand
  6. Clanka
    Jan 20, 2012
    8
    The critics are completely incorrect on this one. Apart from some repetitive gameplay this game is one of my favourites this year, the story, characters, level design, art, writing and sound all nailed it. The game is extremely inventive with it's visual style, the weapons and locations were all thought about before being put in game and are impressive!! While on a technical level it stillThe critics are completely incorrect on this one. Apart from some repetitive gameplay this game is one of my favourites this year, the story, characters, level design, art, writing and sound all nailed it. The game is extremely inventive with it's visual style, the weapons and locations were all thought about before being put in game and are impressive!! While on a technical level it still needs some adjusting the game is excellent in graphics, Alice's hair and dress physics are some of the best I've ever seen, it almost looks like each strand is individually animated. The story too is excellent telling an extremely mysterious and sad tale of the events that led to the death of Alice's family. Voice acting is quite good too, I loved Alice, the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts but other characters like the Mad Hatter are suitably insane sounding (and all British!) The gameplay gets repetitive towards the end but I didn't really care, the good points are more than enough redemption and i really love its old style platforming so I think people should pick this one up as soon as possible. It's an experience that shouldn't be missed! 8/10â… Expand
  7. SSH83
    Jun 16, 2011
    9
    This game is a piece of art. If you're looking for adrenalin rush, or for a game to be a fine tuned hypnotic machine to make you think you're l33t. This is not that game. It is a fine piece of art for those who want to explore a fantastic world artfully placed between genius and insanity.

    Game reviewers these days are such morons. On one hand, they whine like dying cows when outsiders    This game is a piece of art. If you're looking for adrenalin rush, or for a game to be a fine tuned hypnotic machine to make you think you're l33t. This is not that game. It is a fine piece of art for those who want to explore a fantastic world artfully placed between genius and insanity.

    Game reviewers these days are such morons. On one hand, they whine like dying cows when outsiders say game isn't art. On the other hand, when a truly artistic game comes out, they complain about gameplay being too repetitive and "irritating" then use that to slap on a low score.    … Expand
  8. dru69muse
    Jun 19, 2011
    10
    If u are a fan of action/adventure/puzzle games this is a beautiful experience. There is no reason to hate on Alice. I wish there were more games like this masterpiece.
  9. product82
    Jun 15, 2011
    9
    The art direction and music create an eerie yet captivating environment to explore. Playing the game reminded me of playing recent the Zelda games, but don't let that mislead you into thinking this title is unoriginal. The controls feel fluid and I have yet to see a drop in frame rate. Mcgee's interpretation of wonderland drives me forward to see the next character or environment I mayThe art direction and music create an eerie yet captivating environment to explore. Playing the game reminded me of playing recent the Zelda games, but don't let that mislead you into thinking this title is unoriginal. The controls feel fluid and I have yet to see a drop in frame rate. Mcgee's interpretation of wonderland drives me forward to see the next character or environment I may recognize from the original stories. Cut scenes between stages have a different look yet provoke the same creepy feel with their 2D (yet 3D) picture book renditions displayed during narrations. I never played the original Alice, but purchasing this game new includes a code that allows you to download the original. Which is awesome, since I'm enjoying this game so much, I may put it down to start the original, then continue Madness Returns.… Expand
  10. laotus
    Jun 14, 2011
    8
    I was a little nervous after the first critic rang in with a 50....... BUT after playing it for the last 3 hours I can say that its easily a 7.5/10 that I will round up to 8 for this review. The music and audio is amazing, the gameplay is good (notice I did not say GREAT) as the fighting mechanics are sound I just wish there were more moves and weapons and the Puzzles seem a tad too easyI was a little nervous after the first critic rang in with a 50....... BUT after playing it for the last 3 hours I can say that its easily a 7.5/10 that I will round up to 8 for this review. The music and audio is amazing, the gameplay is good (notice I did not say GREAT) as the fighting mechanics are sound I just wish there were more moves and weapons and the Puzzles seem a tad too easy which makes me not want to have to do them to begin with. Overall a solid game.… Expand
  11. DivideByNought
    Jun 17, 2011
    8
    I didn't really want to play this game; I was somewhat disappointed by the first one. I'm glad I picked it up though. This is a very solid and fun game. It is beautiful, yes, but perhaps more importantly it's varied. Iâ
  12. Gamershowcase
    Jun 17, 2011
    9
    First things first, DO NOT I repeat DO NOT believe the bad reviews that are out there. Only you can be the judge of how much fun you'll have with the game. Honesty this game is absolutely amazing, the visual effects, the story, and gameplay is top notch. Dodging an enemy alone is a beauty on it's own, before you believe the reviews from me or anyone else look at gameplays of the game andFirst things first, DO NOT I repeat DO NOT believe the bad reviews that are out there. Only you can be the judge of how much fun you'll have with the game. Honesty this game is absolutely amazing, the visual effects, the story, and gameplay is top notch. Dodging an enemy alone is a beauty on it's own, before you believe the reviews from me or anyone else look at gameplays of the game and ask yourself, "Is it something that I would have fun playing?" If the answer is yes than you know what to do, the best critics for anything is yourself don't let others think for you.… Expand
  13. beavermatic
    Jun 25, 2011
    10
    I don't know what critics are smoking these days, and maybe the console version was lesser (as I haven't played it on console), but the PC version is drop-dead gorgeous, incredible continuation of the story, fluid, twisted, wicked, and just downright fun to play. It has all the elements prior, and alot of new ones.

    American Mcgee definetely has not lost his touch here, and it's a well    I don't know what critics are smoking these days, and maybe the console version was lesser (as I haven't played it on console), but the PC version is drop-dead gorgeous, incredible continuation of the story, fluid, twisted, wicked, and just downright fun to play. It has all the elements prior, and alot of new ones.

    American Mcgee definetely has not lost his touch here, and it's a well orchestrated sequel that plays, sounds, and feels flawless. Simply compare the amazing user score to the mediocre critic score, and its obvious they either did not play it, or just didn't care. Easily a 10/10.    … Expand
  14. Melancholy
    Jun 26, 2011
    9
    True to what seems to be a trend, the "pro" critics show they know little to nothing about what makes a game good through their ratings. Don't be fooled, this game is good.

    I will mention, first off, that there are many aspects of the game that feel unpolished, such as getting stuck on the terrain at times, not having an animation for sudden turns or changes in direction, or being unable    True to what seems to be a trend, the "pro" critics show they know little to nothing about what makes a game good through their ratings. Don't be fooled, this game is good.

    I will mention, first off, that there are many aspects of the game that feel unpolished, such as getting stuck on the terrain at times, not having an animation for sudden turns or changes in direction, or being unable to adjust your camera at all while using a jump float. But despite those problems, they aren't game breaking by any stretch of the word, and are more annoyances at worst than anything.

    The visual aesthetic is incredible, and truly captures and reflects a world brought to its knees in madness. It's worth stopping on occasion to take in the environments and how meticulous they can be. I can't really emphasize enough how amazing the graphic stylization is for this game. It's nothing short of perfect.
    The music score compliments the gorgeous environments perfectly by adding to the feeling each world possesses.
    The story doesn't start to become truly interesting until about halfway through the game. That's not to say that the game or story is boring up until that point, but the real meat of the whole ordeal starts to unfold at around that mark.
    My only real gripe with the game is that some of the mini-games implemented, while simple and easy to solve, feel largely unnecessary, and take away from the immersive experience the game offers. Don't listen to what these so-called expert critics have to say. This game has been worth the money, and was a great experience overall.    … Expand
  15. DrDuran
    Jul 4, 2011
    9
    To be honest. I cannot believe all of the "madness" ( Negative reviews ) that I have been reading concerning this game? It's actually unbelievable. It almost makes me believe that everyone has been playing a different game. This game is not only beautiful to look at, it's beautiful to play. have we forgot where we come from as gamers? Where has our imagination gone?
    The gameplay is as    To be honest. I cannot believe all of the "madness" ( Negative reviews ) that I have been reading concerning this game? It's actually unbelievable. It almost makes me believe that everyone has been playing a different game. This game is not only beautiful to look at, it's beautiful to play. have we forgot where we come from as gamers? Where has our imagination gone?
    The gameplay is as good as it needs to be. It's not overly difficult. It's not completely amazing, but it is fluid. There are a few glitchy moments and yes there are "invisible walls" but, hello, this is not an open world game! The different locations, enemies, worlds, costumes, colors, textures are phenomenal. Please, do yourself a favor, especially if you are sitting on the fence on wether to play this game or not, and go out and buy it. You won't forget the experience. It is truly a breath of fresh air in an otherwise mundane genre.    … Expand
  16. hoganbcmj
    Jun 17, 2011
    7
    Some of the criticisms are valid. It's repetitive and game play is limited. BUT it looks gorgeous and Alice moves really smoothly. It's full of fun characters but I won't give it higher than a 7.
  17. duffeknol
    Jun 20, 2011
    10
    Stunning. Absolutely stunning. It's been a long, long time since I've played a game that left me baffled at the level design this much. Every new area I entered, I always just had to look around for a bit first, literally making me go 'ooh' and 'aah' at most occasions. This whole game is just so incredibly lovingly crafted. There's so much detail to everything, I can't even wrap my mindStunning. Absolutely stunning. It's been a long, long time since I've played a game that left me baffled at the level design this much. Every new area I entered, I always just had to look around for a bit first, literally making me go 'ooh' and 'aah' at most occasions. This whole game is just so incredibly lovingly crafted. There's so much detail to everything, I can't even wrap my mind around it. The gameplay in itself is nothing special, but it works just fine. Target lock is a bit shoddy at times, but you'll manage. The dialogue might be a tad bit pretentious, but that actually fits the game's style. But really, this game is a bloody gem. A floating island of gold in a sea of mediocre **** I've never played a prettier game than this.… Expand
  18. Silver-Seraphim
    Jun 24, 2011
    10
    If you want something that feels like a platformer from the days of N64 greatness then this is a game you really should consider buying. I don't understand all the bad reviews, I played the original years ago and I adored it, after waiting 11 years for a sequel this one had a lot to live up to and it does. The art style is beautiful and it does bring back very fond memories of playing theIf you want something that feels like a platformer from the days of N64 greatness then this is a game you really should consider buying. I don't understand all the bad reviews, I played the original years ago and I adored it, after waiting 11 years for a sequel this one had a lot to live up to and it does. The art style is beautiful and it does bring back very fond memories of playing the original (which you get with it as a download for FREE and it has trophies as well). The checkpoints can be a little unforgiving as there is no save option but does that really matter, if the game was too easy it wouldn't be half as fun. The jumps can be a bit tricky at times but you feel a sense of accomplishment when you finally manage it, the puzzles are fun and not too difficult and there is a ton of stuff to collect in this game so quite a bit of replay value. In a market saturated with FPS this game is a breath of fresh air. If you like platformers and an intriguing dark and twisted story with some fantastic stylised art and great music give this a go you won't be disappointed.
    Plus you get 2 great games for the price of one with this what's not to love.    … Expand
  19. Mithoron
    Jun 26, 2011
    10
    Not having played the first game, all I was looking for was something to keep me preoccupied for a weekend and this delivered and more! Graphics were stunning, puzzles were enjoyable with only a few frustrating moments, but the game was a shocking silver lining in what I was expecting to be a dully RPG. Have to agree with the comment to ignore the bad reviews...this is a gem! It wasNot having played the first game, all I was looking for was something to keep me preoccupied for a weekend and this delivered and more! Graphics were stunning, puzzles were enjoyable with only a few frustrating moments, but the game was a shocking silver lining in what I was expecting to be a dully RPG. Have to agree with the comment to ignore the bad reviews...this is a gem! It was faintly reminiscent of the Tomb Raider games with the jumping, puzzles, and whatnot, but with a fully insane twist!… Expand
  20. Gamervip
    Jun 14, 2011
    8
    Creo que es muy dificil juzgar un videojuego tan de autor solo por las mecanicas frias de la jugabilidad y sus graficos. Con Alice, estamos frente a un juego bastante unico, que atrapa tanto por su propuesta como por sus diseños. Si bien hay detalles a mejorar en el aspecto jugable, creo que restar puntos a un trabajo cargado de originalidad y locura creativa seria injusto..Creo que es muy dificil juzgar un videojuego tan de autor solo por las mecanicas frias de la jugabilidad y sus graficos. Con Alice, estamos frente a un juego bastante unico, que atrapa tanto por su propuesta como por sus diseños. Si bien hay detalles a mejorar en el aspecto jugable, creo que restar puntos a un trabajo cargado de originalidad y locura creativa seria injusto.. no olvidemos tambien que el juego trae de regalo el primer alice, de hace 11 años. me parece un juego altamente mejorable, pero que sin duda destaca como propuesta fresca y cargada de guiños de autor, que haran la delicia de quienes disfruten de la macabra creacion de McGee. Para mi es un 8.0 de 10… Expand
  21. Muuvinki
    Mar 6, 2013
    4
    I hadn't played the original Alice McGee game but i still decided to check this game out because it looked creepy and interesting. What a huge disappointment i got. Every single level in this game follows the same pattern, platform jumping, fighting some enemies and collecting collectible items. Okay first i thought Wonderland was kinda cool but the truth is you cannot do anything otherI hadn't played the original Alice McGee game but i still decided to check this game out because it looked creepy and interesting. What a huge disappointment i got. Every single level in this game follows the same pattern, platform jumping, fighting some enemies and collecting collectible items. Okay first i thought Wonderland was kinda cool but the truth is you cannot do anything other than enjoy views besides the actual playing. Game has huge problem with controls, sometimes character doesnt respond to my button pressing at all or does it way too slowly. Combat system is a huge f***kin mess, lock on system is useless because most of the enemies are too fast and attack you while you focus on other one. Last thing i want to make perfectly clear is that this game has ZERO horror in it.… Expand
  22. Boltfrowah
    Jul 4, 2011
    4
    Despite the fact that the artwork in this game is good....it's not a good game. The game quickly goes from being a fun romp through Wonderland into a platform jumping grinder completely devoid of content. Aside from the gameplay, the thousands of collectibles that serve no purpose in the actual gameplay increases the time spent wandering around, constantly looking for stuff to collect. YouDespite the fact that the artwork in this game is good....it's not a good game. The game quickly goes from being a fun romp through Wonderland into a platform jumping grinder completely devoid of content. Aside from the gameplay, the thousands of collectibles that serve no purpose in the actual gameplay increases the time spent wandering around, constantly looking for stuff to collect. You can paint a crap sandwich gold, but once you bite into it, it's still crap.… Expand
  23. Lieufa
    Jun 27, 2011
    7
    American McGee's 'Alice: Madness Returns' deserves neither a 10, nor a 0. It is not, as a whole package, an excellent or awful game. While it may at first stun you with it's beautiful scenery and its frantic yet entrancing dialogue, the gameplay to support the writing and art falls short. For example, while the combat actions are fluid, the camera angle is a little too tight to Alice, andAmerican McGee's 'Alice: Madness Returns' deserves neither a 10, nor a 0. It is not, as a whole package, an excellent or awful game. While it may at first stun you with it's beautiful scenery and its frantic yet entrancing dialogue, the gameplay to support the writing and art falls short. For example, while the combat actions are fluid, the camera angle is a little too tight to Alice, and the target-switching is a little sticky. It's crucial subtleties like this that make 'Alice: Madness Returns' just a good game that could have been excellent.

    They do a fair job in scaling the difficulty through the different echelons, but if you've bought the $2.00 add-on for the game, you'll be able to breeze through even Nightmare difficulty and laugh while doing it. After I finished the game once through on Nightmare, I bought the DLC pack to play around and collect the items I had missed. Enemies that might have once provided any legitimate challenge became simple fodder. The games major positive points include its wonderfully diverse graphics and set-pieces, simple yet challenging combat, and thought-provoking, philosophical writing matched with talented voice-actors. I was instantly drawn in by the jarring contrast between the drab, dark, and dreary London sets and the wild, wonderful, and whimsical Wonderland sets.

    For me, its major flaw was that the 'puzzles' of the game appeared simply to be thrown in haphazardly to give the player the illusion that they're solving a puzzle. The puzzles, if they can be called that, simply do not evolve beyond the basics of "crack the thin walls with the mace weapon" or "turn the valve to open the vent". While at the beginning of the game this was sufficient, as the player will still be taking in the world for the first time, it gets extremely dull when it does not evolve past this after 15-20 hours of play. As this is a game, and not simply a story told via a medium such as movie or book, it is not too much to ask that it be, most importantly, fun.

    Personally, I recommend this game to anyone who enjoys nice visuals, challenging combat (play on Nightmare), and a well-written script. If these points can't make up for essentially boring gameplay and puzzling, find something else to play.

    This review was written after achieving 100% of the trophies, including the Platinum.    … Expand
  24. Engineergirl80
    Feb 8, 2012
    7
    From the get go I was annoyed that the trophy list wants you to play this game and finish it on three difficulty settings. Why????? The game has far too much grinding for one play through. The visuals are good and the plot is okay. Collecting many many many things can become boring as movement is not as predictable as it should be, which leaves me annoyed. I may pick up this game again,From the get go I was annoyed that the trophy list wants you to play this game and finish it on three difficulty settings. Why????? The game has far too much grinding for one play through. The visuals are good and the plot is okay. Collecting many many many things can become boring as movement is not as predictable as it should be, which leaves me annoyed. I may pick up this game again, but only to justify just how much money I spent on it.… Expand
  25. DurzoBlint
    Jan 14, 2012
    7
    Alice is a long, beautiful game, with satisfying platforming and adequate - if not particularly deep - combat. It goes to great lengths to differentiate one level from the next, varying enemy types, mini-games and the mechanics involved in platforming. There's not a whole lot of story, but what's there is serviceable and thankfully unpretentious. It's difficult to recommend unreservedly,Alice is a long, beautiful game, with satisfying platforming and adequate - if not particularly deep - combat. It goes to great lengths to differentiate one level from the next, varying enemy types, mini-games and the mechanics involved in platforming. There's not a whole lot of story, but what's there is serviceable and thankfully unpretentious. It's difficult to recommend unreservedly, though - serious problems exist with the camera and many will find the absence of boss fights detract from the experience (though it is doubtful that any would have been compelling). Nevertheless, it's a game I enjoyed and would advise others to try - so long as they keep their expectations in check.… Expand
  26. vixvicco
    Sep 1, 2012
    5
    Horrible game! You have to like platformers and simple boring puzzles. Disgusting levels (literally some levels can be quite horrible to look at). The story is bland, rather boring and quite simply, unbearable repetitive gameplay. Everything feels rather tedious and playing a game should not feel like doing homework! I can't believe some people saying this game is too short! "If theHorrible game! You have to like platformers and simple boring puzzles. Disgusting levels (literally some levels can be quite horrible to look at). The story is bland, rather boring and quite simply, unbearable repetitive gameplay. Everything feels rather tedious and playing a game should not feel like doing homework! I can't believe some people saying this game is too short! "If the game had been shortened up, it might… Expand
  27. partyintheback
    Jan 31, 2013
    10
    Alice: Madness Returns is a game that needs to be experienced. It's a wonderful journey through a weird and haunting place. This is a game that feels fresh in today's gaming world. So please, pick it up and give it a try.
  28. Turbodowg
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    One of the most beautiful and well crafted games on the PS3. Unique graphics, masterful level design and a perfect music score. An utter masterpiece. If you haven't played, go out and get it today!
  29. hellgripusuck44
    Mar 25, 2014
    10
    Hellgrip is a **** who honestly should die like right **** now. Jesus Christ this game has bad level design? your moms **** was bad when I **** it last night. If I was president of the united states of **** america I would **** do a genocide on people like you and cause a goddamn massacre. seriously what the **** it has bad level design, no it **** doesn't it has great level design youHellgrip is a **** who honestly should die like right **** now. Jesus Christ this game has bad level design? your moms **** was bad when I **** it last night. If I was president of the united states of **** america I would **** do a genocide on people like you and cause a goddamn massacre. seriously what the **** it has bad level design, no it **** doesn't it has great level design you ****,i f your **** reading this **** give me a message with your address so I can come to your **** house and circumcise you with my Alice madness returns disk, I **** love this game.… Expand
  30. KayVen17
    May 6, 2017
    8
    Deutsche Review - Kritik

    Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt das einen User Score von 8. Bei 86 einen von Userscore von 9. Falls eine 85 kommt entscheide ich ob ich es eher positiv oder negativ nehme. Regeln    Deutsche Review - Kritik

    Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt das einen User Score von 8. Bei 86 einen von Userscore von 9. Falls eine 85 kommt entscheide ich ob ich es eher positiv oder negativ nehme. Regeln verstanden?
    Dann sind hier meine Punkte.

    Mein persönlicher Score = 76/100
    Mein User Score = 8/10    … Expand
  31. PaulaTLD
    Aug 23, 2022
    9
    Uno de mis juegos favoritos de la Playstation 3, amo los niveles y los trajes de cada uno de ellos, un juego que recomiendo si quieres ver una version oscura de alicia en el pais de las maravillas. espero una secuela o precuela de este juego de actual generacion
  32. JDConspirator
    Aug 7, 2011
    7
    Madness Returns makes a noble attempt to embrace the player in its world. The colour of the world and its environments paint a picture of broken dreams and a sense of the not normal. It's just a big shame that for all its colour and imagination it's shot down by shoddy gameplay mechanics. There's no ledge grabbing, the camera is a mess, the aminations of Alice are extremely weak and thereMadness Returns makes a noble attempt to embrace the player in its world. The colour of the world and its environments paint a picture of broken dreams and a sense of the not normal. It's just a big shame that for all its colour and imagination it's shot down by shoddy gameplay mechanics. There's no ledge grabbing, the camera is a mess, the aminations of Alice are extremely weak and there are some weird bugs. The game also has a jolt of platforming repetition, which becomes tired rather quickly.The collectibles are pointless as well. To sum things up, the imagination and colour of the world, and those of the inhabitants are very good, but the fundamentals really hurt the game. I reccomend this game still, because it has a world that should be explored for its imaginative heights, just be aware that there is some madness to endure in trying to appreciate what it offers.… Expand
  33. hogworthy
    Jul 29, 2011
    8
    Great story and better than average graphics are plagued by mediocre platforming and difficulty spikes during combat. If Alice had more defensive capabilities it would be a properly balanced game, but that is not so. Despite the cons of the game, the pros strongly outweigh. Find a used copy and enjoy! P.S. If every video game from this point on used this code to program hair physics,Great story and better than average graphics are plagued by mediocre platforming and difficulty spikes during combat. If Alice had more defensive capabilities it would be a properly balanced game, but that is not so. Despite the cons of the game, the pros strongly outweigh. Find a used copy and enjoy! P.S. If every video game from this point on used this code to program hair physics, we would be that much closer to perfection.… Expand
  34. skulls
    Feb 4, 2012
    9
    I got this game and I found it genuinely fun to play. I enjoyed the combat, I loved the style and story. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough and they were forced to cut out part of the story. I suspect the reviewers don't actually like platformers and I could certainly see this game become tedious if you're trying to beat it in one sitting rather than playing it to have fun andI got this game and I found it genuinely fun to play. I enjoyed the combat, I loved the style and story. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough and they were forced to cut out part of the story. I suspect the reviewers don't actually like platformers and I could certainly see this game become tedious if you're trying to beat it in one sitting rather than playing it to have fun and taking a break after each level.… Expand
  35. spookymuffin
    Aug 2, 2011
    9
    Alice: Madness Returns does suffer from many issues (texture pop-in, laggy sound, occasionally frustrating controls etc) but I don't think that it's really dragged down by any of them.
    The game is gorgeous. Even when the graphics aren't their best, the sheer visual beauty of this game is such a breath of fresh air from all of those bland brown/grey "realistic" games that seem to dominate    Alice: Madness Returns does suffer from many issues (texture pop-in, laggy sound, occasionally frustrating controls etc) but I don't think that it's really dragged down by any of them.
    The game is gorgeous. Even when the graphics aren't their best, the sheer visual beauty of this game is such a breath of fresh air from all of those bland brown/grey "realistic" games that seem to dominate this console generation.

    In a lot of ways, the gameplay and art style remind me of an older style of game. When the whole point of picking up the controller was to have a bit of fun and enjoy the spectacle.    … Expand
  36. cornagandarub
    Oct 16, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this is a review for madness returns. it is a video game where things happen and some things that do not happen. it was okay. i would say that it was a video game.… Expand
  37. seieko_pherdo
    Jul 13, 2011
    7
    To me Alice's new adventure in wonderland gives off mixed feelings, though the fact they add the the prequel from the year 2000 is a nice touch. While nothing is out of place (memories, weapons, abilities, so on and so forth) the game has picked up some flaws. Thankfully the combat is vastly improved and instead of having weapons sit forgotten and unused you get a maximum of five whichTo me Alice's new adventure in wonderland gives off mixed feelings, though the fact they add the the prequel from the year 2000 is a nice touch. While nothing is out of place (memories, weapons, abilities, so on and so forth) the game has picked up some flaws. Thankfully the combat is vastly improved and instead of having weapons sit forgotten and unused you get a maximum of five which the game will make you use all the time. The levels while nicely varied and symbolic of Alice's real life problems at times feel empty. While the platforming works well and they removed the swimming which didn't work all that well in the last game most of the levels are spent jumping from one floating platform to the next, and repeating the same switch puzzle over and over again. While it may not bother you too much on the first play through once you find everything going through the levels can be quite a choir. What Alice does best however is tell a story which it does through good dialogue, little trips in and out of wonderland, and all the memories hidden throughout. The levels themselves tell their own story. This game is for people who are fans of symbolism and Alice in Wonderland renditions, and while I can recommend this game despite it's faults if your not into symbolism and platforming games then I would stay away.… Expand
  38. foreverflash
    Jul 21, 2011
    10
    I think those with mixed reviews who have negative things to point out about Alice Madness don't understand what American McGee wanted to do (and did, flawlessly...) with the story, gameplay and overall atmosphere. If you understood these things you would not frown upon what you "think" are repetitive puzzles and clumsy controls. Madness Returns is simply a MASTERPIECE. That is all thatI think those with mixed reviews who have negative things to point out about Alice Madness don't understand what American McGee wanted to do (and did, flawlessly...) with the story, gameplay and overall atmosphere. If you understood these things you would not frown upon what you "think" are repetitive puzzles and clumsy controls. Madness Returns is simply a MASTERPIECE. That is all that needs to be said.… Expand
  39. Kadeemluvmusic
    Aug 15, 2011
    8
    Forget Duke Nukem, let's talk about a real comeback. I usually agree with the critics about the flawless gameplay and all that stuff. But I truly enjoyed Alice: Madness Returns. If you haven't played the PC version of American McGee's Alice, it's now for you to buy via Playstation Store if you have an online pass. I like the art direction, the music, the DLC, the controls were solid andForget Duke Nukem, let's talk about a real comeback. I usually agree with the critics about the flawless gameplay and all that stuff. But I truly enjoyed Alice: Madness Returns. If you haven't played the PC version of American McGee's Alice, it's now for you to buy via Playstation Store if you have an online pass. I like the art direction, the music, the DLC, the controls were solid and fluid, and incredible artwork. Everything is great except the camera angles where you are trying to aim at the enemies, but it's a little confusing. The glitches were annoying, but the puzzles weren't meant to be solved. And the gameplay is a little short, but it's kinda OK. But the game is excellent and can't wait for next Alice games in the future. But welcome back, Wonderland!… Expand
  40. ONT77
    Sep 17, 2011
    7
    A bit of a mixed bag. The best parts are absolutely mindblowing, while others could have done with more work. It's a bit long, which might seem like a weird thing to be negative about, but you don't wan't to get bored with a game hours before it's done. Still, anyone who enjoys a good adventure really should check this one out!
  41. Mad_Hatter91
    May 2, 2013
    10
    A great sequel that does not disappoint. A graphics really good, though not one of the best. Beautiful the environments well made and excellent details and all the characters freaked out. Perfect control system and good exploration. The only flaw of the game is that sometimes it can be a bit repetitive but the end result is fantastic.
  42. RenaissanceTM
    Jan 21, 2012
    9
    This is one of the most underrated game. actually it's quite an incredible game. They even give you the first game for free if you purchase it new. You can live the original adventure and then play the new version. You can see the amazing difference that happened after all theses years. It has an incredible story as well as some fun gameplay. It's an experience you shouldn't miss. It's aThis is one of the most underrated game. actually it's quite an incredible game. They even give you the first game for free if you purchase it new. You can live the original adventure and then play the new version. You can see the amazing difference that happened after all theses years. It has an incredible story as well as some fun gameplay. It's an experience you shouldn't miss. It's a definite buy.… Expand
  43. Ian_Hutcherson
    Jun 14, 2012
    8
    I always felt like this game was underrated. I mean playing it today, for the third time, I can't believe how some of these professional reviewers have bashed the game and slapped it with such mediocre scores, which sadly, many people will take one look at and never give this game a chance. This game does so much right: compelling story, VERY beautiful and immersive enviroments/artI always felt like this game was underrated. I mean playing it today, for the third time, I can't believe how some of these professional reviewers have bashed the game and slapped it with such mediocre scores, which sadly, many people will take one look at and never give this game a chance. This game does so much right: compelling story, VERY beautiful and immersive enviroments/art design/graphics, simple yet exciting combat, fluid controls, good voice acting, replay value, etc. This is honestly one of the only few games that made me stop and marvel at the scenery, plus every enviroment is diverse enough so even if platforming can sometime get tedious, it's still fun to keep going. The only cons about this game are the textures can sometimes look muddy/distorted, pacing is off in that levels are stretched too long, some mini games are boring and repeated too often. But all of this does not equal a mediocre game in my opinion. Most of these flaws are so minor and doesn't even affect the game all that much. Sometimes I feel like the people reviewing the game are just so used to blockbuster games (uncharted, assassin's creed, call of duty, etc.) therefore if a unique game like alice comes out, it doesn't match their "standards" of what a good game should be. Does alice madness returns feel like an old school game? Yes. Is alice madness returns innovative? No. And you know what, that's ok. Unfortunately these so called "professional" don't seem to comprehend this concept rather anything with crosshairs and headshots are considered great games.… Expand
  44. Sly101
    Mar 17, 2012
    8
    I love this game, I play it even though I've done everything and gotten all trophies. I still come back to it now even though I've finished it 4 times. There's just something about little Alice and her Wonderland that is so appealing that I can't stop coming back! It suffers, however, from gameplay which is repetitive but its story, art and voice acting are amazing! I think this gameI love this game, I play it even though I've done everything and gotten all trophies. I still come back to it now even though I've finished it 4 times. There's just something about little Alice and her Wonderland that is so appealing that I can't stop coming back! It suffers, however, from gameplay which is repetitive but its story, art and voice acting are amazing! I think this game deserves an Almighty 8/10, I don't know what the critics are playing, but it's probably not this game.… Expand
  45. ACK_MINDSEYE
    Apr 26, 2012
    10
    I played this game on the PS3 and it worked fine for me. Never any issues. The game itself has so many things going on, a great story, quirky characters, awesome art style and just an overall eclectic feel that is far from anything out there now. I especially liked the varied, imaginative and intriguing level designs. One of the best games I have ever played. It may drive you crazy in someI played this game on the PS3 and it worked fine for me. Never any issues. The game itself has so many things going on, a great story, quirky characters, awesome art style and just an overall eclectic feel that is far from anything out there now. I especially liked the varied, imaginative and intriguing level designs. One of the best games I have ever played. It may drive you crazy in some parts but it is never 'throw a controller' aggravating. I play games for fun and this is definitely a creepy good time!! An absolute hidden gem that deserved much better than it got. I hate EA, so I bought this used and I'm glad I did or I would have missed out! PLAY THIS GAME!!!… Expand
  46. Undernage
    May 14, 2016
    8
    I love this game a lot, the only reasons why I rate it 8/10, is because it has bugs in it and no boss fights like the first game, I played about halfway through the game, I heard there's no boss fights. But I love the graphics, hair animation (realistic), combat, abilities, etc. It's amazing, so here's an 8/10.
  47. aran9
    Apr 17, 2013
    6
    When playing Alice: Madness Returns you need to remember one thing: It wasn't intended as a triple A release, its downfall was it was marketed to a mainstream audience at a rate that couldn't balance the books in American McGees favour. Now that I've ranted for three lines I'll start the actual review.

    Lets start with the visuals...oh the visuals. The games art direction is incredible    When playing Alice: Madness Returns you need to remember one thing: It wasn't intended as a triple A release, its downfall was it was marketed to a mainstream audience at a rate that couldn't balance the books in American McGees favour. Now that I've ranted for three lines I'll start the actual review.

    Lets start with the visuals...oh the visuals. The games art direction is incredible and rivals the beauty of all other games out there with scenery that looks like it was dreamed up by Lewis Carrol himself...at times. Other times it can look pretty meh, with filler sections of the game that mimic the creativeness of pong. And other times the visuals are just damn melancholy with views that tease at an open world when all you have to look forward to is a long, repetitive, linear journey.

    The story is one of the high notes of the game, it sees Alice facing the madness brought upon her by the guilt from her past, which turns her wonderland into a place of darkness and corruption. Its an altogether great "fic-sequel" to LC's works with re-imagined characters and incredibly good voice acting.

    The gameplay is actually rather smooth and fun at the start of the game and the acquisition and upgrade of weapons is good motivation all round. But towards the end of the game it can feel quite lather-rinse-repeat and loses its appeal when many skirmishes cause you to deviate from the games high point the story along with the platforming which performs just as well, but it is a saving grace that it is so good, and rather a shame that it was so repetitive as in hindsight it was all very well put together and fun.

    Alice Madness Returns is a bitter pill in its whole and if you can brave the mind numbing repetitiveness and cling on to the artistic side of the game then you will be in for quite an American McGee treat     … Expand
  48. YoutubeTGW
    Jun 6, 2014
    8
    This game was so much fun I love how dark the atmosphere is in the game. It's a fun platform, the combat is great, and the controls are easy to master. Alice's story as and adult was more interesting then the traditional Alice in wonder land.
  49. grrrr
    Sep 26, 2015
    8
    Amazing game. The environment pulled me in. However, I hate one thing in this game - checkpoints. I was really fed up with repeating some parts because they are placed soo poorly.
  50. roshi82
    Apr 21, 2014
    6
    While I enjoyed the game and the visuals it really never grabbed me enough to play it obsessively. Got it on sale on PSN and glad it was cheap. I would have hated to pay more for it!! Cute game. Good. Not great.
  51. TornadoCreator
    Jun 19, 2020
    9
    This is one of the finest games I've ever played. Gameplay wise it is an engaging mix of combat and platforming, with occasional puzzle elements and plenty of hidden collectibles. The platforming gives the game a strong sense of flow and movement while the combat uses targeting similar to that of the Zelda series to focus on enemies, while giving you a variety of weapons; both melee andThis is one of the finest games I've ever played. Gameplay wise it is an engaging mix of combat and platforming, with occasional puzzle elements and plenty of hidden collectibles. The platforming gives the game a strong sense of flow and movement while the combat uses targeting similar to that of the Zelda series to focus on enemies, while giving you a variety of weapons; both melee and ranged, to take out the many different enemies you'll face. In later levels the puzzles and stage navigation are given much higher complexity and it adds a whole new element of depth.

    Story wise; I am impressed. I will strive to give no spoilers as this game deserves your time. The art direction in this game is exquisite, with beautiful theming throughout that reinforces the story of Alice, a girl who's family died in a fire when she was a child. Now a teenager, Alice faces her emotional trauma in the care of a psychiatrist in Victorian London, with levels in the game moving between actual events and the fevered dreams of the emotionally traumatised Alice. This is a fantastic premise, used beautifully. The subtlety in the world building makes the story resonate more in future playthroughs, giving this game some genuinely enticing replayability. Genuinely disturbing at times, this is a rare case of a unique horror game that uses atmosphere and emotion to build it's experiences. Not once did this game resort to using jump scares or quick time events.

    The attention to the source material here is also commendable, with details from the original novels by Lewis Carroll being used to great effect, and on occasion warped in new and retrospectively horrific ways. The tone by the end of the game is extremely dark, working in perfect contrast with the lax and flowing gameplay, however the subject matter may be too upsetting for some. Sensitive teens or those who've experienced similar trauma may find this game too disturbing; though the game builds slowly enough that you'll get plenty of warning.

    All that said, if you're happy to explore those emotions this game is peerless. Judged by framerate, graphical fidelity, etc, this game is decent and above average; but judged as a work of art; it's incredible and one of the best games I've ever played.    … Expand
  52. juancmontoya2
    Mar 12, 2016
    10
    This game is one of the few 3D platformers on the ps3 and it is wonderful. The platforming is spot on and the combat is interesting. Plus an amazing art style and you have a game that is worth checking as soon as possible if you're a fan of 3D platformers.
  53. Nel
    Dec 13, 2016
    7
    Fun action puzzle game, with a twist. Terrific visuals, and the story isn't anything to get excited about. The alice game has funky controls, but the overall game is enjoyable
  54. KitkatChunky
    Aug 27, 2015
    10
    I really enjoyed this game as it provides a dark twist on the Wonderland environment. It is good fun, the graphics are pretty good and the environments you are shown are so elaborate and well made.
  55. palomiusdan
    Apr 13, 2016
    8
    este juego no revoluciona nada y su jugabilidad puede ser algo monotona, pero lo compensa un excelente ambiente, diseño artistico, que en lo personal, realmente amo, y por ser un juego del genero platarformas (genero bastante muerto en esta decada)
  56. ElectroNick
    Jun 10, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Alice the Madness Returns" is a massive improvement over the original game and I would go as far as saying that it is one of the most underrated games on the last generation. It may be far from perfect but it is still a game that any fan of the Lewis Carol novels should pick up and check out. it takes place ten years after the events of the first game but Alice is still haunted by the death of her family in a fire. It is up to the player to not only save Alice from the horrors of her own mind but there is even a dastardly plot afoot that it is up to you to stop. I appreciate putting walking segments in the real world because it allows Alice to interpret these images and warp them into her twisted version of Wonderland. The real-world segments are in a brown and grey color scheme to reflect the darker corners of London. It gives the player a chance to further see how the real world is from her personal perspective which is something that is noticeably absent from the first game. This makes Wonderland stand out even more with its bright and vibrant colors. each are has a distinct atheistic either being underwater or in the Japanese-like mountains. There is a noticeable lesser numbers of weapons in your arsenal but it makes up for it by having responsive controls and satisfying intense combat. I much rather have a few weapons done well as opposed to having plenty of weapons done wrong. Your weapons involve a hubby horse which is your heavy weapon, a peeper spray which your projectile weapon, and the vorpal blade which is your most common melee weapon. Enemies are appropriately placed as part of the levels such as cyborgs for the mad hatter's factory, dead sailors under the water, and some samurai wasps (Its Wonderland there is no point in questioning it). The dress even changes color and design for each level giving an incredible attention to detail. Even though there are enemies that are part of the environment the most common enemy you will fight are the dolls which have a similar visual design to the Stygian and pathos demons from "DmC: Devil May Cry". They are not that interesting to look at and unlike the other enemies they are more of a nuisance than a legitimate threat. When Alice feels corned she can activate her hysteria mode which gives her a boost in power much like Dante's Devil Trigger (the background even has the same background color scheme as said Devil Trigger). Although the combat is responsive and polished it can be highly repetitive as you slash or pond at the same enemy types for a long period of time. The platforming has been improved with the free flowing camera and the responsive jumping controls but the only amount of challenge in the platforming is having to shrink in order to see the invisible platforming. The shrinking mechanic was wasted potential since they are only used to crawl through linear corridors and to collect memories which is this game's equilvilant to audio logs. The game tries to interrupt the monotony by having mini-games like a chess match or a side scrolling shooter under the water. Unfortunately they are not present enough to break up said monotony. In regards to the plot, the final reveal of Alice's psychiatrist Dr. Bumby as the villain was an interesting reveal and the way he controls Alice is very sinister and disturbing when he tries to control her mind to become a child prostitute, In fact the force of control that is destroying Wonderland is
    a literal train of thought. In fact the only boss fight in the game is fighting Dr Bumby in Wonderland as the doll maker. He has a unique design that still haunts me to this day and his attacks are suggestive in manner which reinforces his sexual desires for Alice. The confusing thing about the story is that after finding the Red Queen, Alice is in an asylum and has a supposed lobotomy. However the story makes it unclear in regards to whether or not it is real and the change in story telling technique is really jarring since the rest of the game doesn't tell its story in a similar manner. Despite some its failings this is a game that I highly recommend any Lewis Carol fan to pick up and a rental is also recommended from those who wish to play something different for their PS3 system.    … Expand
  57. arostislavna
    Jul 22, 2021
    9
    A very underrated cult classic, and one of EA's best work aside from BFBC2 & ME.
  58. Dispelmun
    Sep 14, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Alice: Madness Returns is a psychological horror action-adventure video game released worldwide in June 2011, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. This game is developed by a Chinese studio called “Spicy Horse” and released by “Electronic Arts,” also known as EA. This video game is the sequel to American McGee’s Alice, American McGee is also the creator behind Alice: Madness Returns. The game’s characters are all familiar from the stories including the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, the Walrus and the Carpenter, as well as many more. Alice: Madness Returns has interesting gameplay mechanics, story, and soundtrack that really draws you into the game’s characters and story. Alice: Madness Returns is about Alice Liddell, a young adult girl who is trying to piece together her unstable mind, which pulls her in and out of the real world and her “Wonderland.” As this goes on, Alice will discover the cause of her family’s deaths as well as why she is so unstably tormented.
    This game is viewed in third person, with some exceptions for cut scenes and viewing with in-game camera modes. As you play you’re in what typically is defined as a role-playing game; immersed in different areas of the world around you, solving puzzles and quests, and battling monsters. Not only does it play to the “role-playing game” format, it also plays to the platform game format. Most of the game is in a three-dimensional setting where most puzzles are just moving around the world to get to the next part of the game. You’ll most likely lose your health/lives to figure it out, but when have you not in any video game with puzzles and it’s life-threatening consequences? Apart from the world mechanics, as a fighter, you are exposed to different weapons, some you won’t come across until you reach certain levels/worlds in the game. There are tutorials explaining the mechanics and how weapons or buttons work in the game as well as special abilities, all which help you with puzzles and battles. As you travel about Alice’s worlds you also find “memories” which help you understand the storyline of this whole game and help you, as the player and as Alice, figure out what’s really happening to you and what happened to your family.
    The story of this video game continues to keep to the inspiring novels by Carroll, only with an even darker more horror-like twist, and already Carroll’s fables are terrifying and/or creepy. The story is supported by the game’s setting, art, and soundtrack. They do this by using reference to Victorian London’s style, industry, music, and history to make it feel realistic or at least to help maintain the same mood and theme through out the storyline and gameplay. It uses references like Victorian London’s townhouses style, the attire that was worn by adults and children and between females and males. Cut scenes, where a fair amount of the story is told, are designed and animated like paper cutouts, similar to storybooks. Giving the feeling that Alice still has that child mindset of when she lost her family to the fire, which fits giving the fact that she was indeed a child when it happened. As far as what we know and remember about Carroll’s stories is that this game goes deeper, creates a whole entire story behind the “Wonderland” one that explains and gives reason to Alice’s madness as well as creating a story of it’s own for this strange and interesting adaptation.
    Music in videogames, movies, and television plays a major part to setting the mood the creators want you to be in. You wouldn’t expect upbeat dance music while someone is grieving over a lost or dead loved one. That would just be rude or even considered humorous in a certain aspect or viewpoint. For a psychological-horror genre you need spooky, creepy, warped, and twisted sounds and music, which surprisingly works really well with classical music that can be found in the Victorian London time era. That’s exactly the period this game takes place in which makes the soundtrack for this game even more fitting.
    There are even more examples I could bring up that show that this video game is in itself a beautiful work of art and craftsmanship. It underwent what I can tell as dedicated time and effort to truly create a worthwhile game that plays to realistic knowledge of Victorian London and the always-favored tales by Lewis Carroll. Using gameplay mechanics, soundtrack, and details in animation styles they successfully immerse any videogame player into this story and world that is Alice: Madness Returns by American McGee.    … Expand
  59. Alvokun
    Jan 28, 2017
    9
    Great GREAT game, one of the best video games based on literature I have ever played -if not the best one.

    It is outstanding in almost everything: design of characters and settings, gameplay, narrative... It is frankly good in artistic terms, story-wise and full of imaginative elements (just as Carroll's book is, but with the gore and obscure nuance). Needless to say, I cannot    Great GREAT game, one of the best video games based on literature I have ever played -if not the best one.

    It is outstanding in almost everything: design of characters and settings, gameplay, narrative... It is frankly good in artistic terms, story-wise and full of imaginative elements (just as Carroll's book is, but with the gore and obscure nuance).

    Needless to say, I cannot understand the low scores. Guess it is simply one of those unfairly unacknowledged games, but it is very difficult to understand. Highly recommendable. It is a must-play for lovers of the action genre, of Alice in Wonderland and of videoludic narrative in general.    … Expand
  60. Ismael10
    Feb 15, 2019
    8
    A este juego le saque el platino (sin usar el glicht) La historia del juego es buena si se logran entender las referencias de la época como uso del psicoanálisis por parte del Psicoterapia de Alice y que tiene catatonia ese es el por que de sus iluciones respecto al País de las Maravillas y que su el concepto de londres se situa más en cuando ya ha pasado años de la revolución industrial yA este juego le saque el platino (sin usar el glicht) La historia del juego es buena si se logran entender las referencias de la época como uso del psicoanálisis por parte del Psicoterapia de Alice y que tiene catatonia ese es el por que de sus iluciones respecto al País de las Maravillas y que su el concepto de londres se situa más en cuando ya ha pasado años de la revolución industrial y surgimiento del psicoanálisis, dejando eso claro así es como se va desarrollando la triste historia de Alice con la Catatonia y País de las maravillas triste y destrozado reflejando su vida, al encontrar ese contexto en las historia se vuelve más rica, el aspecto jugable y Hack and slash que presenta es muy bueno teniendo 5 armas que se usaran en diferentes combates y mejorando su efectividad con algunos enemigos, la banda sonora es muy buena con una excelente ambientación melancólica y de misterio en los escenarios, el aspecto gráfico es muy hermoso cada escenario es una locura imaginativa, donde se puede andar cómodamente visualizando cada paisaje.

    Criticas: Mal optimizado en la versión de Ps3 teniendo bajones hasta 22 fps.
    - Tiene uno que otro bug, (pero creo que son producto de la mala optimización)
    - A veces la cámara no ayuda en los combates.
    - El capitulo 3 llamado ¨La arboleda oriental¨ escenario un poco repetitivo, sin mucha creatividad por ciertas partes.
    -Un jefe final decepcionante llegando al punto que lo puedes derrotar sin recibir ningún golpe en modo pesadilla y sacar el trofeo.    … Expand
  61. PaupiTLD
    May 21, 2018
    10
    el juego es genial , la historia oscura que tiene me atrapa , viajar en todos esos mundos y ver otro lado de como seria la historia de alicia en el pais de las maravillas no tan "bonito" hizo que quisiera jugarlo miles de veces! recomendado!
  62. rcoberle54
    Jun 28, 2020
    9
    I finally played this a few months back after waiting nearly a decade to get around to it and I have to say it didn't disappoint. It's a very fun platformer with hack and slash and third person shooter elements. I loved all the design aesthetics. The Victorian era Gothic horror steampunk stuff really worked for me. The levels were well designed and each chapter had a whole new theme whichI finally played this a few months back after waiting nearly a decade to get around to it and I have to say it didn't disappoint. It's a very fun platformer with hack and slash and third person shooter elements. I loved all the design aesthetics. The Victorian era Gothic horror steampunk stuff really worked for me. The levels were well designed and each chapter had a whole new theme which kept the game feeling fresh and new. The enemies had plenty of variation to provide just enough of a challenge. The story is so so but serviceable and the visuals hold up for the most part. The cartoon like style of animation works in the game's favor. A lot of the little flaws are small enough to go unnoticed on the first playthrough and they're never bad enough to take away from the experience. All the mechanics work well, the game is very forgiving when they don't, and this game was an easy and fun platinum run.… Expand
  63. piuscorvus
    Nov 19, 2020
    6
    Good and at the same time average game with nicely designed cutscenes. It is a bit too long. The last two chapters deliver pretty similar level designs and puzzles that I felt I have done already too many times.
  64. SaadAnime
    Sep 22, 2020
    8
    ALICE: MADNESS RETURNS is a fun action horror game that makes you play as alive in her scary imaginary word, interesting store fun game over all but it is not the best port as the pc one is much faster in the loading time spect, other than that it is a fun game to buy.
  65. Oldman1917
    Sep 25, 2020
    10
    I didn't think Alice was a pretty standard platformer. But how cool! The gameplay is addictive from the first minute, and the atmosphere, albeit not scary, but disturbing, creates a special impression of an eerie fairy tale in which you plunge headlong.
    Old graphics do not interfere with immersion at all. I want to play it forever.
  66. hector_bcn98
    Nov 10, 2022
    6
    Incluso para ser un juego indie, era bastante pobre técnicamente. Poco interesante.
  67. Domdom21br
    Jan 5, 2022
    6
    Repetitivo, chato e gráficos ruins, são os problemas desse jogo, ele poderia ser muito melhor do que ele foi, o resto eu n tenho nada a é exceto os bugs
  68. Angelfuk83
    Jan 5, 2023
    10
    Un juego de plataformas precioso aún a día de hoy, no sé qué le dió a la crítica por puntuar este juego tan bonito y original dentro de las plataformas 3d con una nota tan baja, un gran infravalorado.
  69. Daniel1516
    Jul 18, 2022
    10
    En lo personal es impresionante me encanto su arte y su historia que continua de su precuela su forma de explicar la historia es buena y un trasfondo muy oscuro eso me encanto tiene algunos detalles diseño en cuestión de programación algunas veces caminabas y Alice no se podía mover por que se atoraba en algo descotando esos detalles es un muy buen juego

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
15
#15 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 51
  3. Negative: 1 out of 51
  1. Thunderbolt
    Jan 9, 2012
    40
    Alice: Madness Return has a terrific visual style and intriguing ideas, which is why it's so frustrating to see what could've been a clever game turn into such a tedious, drawn-out mess.
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  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Oct 6, 2011
    70
    Madness Returns is in a tricky position. It could never offer pistol-quick mechanics because of the character design and it often feels like a chore to finish a stage. You'll also probably get pretty tired of finding and shooting switches to reveal a hidden platform, or slogging through another round of five or six enemies. Yet it dares to be different, so if you're happy to admire it for is own sake then you should find some fun amongst the insanity. [August 2011 p74]
  3. Gamer.no
    Sep 16, 2011
    60
    Alice: Madness Returns is interesting, visually stunning and inviting. Some of the gameplay elements excites in its pure form, but combat does seem ridgid and sometimes random. It's close, but not quite the cigar for Mr. McGee.
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