Alice in Wonderland Wii

Released on 05/03/2010

• Alice In Wonderland Wii Review

  Enter the rabbit hole...

  Creating a movie-based game can be a tricky task at the best of times. That's especially the case when it's an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland's wacky world, as re-imagined by the even kookier Tim Burton, but this title succeeds on a number of fronts.

  Brought to life

  This is partly due to the fact that Burton himself had some direct input on this third-person adventure game, helping to ensure that the colourful and magical environments of Underland, the title's setting, and its inhabitants are all brought vividly to life.

  Each character has unique and often eccentric abilities, and you can switch between them at any time.

  While the game loosely follows the events of the film, there are also a number of new locations and additions to the plot that are exclusive to the title. During your battle against the Red Queen, her army of playing cards and the Jabberwocky - a creature deployed to terrorize the inhabitants of Underland - you'll encounter all manner of traps, bizarre characters and mind-bending puzzles.

  Somewhat surprisingly you don't get to play as Alice, instead taking on numerous roles that add variety to the game play. You step into the shoes of Alice's protectors, which include Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter, Stephen Fry's Cheshire Cat and Barbara Windsor's Dormouse, among others, and the voice acting is always top-notch.

  Each character has unique and often eccentric abilities, and you can switch between them at any time in a bid to get out of a tight spot. The Mad Hatter can help Alice alter her perception of Underland and take advantage of optical illusions to open secret locations, while the Cheshire Cat is able to make himself and objects appear or disappear. The White Rabbit can control time, allowing him to manipulate objects and enemies by speeding them up, slowing them down or even rewinding them.

  Impossible ideas, brilliantly realised

  These abilities are highly useful when attempting to solve the game's multi-faceted puzzles. Highlights include the crazy Mad Hatter stages, which literally turn the game on its head as levels rise from the ground and spin around in the air. The game also boasts drop-in drop-out co-op support, allowing you and a friend to join forces and combine your wits at any time during the unfolding events.

  You'll use a number of unconventional weapons to defeat the Red Queen's minions, including cups and saucers.

  Alice in Wonderland features an upgradeable combat system that sees you collect "impossible ideas" by defeating enemies. These allow you to boost your character's abilities, whether that's the Dormouse's ninja-like attacks or the March Hare's telekinesis powers.

  Attacking is generally confined to the A button, with repeated presses setting off different moves. It's simplistic at times, but the Wii Remote functionality is well implemented, with various shakes, gestures and button presses enabling you to freeze enemies or lift them up and launch them into one another. And being Alice in Wonderland, you'll use a number of unconventional weapons to defeat the Red Queen's minions, including cups and saucers.

  Highly accessible

  Alice in Wonderland is a highly accessible game with an easy learning curve, meaning younger players and casual gamers won't find it difficult to get to grips with. On the other hand, it's not the longest title and it won't prove very challenging for seasoned players. Despite all the dangers lurking in the world you can't actually die, but losing all of your health does strip you of abilities gained in battle.

  It might not be for everyone, and it's probably not going to offer much lasting appeal to veteran players, but the brilliantly realised characters, environments and puzzles make Alice in Wonderland one of the better movie-based games in recent memory.

  GAME's Verdict

  

  • Brilliantly realised characters and environments.
  • Clever level design and puzzles.
  • Co-op support makes it perfect to play with a friend.

  

  • Not the longest game.
  • It could be a bit more challenging.
  • You can't die.

  Review by: Tom 'Mad As A Hatter' Ivan
  Version Tested: Wii
  Review Published: 04.03.10

  Published: 04/03/2010

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