When it comes to movie-based games, I try to get away from them as much as possible due to the fact that most of them suck. The last movie-based title that I played was Toy Story 2 and that was released on the PSOne back in 1999. Sure, I loved it because I was a fan of Buzz Lightyear during those years. Now that I’m in my twenties, I gave myself a try for another Disney movie based game; this time it’s Alice in Wonderland.
It is no lie that we all know about the magical journey of Alice in Wonderland. I grew up with those children’s story and I never imagined I will be able to explore it using my Nintendo Wii. I am not that familiar with the story of Alice in Wonderland since it has been a long time since I first read about it. The last time that I got my memory refreshed with Alice in Wonderland was when I played Kingdom Hearts where Sora had to help Alice defeat the Red Queen. After that, this Alice in Wonderland game for the Wii is completely new to me.
Generally, how does this new Alice in Wonderland the video game compared to other movie-based games? Let’s take a look in the HOTs and NOTs of the game:
HOT
Presentation
The Underland is no doubt very colorful. It is so colorful that you can go back as a kid and reminiscence those days where you believed in magic. Everything from the characters and environments makes the game look very magical. The characters are close to resembling the faces of the real actor playing in the movie. Phenomenal voice-overs also makes the game even more enjoyable as most of them are being played by the actual actors in the movie. There will be cut-scenes in the game where it will look like a cartoon. I have not watched the movie yet but I am sure by playing this game, you will have a glimpse on what to expect in the movie.
Two-Player Co-Op & Playable Characters
Up to five characters can be used in the game. However, if you have a friend that wants to help Alice remember her past, they can go ahead and join you. The five characters playable in the game can be used by both players simultaneously. It is really not necessary to have a co-op in this game since it’s very easy to finish. Each of the five characters in the game have their own special abilities that you will be using in order to proceed. Characters such as the White Rabbit’s special ability is to stop time while the March Hare can use Telekinesis. Certain abilities will have to be used in certain boss battles as well.
Continuation of the Story
It’s been a decade since Alice went to the Underland. She lost her memory and by the time she was dragged down again in the small Rabbit Hole, the White Rabbit and her friends from before must help recover her memory. Is she really the Alice from ten years ago? That’s what you will have to find out by playing the game.
Quick Time Event
I’m a fan of quick time event and I am glad to see this feature used in the boss battles. Every time you beat a boss, one of the characters in the game must perform his or her finishing moves. It’s a first time for me to see Quick Time Event in a Disney game. It’s odd but it works with the boss battles. My first battle with the big dog reminded me of God of War.
Great for Kids
Alice in Wonderland is an easy game and can be finished by anyone, even a little kid. Everything is straightforward and it has an easy learning curve. It can be finished in under ten hours at the most and there will be no reason to go back and play it again.
Wii Remote Utilization
I like the way the Wii Remote was used in this game. Pointing at the enemy and shaking the Wii remote to freeze or throw rocks at them are a very good way to keep those muscles active. You will be using the motion sensor of the Wii most of the time and it is very enjoyable.
NOT
Platforming can get boring
Sure, the Underland is colorful and magical but one of the things that will ruin the experience of this game is the repetitive gameplay. Similar to past Disney titles, the platforming of this game is monotonous. You do the same thing over-and-over again. One of the worst things that I encountered in this game is that sometimes you will get lost. The Underland is big and chances are very high for any player that they will get lost. It is good playing this game for an hour but longer than that, I doubt you ever will want to play it again.
Uninspired Soundtrack
Maybe the other reason why I find the gameplay repetitive is that the soundtrack of the game doesn’t help me at all in boosting my energy to continue playing on. Sure the voice overs are nice and all but it is rare for me to find a time in the game where I can hum with the background music. Honestly, most of the time it’s quiet and that can make you sick of playing the game.
Upgrades?
Aside from going from one place to another, you will also be gathering points. These points can be used to buy an upgrade for the five characters that you will be using. Before you are planning to upgrade, you will have to find a piece from a Chess board. Without it, you won’t be able to upgrade and make those points useless. Upgrades will power up the attacks and it seems pointless to me.
No Game Over?
I found it strange that this game doesn’t have a Game Over. When your hearts in the game are depleted, you will respawn back to life but the points you gathered will be lessened. This is another reason why the game is so easy. I see why no hardcore gamer will find this game very challenging at all.
VERDICT
Alice in Wonderland is no different from past Disney titles. It is a very decent game if played from the eyes of children or preteens then I would highly recommend it. The difficulty makes it even more friendly to parents wanting their kids to play it. Repetitive gameplay and a boring soundtrack are the two main factors that can ruin the experience but overall, it’s an average game that parents with little kids can enjoy.
[Editor’s Note: Alice in Wonderland was reviewed on a Nintendo Wii platform. The copy was supplied to us by the publisher and played to completion]