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Alice 2 Writer Describes Deep Stories, Dream Visions

Alice: Madness Returns is one of the most promising action/adventure titles of the generation thus far.

Featuring a great story, beautiful and compelling atmosphere, and enjoyable gameplay, this follow-up to American McGee's Alice has turned a lot of heads. We wanted to learn a bit more about the plot, environment, and lead character, so we presented R.J. Berg, Executive Producer and Lead Story Creator for both Alice games, with a few questions.

First up are some story details involving Alice and her depressing past, and how much of the current for her is a "dream vision." It's interesting to note that Alice is now described "as an adult." Said Berg:

"When she was a child (in the original title), Alice’s credo was 'I will make fear, loneliness, smallness, ignorance, authority, chaos, and death, ridiculous.' In A:MR, as an adult, having suffered a traumatic loss, she’d like to return to that confident philosophy. But she’s forgotten the way. Or something is inhibiting her, keeping her from seeing or finding it.

The story of A:MR is a kind of dream vision, a search for what she’s lost. In dreams she experiences that which is not. We all do this. Though Wonderland is a construct, it’s intimate and real for Alice, and her journey through it is like life—complicated, messy, contradictory, and sometimes dangerous."

It certainly sounds intriguing and it sort of confirms that Wonderland isn't real – even if it's real for Alice – and gives us the sensation of…well, playing a nightmare. We also asked Berg what he would say to get long-time PlayStation fans interested; after all, the first Alice never came to a PlayStation platform. Unsurprisingly, he replied with what we firmly believe: if a game is good enough, you're gonna want it.

"Players who enjoy any combination of deep stories, imaginative mysteries, heroic characters, powerful antagonists, engaging and compelling gameplay, fun and responsive combat, thrilling environments, and menacing levels will love this game. If a guarantee were appropriate, I’d offer it."

You can bet our review will be coming soon, and we'll post up a bit more from Berg this weekend.

Related Game(s): Alice: Madness Returns

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LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
12 years ago

Must have this game. So glad I was able to enjoy the original on PC back in the day. With new hardware I bet this game is going to be a pure acid trip.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

From what I recall it had some superb voice acting and atmosphere.

Vivi_Gamer
Vivi_Gamer
12 years ago

The original was a title I had always wanted to play, I even bought it on PC but it was to lousy to play it. I'm certainly keeping an eye out for this title, it gets good+ reviews I reckon I'll get it, especially with the bonus of the 1st title.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I'm there on day 1, does Alice remind anyone else of a grown up Little Sister?


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 5/27/2011 11:36:58 AM

Beamboom
Beamboom
12 years ago

Oh indeed! Of course! That's why I get these BioShock-vibes from watching the promos!
/slaps forehead

I'll wait for the gamerankings verdict, but if this one lands at 80+ then it's straight to the shop.


Last edited by Beamboom on 5/28/2011 3:40:19 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I'm glad I jumped on that Amazon deal to get it for $45, it's back to $60 now.

Mornelithe
Mornelithe
12 years ago

The original Alice was an absolute masterpiece. Most fans of the Playstation brand (if they started back with the PSX), should be old enough now, to have seen/known about the original, plus word of mouth over this particular treasure should spread pretty quickly.

Definitely getting this when it comes out, cannot wait to see how twisted Wonderland has become.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
12 years ago

I'm thankful to be as old as I am. Looking back at videogames and being a part of them since the days of Atari in the early 80s. Alice looked/sounded/played amazing when it first came out but now it looks/sounds extremely dated.

Being an older gamer and remembering a time when Battletoads's graphics blew me away I'm able to look back at older games as new ones come out and still enjoy them for what they were/are. I wonder if gamers from this generation or the last are able to do the same.


Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 5/27/2011 12:51:24 PM

DjEezzy
DjEezzy
12 years ago

This game is starting to look pretty damn fantastic!!! Wasn't even on my radar sort of like Crysis 2 but this game is just so intriguing. I really look forward to playing it.

tes37
tes37
12 years ago

The article that was posted a few days ago was the first time I read anything about Alice:MR. I didn't know about the first one. If someone can actually make a convincing Alice In Wonderland type game, then I'm on board.

I hate to say it, but it's doubtful you could capture the feel of Wonderland without being under the influence of something. But, I think you could have fun with it, without doing anything yourself.

Beamboom
Beamboom
12 years ago

Well then! Let's pop some pills, insert the disc and fire up this baby. I'm in! Acid? Mdma? What?;)


Last edited by Beamboom on 5/28/2011 8:17:58 AM

gangan19
gangan19
12 years ago

was there a part one to this game? is it a game?

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
12 years ago

Um YES. It came out for PC nearly 11 years ago. It will be included with this new game.

bearbobby
bearbobby
12 years ago

The first game was delightfully twisted. I remember playing it on PC eons ago. The gameplay was a bit stiff during combat if I recall, but the environment really helped build a convincing atmosphere.

Don't think I ever finished it though so this would be a great chance to take another trip through the looking glass…

Fane1024
Fane1024
12 years ago

If R.J. Berg is the Executive Producer and Lead Story Creator for both Alice games, what exactly does American McGee do?

Besides stick his name in the title, that is.

BTW I'm hyped for this game, especially since it will include the original.


Last edited by Fane1024 on 5/27/2011 6:28:52 PM

___________
___________
12 years ago

another to add to the guilty pleasure list!
lets hope it does not turn out like that other unfortunate guilty pleasure game……………..

Lairfan
Lairfan
12 years ago

Once again, I'm definitely intrigued by this one.

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