Alice in Wonderland Review for Nintendo DS

System: Wii, PC, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Etranges Libellules	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Disney Interactive	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 2, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

A quest log also helps you keep track of the missions; this is most useful when you come back to the game after a few days and can't remember what you were doing. In addition, there's a Moves List that serves as a refresher for a little combat variety - not that there is much of that. The map menu also lets you place a marker in spots you need to revisit later on when you acquire new powers or meet new characters. All of these features make the game very accessible.

Alice in Wonderland screenshot

Unfortunately, when it comes to sound this title doesn't really stand out. Mysterious, fantasy-inspired melodies keep looping through the levels, providing good ambiance for the game, but not a memorable experience. The cartoonish sound effects are few and far between, complementing the comical look of the title, but not really making a difference.

I hadn't seen it before, but Disney's new games for children can be tied into an online account (DGamer) that allows you to unlock achievements, create and edit your own avatar, chat with other kids, etc. This can be done from the computer and also from the game cartridge. Everything is very kids-friendly and controlled, which is a good thing, considering today's dangers when using the Internet underage. The game also offers some special unlockables for DSi users.

Unlike other movie tie-ins, this offering is quite solid, and it targets a broader audience. Even if it's more aimed towards older kids, people of all ages will find it fun and appealing. It's not particularly challenging, but at the same time, the popular story, puzzle-driven platforming, and inspired visuals offer enough of a hook for anyone looking for a new DS adventure. If you enjoy titles such as Lost Winds, this one should make you happy.

By Maria Montoro
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.4

Graphics
Fun and streamlined cel-shaded visuals make for a unique and interesting Alice world that suits the DS graphic capabilities properly.

3.5

Control
Very accessible controls, though a bit repetitive during combat. The stylus is great for puzzle-driven platforming.

2.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The fantasy-inspired music doesn't really stand out, and the sound effects are just basic.

3.9

Play Value
If you enjoy platformers filled with puzzles and a classic storyline, this is your chance at playing a good, portable movie tie-in.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Discover an entertaining twist to the story inspired by Tim Burton's movie and innovative art style unique to the Nintendo DS.

Explore a world filled with whimsical settings, optical illusions, curiously challenging puzzles, and formidable adversaries.

Play as the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and other memorable characters from the film.

Master unique abilities, such as altering perception, making objects invisible, and manipulating time.

Develop new skills with an expandable combat system and upgradeable moves.

Guide Alice to help her fulfill an exciting destiny that culminates with the ultimate battle against the Jabberwocky.

Enable DSi features using the system's camera to detect colors and trigger unlockables.