That’s right we are back in Wonderland in the sequel to Alice. And the gameplay has changed a lot over the years so let us give you a few quick tips for getting through Alice: Madness returns.

Getting Around

Wonderland is crazy and whimsical and in there lies its charm, in the game you will find floating platforms up high and keyholes down below. It can be intimidating but getting around Wonderland is really not that difficult. There are three moves that will get you just about anywhere, Jumping, Floating, and Shrinking.

Jumping is pretty easy to grasp but Alice is capable of doing a quick jump and a high or long jump. A quick tap of the jump button causes a quick jump and holding the button gives you the long/high jump. There is also a method called “Twirling” where you can do up to 3 additional jumps. This will come in handy on long gaps but if they are still to big you will have to float.

Floating will slowly get you across larger gaps, simply hold the jump button while in mid air to float. While in a float you will slowly lose height as you move along. You cannot float forever and will have to execute another twirl to keep floating.

The final move is Shrinking and become very important when lost or when you need to find things. To get into tiny areas like keyholes or other small spaces you will need to shrink. This will give you a special shrink sense that will allow you to see hidden drawings on the walls. These drawings can lead you to where you are going or the item you are looking for. You will also be able to see hidden bridges and platforms, keep in mind that while shrunk you cannot jump, float, or attack.

Combat

Essentially this game is a platformer and combat comes second but you will eventually need to get your hands dirty. It can be pretty easy with the games auto-lock on feature which will help when facing multiple enemies. Sometimes when it gets really crowded you will want to use your long ranged weapons instead. When at a decent range the system will have a precision aiming mode but when at long range you can use a reticle and place grenades or pepper where you wish.

You will not need to aim at all when using your melee weapons, the system will allow you to hit enemies multiple times in a row and perform a combo attack.

It will be important to use a little defense in the game as well. Dodging and Blocking will be your two main features in defense, clicking the dodge button will move you out of the way quickly and is very simple. Blocking can be more difficult, holding the aim button then the jump button will cause you to block. Weak attacks can easily be blocked but stronger attacks will cause Alice to be knocked back. Be sure to look out for strong or weak attacks, being knocked back will leave you vulnerable for a second blow. Some projectile attacks can be sent back at the enemy but the block must occur right before the hit, similar to most Star Wars Lightsabre games.

Health

This game encourages dying, some things can only be achieved by trial and error. It is very forgiven walk off an edge and die? You will appear right back on the ledge. There is however another way to die, if you lose all your health in a fight the game will ask if you want to continue a yes response will put you at the last save point any items you collected will need to be found again.

Your health is indicated by roses and rose petals in the upper left corner of the HUD. If you see roses fall from enemies after they are defeated they will replenish your health. If you get in the danger zone you can use Hysteria which will give you a attack boost and will allow you to not take any damage for a short time but enemies defeated will not drop any teeth.