Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Alice is Dead: Chapter 1 offers a classic point-and-click adventure structure that feels both familiar and fresh. From the moment you awaken next to a decaying Alice, the game immediately challenges you to explore every nook of the rabbit hole environment. Interactions are intuitive—simply click on objects and characters to inspect, pick up, or combine items, and watch as the protagonist’s memories begin to stir with every new discovery.

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The puzzle design strikes a careful balance between logical solutions and whimsical nonsense, reflecting the spirit of Lewis Carroll’s original work. Some puzzles demand close attention to environmental details—such as matching cryptic symbols etched on the walls—while others require creative item combinations. The inventory system is streamlined, allowing you to drag and drop items directly onto hotspots or merge two items in your bag for more complex interactions.

Pacing is brisk for a short game: you rarely find yourself stuck in one spot for too long, yet each solution feels satisfying rather than arbitrary. Cinematic transitions punctuate major puzzle completions, lending a sense of progression and reward. Occasional hints are embedded in the dialogue or visible scrawls on the walls, ensuring that even newcomers to the genre can move forward without resorting to outside guides.

Graphics

Visually, Alice is Dead: Chapter 1 embraces a dark, hand-drawn aesthetic that captures the macabre tone of this twisted Wonderland. The rabbit hole setting unfolds in layers of decaying wood, moss, and eerie lighting that evoke a sense of dread mixed with curiosity. Careful attention to texture and shadow adds depth, drawing you deeper into the environment with each click.

Character portraits and item icons are rendered in crisp detail, with expressive line work that highlights the surreal qualities of the world. Alice’s decrepit form is especially haunting, her once-lively features now marred by rot—a stark reminder of the game’s departure from the childlike whimsy of the source material. Ambient animations—such as flickering bulbs and shifting dust motes—enhance immersion without causing distraction.

The color palette primarily utilizes muted earth tones, with sudden splashes of crimson or sickly green to accentuate key objects or story beats. This selective use of color not only guides your attention but also underscores moments of tension. Despite being a small-scale indie title, the graphical presentation rivals many larger productions in style and cohesion.

Story

At the heart of Alice is Dead: Chapter 1 lies a compelling mystery: who is the forgotten protagonist, and why does Alice lie lifeless at his side? The game wastes no time dropping you into this unsettling scenario. Each new item you uncover, each riddle you solve, peels back another layer of the hero’s lost identity.

Dialogues are sparse but impactful, delivered through short text interludes that appear beside character illustrations or environmental cues. These narrative snippets evoke a haunting atmosphere, hinting at a darker Wonderland conspiracy without spoon-feeding every detail. The absence of an on-screen narrator boosts the sense of isolation, as you piece together clues from the environment alone.

By the finale, several tantalizing questions remain unanswered, setting the stage for subsequent chapters. This deliberate withholding of information enhances replay value—return visits might reveal previously missed details or hidden Easter eggs. The story’s blend of psychological intrigue and Carrollian motifs (such as talking mushrooms and nonsensical riddles) demonstrates respectful adaptation alongside original creativity.

Overall Experience

Alice is Dead: Chapter 1 delivers a concise yet memorable adventure that satisfies both puzzle enthusiasts and fans of dark fantasy. Its tight design ensures there’s minimal downtime between discoveries, and the care put into each scene makes exploration genuinely engaging. Despite its brevity, you’ll feel a strong narrative pull to uncover the next chapter.

Sound design complements the visuals perfectly: creaking floorboards, distant drips of water, and a subtle, unsettling score heighten the feeling of claustrophobia and urgency. The click-and-explore mechanics never feel dated thanks to responsive controls and smartly placed hotspots. Whether you’re playing on PC or mobile, the interface adapts seamlessly for point-and-click ease.

Overall, Alice is Dead: Chapter 1 stands out as an accomplished indie title that honors its literary roots while forging its own disturbing path. It may leave you craving more content, but its short length works in its favor, offering a digestible experience free of filler. For players seeking a thought-provoking, atmosphere-driven puzzle game, this first chapter is an excellent invitation into a warped Wonderland.

Retro Replay Score

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