Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fushigi no Yume no Alice offers intuitive platforming mechanics that immediately draw you into its whimsical world. You control Alice with a responsive set of moves—running, jumping, and the quirky shout of “IYA!”—that make navigating forests, caves, and other dreamlike landscapes a joy. The controls are tight, allowing precise landings on narrow platforms and ensuring that each jump feels deliberate, which is crucial when timing is everything.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Combat is simple yet charming. Rather than hacking away with swords or shooting projectiles, Alice dispatches foes by stomping on their heads or by letting loose with her trademark “IYA!” shout. This dual approach keeps encounters fresh, as you switch between traditional platformer jumps and ranged vocal attacks. Adding to the fun are the explosive eggs dropped by certain enemies. You can kick these eggs to clear out groups of baddies or to solve light environmental puzzles—just be sure to time your kicks so you don’t blow yourself up in the process!

The game’s level structure is straightforward but satisfying. Each of the game’s areas consists of three stages, culminating in a boss fight that tests your mastery of the mechanics introduced earlier. Early levels ease you into the gameplay loops and gradually ramp up the difficulty, introducing new enemy types, environmental hazards, and moving platforms. Boss battles feel appropriately challenging without crossing into frustration, often requiring a mix of platforming skill and strategic egg use to win.

Graphics

Visually, Fushigi no Yume no Alice nails that storybook charm. The 2-D graphics evoke classic platformers of the early ’90s but with a brighter, pastel-heavy palette that suits the Alice in Wonderland theme. Backgrounds are richly detailed: sun-dappled forests give way to spooky caverns lined with glowing mushrooms, and each area feels distinct and alive.

The sprite work is equally delightful. Alice’s pink dress and flowing blond hair stand out against varied backdrops, and her animations—especially the victorious poses after stomping an enemy—add personality to every action. Enemies are similarly well designed, ranging from grinning cards to mischievous forest critters, each with fluid animations that make them feel like part of the Wonderland ecosystem.

Technically, the game runs smoothly with solid frame rates that never falter, even when multiple egg explosions or enemies populate the screen. Parallax scrolling in background layers adds depth, while occasional color-swapping effects during boss fights give a slight retro flair. Overall, the graphics may not push modern hardware, but they perfectly capture the whimsical intent of the title.

Story

Rooted in Lewis Carroll’s timeless novels, Fushigi no Yume no Alice weaves a light narrative that feels familiar without overrelying on the original text. You play as Alice, driven by curiosity to explore dreamlike realms that mirror the books’ surreal whimsy. While the game doesn’t delve deeply into character arcs, it uses brief interludes—often revealed after boss battles—to provide snippets of narrative and keep you invested in Alice’s journey.

The story structure is loosely episodic, reflecting the novel’s chapter-based progression. Each area introduces a new mini-plot—whether chasing a talking rabbit through the woods or escaping a maze of shifting corridors—before culminating in boss encounters that feel lifted from Carroll’s gallery of oddball characters. This approach strikes a nice balance between nostalgia for fans of the books and accessibility for newcomers.

Dialogue is minimal but effective, with enemies and NPCs delivering quirky one-liners that enhance the game’s fairytale atmosphere. The constant refrain of “IYA!” when Alice shouts at foes may seem odd at first, but it quickly becomes a charming hallmark of the game’s narrative style, reinforcing Alice’s spirited personality as she carves her way through Wonderland-inspired landscapes.

Overall Experience

Fushigi no Yume no Alice stands out as a sweet, accessible platformer that leans heavily into its literary roots without sacrificing fun gameplay. Its blend of stomping, shouting, and strategic egg-kicking provides a fresh twist on familiar mechanics, and the well-paced difficulty curve ensures players of various skill levels can enjoy the ride. Completionists will appreciate that each level hides small secrets—often found by taking riskier platforming paths or using eggs in creative ways.

The game’s presentation—from its charming graphics to its airy soundtrack—evokes a sense of wonder that perfectly complements the source material. While the story is not especially deep, it delivers just enough narrative context to keep you moving forward. Boss fights serve as memorable set pieces that test all the skills you’ve honed up to that point, offering satisfying peaks in the overall pacing.

Ultimately, Fushigi no Yume no Alice is a delightful trip down the rabbit hole for anyone craving a retro-style platformer with a whimsical twist. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lewis Carroll’s adventures or simply in search of a charming, well-crafted 2-D game, you’ll find plenty to love in Alice’s dreamland. With solid replay value, hidden treasures, and a welcoming design philosophy, this title is a strong recommendation for platforming enthusiasts and casual players alike.

Retro Replay Score

null/10