Game Review (written by Terriblebeast) Added on: 10/14/2006
I remember this game from when I was much younger, but I personally have found this text-based adventure still be a challenge! It's no Zork (but what is?) but certainly worth a look.
Although the help file says that it's supposed to be played as an accompaniment to reading the novel, I found that the links between the novel and the game are pretty tenuous. The characters are there - the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, etc - but it's not always clear how you are supposed to interact with them. I've mostly made progress in the game by getting frustrated and typing in truly stupid and ridiculous commands, just to see what would happen, until something finally does. That being said, it's not hard to figure out that when you see the White Rabbit, "Follow Rabbit" might be a useful command. If you can't figure that out, you need to go read the book or watch the Matrix RIGHT NOW.
Part of the game also involves size changes, like in the novel. There are certain areas or activities you won't be able to do if you're the wrong size, so it's important to figure out how you can change size, and when it's necessary to do so. The amount you'll be able to carry in your inventory also changes according to your size.
Unsurprisingly the commands aren't all that complex: the help file lists about 16 commands that can be used and suggests that there are more, but I haven't found many more. One of the limitations of a text game is the need to be specific in your commands. "Fetch stick" might not have the same result as "get stick", so if you're not inclined to be patient, move on to a graphics based game because this will drive you nuts. And God help you if you're prone to typos.
I've found it useful to draw a vague map of the areas, because there are places where you can die if you step in the wrong direction. Then again, I'm determined to ONE DAY finish this damn game, but most people probably have lives and better things to do with their time than draw maps of an ancient text game.
Consider the plot and happenings in the book, but don't follow it too slavishly. Try bizarre commands and see where it gets you. Have fun and for God's sake if you finish it please let me know how. I'm an idiot with too much time on my hands.
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Qsusie (02/06/2007) This game is mislabeled. It is NOT the Windham Classics "Alice in Wonderland," which has graphics and a menu of different action options (e.g. tease, scold, etc.). It is instead a purely text adventure and has no relation to the Windham Version developed by Disharoon.Jenny z (08/13/2006) Bizarre, lovely graphics involving heavy patterns in strange colors. Wonderful. |