Alice – Behind the Mirror is a hidden object/point and click style game. This game is a continuation of the Alice in Wonderland story. On a technical level this game is poor considering that this game came out in 2018. Due to the limited amount of options avaliable. To add to this if you play this game on a larger monitor there will be 2 black bars on your left/right side.
Comparing this game to its prequel the game operates in the similar fashion with the hidden object scenes and mini games. But this game doesn’t hold your hand through the areas. This game does use the navagtion system used in the Les Miserable’s games (read my reviews for them here!). However, this game does change the art style for this game compared to the prequel game (read my review for it here!). I dislike that the art style for this game is in 3d and gets much of its inspirations from the Disney films of Alice in Wonderland. I preferred the original art style as it was more authentic to the story. It even used the original illustrations for the story by John Tenniel.
For a hidden object game I feel that it does the job quite well. As the game features a selection of different hidden object scenes, the game does also include puzzles/mini games which can be difficult at times. In the hidden object scenes you have to find a set amount of items listed on the bottom of the screen in which you have to find. In some instances you also have to return to some scenes. Whenever this happens the items you previously found will be there even though they shouldn’t be there.
In one instance you have to find a way to find an item them. As in one instance you have to find a cuckoo. To do this you have to make the cuckoo bird come out of the cuckoo clock. I liked this puzzle as it is clever and added more depth to the scene. I feel that the game should have included more puzzles like this where you had to think of a way to obtain an item.
This game is also a point and click game as you navigate around the various areas featured in game to visit each area. I dislike the amount of back tracking in the game. Since you cannot play scenes in one go. The game will allow you do a hidden object scene/puzzle in one area. Then when you complete it you receive an item that is required to be used in another area. In many instances you will have to go back to areas to find another item that is needed. I think that the game should have allowed you to fast travel to areas that you have previously visited as it would make the game quicker and easier for many players.
Considering that this is difficult for a children’s game. This game does provide limited help. As this game does offer hints that maybe of some use. In some instances hints are useless as the hint on the jigsaw puzzle is of little use. The hint provided for this puzzle is to put the mirror back together. This doesn’t help in any way as the pieces will have to be turned around. However, this isn’t stated that you have to do this nor are you told how to do this.
You can also skip certain parts of the game if you spend too long on them. I don’t like how you can only skip specific minigames. This game should allow you to skip all the puzzles, mini games and hidden objects, if it is too difficult. The game will show a timer at the top centre of the screen. When the line is full you can skip the puzzle. But I didn’t need to use this feature. As this game isn’t too hard to play on, but I can imagine children using this.
I also dislike how the game punishes players if you click in the wrong place too many times. If you click too many times the screen turns red and the Cheshire cat’s grin pops up on the screen accompanied with a meow noise. I think that this feature may scare some audience’s particularly younger children that didn’t expect this to happen.
Throughout the game Cheshire Cat Grins that are located in the environment. Whenever a grin is clicked upon, a fact is given about the Lewis Carroll or the Alice in Wonderland story. Although many facts do advertise the Disney films.
I feel that Alice – Behind the Mirror isn’t really worth getting. Sadly once you have played through the game once there is little reason to replay it. Mainly because you have seen/done everything there is to do. Unfortunately there are no new difficulty modes or extra items to unlock in the game.
Despite the criticisms I have for Alice – Behind the Mirror. However, if this game is free or is on sale/part of a bundle. Then I feel that it might be worth spending a rainy afternoon on it. Whilst I don’t think it is particularly brilliant or bad, it is a decent enough game.
