Have you ever played a great Metroidvania game that sucked you into its world? I’m talking about fluid platforming, clever ability upgrades opening new areas, and ominous yet alluring environments to chart out. If so, let me tell you about an exciting upcoming title in this genre—Alice Escaped!
Releasing first on Nintendo Switch this August, Alice Escaped! comes from developer Sekai Project and artist group illuCalab. Let‘s uncover why its beautiful art direction, co-op gameplay, and Lewis Carroll charm has me eager to dive in!
What Makes Metroidvania Games So Compelling?
Before looking at what makes Alice Escaped! special, let’s examine what defines a Metroidvania game and what fans love about them.
As you may know, “Metroidvania” blends the names of early franchises like Metroid and Castlevania. These series pioneered nonlinear, exploration-focused level designs on consoles. Instead of progressing on a set path, players use new movement abilities to access previously unreachable areas.
This gameplay loop of gaining powers, charting out maps, and backtracking with improved skills provides great satisfaction. Where can I reach now? What secrets hide over there? Where does that hidden corridor lead?
Topping it off, these games also feature menacing enemies, epic clashes with even larger bosses, and stories that slowly unfold through subtle environmental cues.
It’s an addictive formula, one perfected in modern classics like Hollow Knight with its somber insect kingdoms and Ori and the Blind Forest with its emerald woodland landscapes.
So in short, compelling Metroidvania hallmarks include:
- Vast, winding levels inviting non-linear exploration
- New movement skills to reach previously inaccessible terrain
- Rewarding players for revisiting earlier zones
- Environmental storytelling and majestic worlds
Down the Rabbit Hole into Alice Escaped’s Vibrant Realm
Alice Escaped! checks all these boxes while infusing its experience with signature style. Based on early previews and concept art, it conjures up an imaginative realm brimming with color and character.
You play as schoolgirls Usada and Kotora, mysteriously transported into Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland. Well, a rather more monstrous take on it! All manner of quirky creatures and landscapes inspired by the iconic Alice stories fill out the world.
From psychedelic mushroom forests to topsy-turvy domains of giant plants, the backdrops “pop” with saturated hues against dark outlines. It’s almost like a vivid children’s book sprung to interactive life. Fitting, given lead artist PicPic’s experience illustrating young adult novels!
Adding to the intrigue, beloved characters like the Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter also dwell in this world, though they may not be quite as you remember! Exactly what happened to Alice herself remains unclear—it’s up to you to traverse six sweeping zones to unravel the truth.
| Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Wonderful Wonder World | A magical forest brimming with giant flora and fungi |
| Trick or Treat Night Party | A Halloween-esque landscape of spooks and sweets |
| Chrono Clockwork | An array of cogs, gears, and machines |
| Card Capital | A kingdom built on playing cards |
| Pool of Tears | Glacial pools and frigid caverns |
| Crazy Tea Party | Ruined castle with talkative tenants |
From whimsical environs to eerie inner depths, each zone packs surprises. And the vibrant art direction imbues even dark passages with an inviting, storybook quality.
Bringing it all together is a sweeping orchestral soundtrack by composer LunarEarth. It promises to hit wistful, mysterious, and triumphant notes as you uncover Alice Escaped’s many secrets!
Master Synergistic Co-Op Play to Thwart Foes
Alice Escaped separates itself from the Metroidvania pack with another feature lacking in most entries—cooperative multiplayer! And not just tacked on either; the abilities of the two heroines Usada and Kotora interlock tightly.
While Osada wields colossal hammers for clobbering foes up close, Kotora assails them with ranged pistol shots and grenades. Swapping between them mid-combo enables some hard-hitting attack chains with splash damage aplenty!
And the benefits run deeper than mixing up offense. More puzzles and hidden routes build around using both girls’ talents harmoniously. Traversing environments thus becomes more strategic, especially when factoring in platforms tailored to either Osada’s brute force or Kotora’s agility.
Add in randomly spawning enemies and ever-increasing difficulty on subsequent run-throughs, and prolific replay value emerges. Completionists will especially enjoy scouring every nook to max out the duo’s stats by collecting all available ability-enhancing crystals.
Can you emerge victorious against screen-filling bosses with increasingly quick tells? How deeply can you delve toward the true endings across multiple climactic runs? Find out yourself or join a partner to double the exploration!
What Are Early Sales Projections for Alice Escaped?
Selling predominantly as a $19.99 digital download, here are my first-year sales projections for Alice Escaped on Nintendo Switch:
| Time Period | Projected Sales | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Launch month | 45,000 copies | $899,550 |
| Next 5 months | 210,000 copies | $4,197,900 |
| Lifetime Year 1 | 330,000 copies | $6,596,700 |
I base these conservative estimates on the Metroidvania genre’s reliable fan base on Switch hungry for quality games. Top performers like Hollow Knight and Ori have moved over 1 million units each.
While Alice Escaped likely won’t hit those heights immediately, its stylish look and cooperative focus provide standout features. Strong word of mouth could propel sales faster, especially if fans and media widely deem it an upper echelon entry.
And a potential PC version down the road would further boost profits and exposure. But for now, targeting the vibrant Nintendo platform is smart. The game suits a handheld pick-up-and-play experience nicely across its 6+ hour campaign.
In summary, the Twin Peaks x Alice in Wonderland vibes, charming graphics, and 2-player action help differentiate Alice Escaped in a crowded genre. This inventive take looks ready to drive sales through imagination and whimsy alone!
Conclusion – A New Metroidvania Gem to Discover?
After digging into everything Alice Escaped! has cooking, I believe it has ingredients to deliver a delightful new spin on a classic formula. Between the enticing art direction, multiplayer focus, and narrative ties to Lewis Carroll’s wonderland, it crafts an identity beyond just aping the Metroidvania template.
Releasing first on a thriving Nintendo platform known for supporting creativity and indie devs, the game targets the perfect audience. And it arrives at budget-friendly pricing that should entice both series fans and intrigued newcomers.
When August 24 rolls around, I know I’ll be falling down the rabbit hole right away! This portal to a gorgeous yet threatening take on Wonderland looks ripe for memorable escapades.
Here’s hoping Alice Escaped! ascends to the Metroidvania pantheon. But regardless, the ride already promises tomaze and delight. See you on the other side!
