Yugami No Kumi No Alice (歪みの国のアリス; Alice in Warped Land) is a text based adventure game formerly on mobile phone, and now available on Android devices. When I heard about this horror game gone viral, I couldn't help myself from seeing what all the fuss was about.
Yes, it is a horror game, and I have to warn you, this game is really scary. I wonder how teen girls these days can enjoy it. I'm a grown-up, but just thinking about this game sends a shiver up my spine.
As you might have guessed from its name, Yugami no Kuni no Alice shares some basic elements with Louise Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. They have, however, succeeded in transforming the world into a very modern-day Japan. The houses and schools you see in the game look like the ones in a typical Japanese town, which makes the whole thing even creepier when something very strange happens around you. Also, there is something odd and dangerous about the characters you meet.
Here's Cheshire cat telling you to come with him to find the white rabbit.
Should I really go with him, or just report to the police that there's someone who looks like a serial killer? But, like in so many other horror games and movies, the police are of no use in a surreal world like this. You have to keep going on your own. Okay, so where's the white rabbit?
Here he is, of course, soaked in blood and talking gibberish. But don't worry, you'll get to meet a lot of other adorable animals as you move on.
For example, a hedgehog that wants to rip your arm off, and a frog that offers to be your guide to hell. Remember the other non-living things dancing and talking in Alice in Wonderland? Remember the bread and teacups? Well, you get to see them again!
The cold-blooded soldiers in the above left image are made of bread. These cute kids in the above right image are also bread and jam, shouting that they want to be eaten by you. Too much for you? We're just getting started.
Let's take a look at the story here. You deal with having to remember your traumatic past. I wish I could tell you more, but I'll let the game reveal what you need to know. If you are not too scared, please check out the two-minute official trailer. It gives you a clear picture about what this game is like.
Yugami no Kuni no Alice is not free, but it has eight substantial chapters and 15 different endings depending on what paths you take.
I recommend that you play this addictive game before you go to bed, but beware, it may give you nightmares. For those who are still hesitant to pay for apps, this is cheaper than comic books or novels and still has as much substance. I think it's worth it.
Just make sure you are ready for a real fright.
Device used: EVO WiMAX ISW11HT
OS: 2.3.4
Version: 1.0.0
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Publisher: ©SUNSOFT
Last Updated: 12/8/2011
Price: 450
Compatibility: Android 2.1 or higher
Translation by Tsukasa Kondo