Alice Escaped!

Alice Escaped! is a 2D action adventure in which Usada and Kotora explore a strange world inside a magical book. After finding a note that says “Find Alice,” the pair are transported from their library to a grassy field in the book’s world. They set out to find the white rabbit Usamura, who may know how they can return home, and to track down Alice, who is hidden somewhere deep in the world.

The world of the book

Usada and Kotora encounter strange but familiar characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and Humpty Dumpty. The Cheshire Cat tests their skills, while the Mad Hatter hosts frequent tea parties and has lost something important. Usamura is a busy-looking white rabbit who is also searching for Alice—and has a zipper on his back. The characters’ true goals and whether they are friends or foes are revealed as the story unfolds.

The story repeats itself and includes numerous major choices, leading to multiple endings. The game also features two playable characters and two difficulty options.

Tag-team combat

Usada attacks at close range with a giant hammer, while Kotora uses a submachine gun and bombs from a distance. You can switch between them to chain combos; building longer combos increases their attack power and helps you defeat groups of enemies quickly. Defeating enemies fills the Chance Gauge, which lets you use supporting attacks and powerful ultimate attacks.

Bosses have a Shield Gauge. Reduce it to break their shields and open them to a flurry of attacks, while avoiding their varied counterattacks.

Skills and exploration

Skill crystals found throughout the world let you improve the characters’ skills. Upgrading their weapons unlocks unique skills, while other options improve their stats and movement or help them persuade others to join them. You can explore away from the main path to strengthen the pair before taking on a difficult boss.

Death matches are areas where you must defeat every enemy to proceed. Completing one with a high combo count or without taking damage earns skill crystal fragments. Heart Crystals increase the characters’ maximum health, and other key items support their adventure. Some treasures are guarded by powerful traps.