Review Summary: Essential world building. An excellent soundtrack.
I often find video game music takes up too much space. I prefer a soundtrack that is notably present but still allows the crunch of the sound effects. The soundtrack for Alice Madness Returns is perfectly balanced in that regard. Whether you want to enjoy the music or the snicker-snack of the Vorpal Blade, you can without irritation, and the sound is beautifully clear.
The soundtrack is composed of ambient music, with violin and piano ditties also. The music is essential to the world building. In the menu a violin bit is playing that sounds as though a busker from Alice’s street played it. It‘s a nice touch and it’s pretty unique as far as menu music goes. The interest doesn’t stop there though. When you enter Wonderland for the first time the music is ethereal and calming, lulling you before the nightmare begins.
The music within breathes life into the fantastic world which is both familiar and otherworldly. Each piece perfectly manufactures a distinct mood, an atmosphere that also reflects the madness/innocence of the tortured character that is Alice. There are moments that are beautiful, and then the nightmare continues with sounds like bumps in the night, off putting violin slides and twisted machinery.
No description of the soundtrack will truly do justice, for it is best served while playing the video game. By itself, the soundtrack is compelling, but it does not have enough standout moments for repeated listens. The soundtrack is still easily remembered though, and I have nothing but fond memories of it. It could not hope to match the brilliance of the art direction, but moments of spotless magic are found if you dare enter Alice’s unreality.
