I got into the Alice series when I ended up getting some money for Christmas. I remember thinking Madness Returns looked interesting and kind of wanting it a little bit, so I ended up picking it up. The version I got was the deluxe edition, so it came with the first game as well.

At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the game. I played for a little bit, then left it be for quite some time. I ended up seeing something recommended to me on some website and it piqued my interest, so I picked it back up where I left off.

From then on, I was in love. The themes explorng mental illness spoke to me and the style of the game was gorgeous. It sort of reminded me of my own mind, if only just a little bit. Especially the Dollhouse level. I replayed the game too many times to count, probably annoying my family just a little bit in the process.

The first game spoke to me just as much. It reminded me of the places I saw in my dreams. It really felt like home, just like Madness Returns did and still does.

I still come back to the games even now when I need a little comfort. If I don't feel up to playing them myself, I just put on a stream of them and sort of zone out. The music takes me back to another place and time, and the scenery in the game makes me feel like I'm dreaming a very pleasant dream. One I wish I didn't have to wake up from.