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EAsy Install Guide –
Your Guide to Trouble
Free Gaming!
Electronic Help file
Your game includes an electronic help file to help solve any
problems you might have running your game. You ask the
questions – it provides the answers. The help file can be
accessed from the Windows Start Bar in the same group as
your game. The help file also includes ‘InfoPro’ – a
diagnostic tool that helps you, or Sold Out Software Technical
Support staff diagnose the problem you’re having. Refer to
the Still stuck? Give us a call section on p. 22 for more
information.
Glossary of Terms
If you do not understand any of the terms listed in this
document you will find a glossary in the menu bar of the
Electronic Help file to help you.
1
CONTENTS
System Requirements
EAsy Install Guide – Your Guide to Trouble Free Gaming! ..............................1
Electronic Help file ..........................................................................................1
Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................1
Contents ..........................................................................................................2
System Requirements ......................................................................................3
Clean Up Your System before Running the Game ............................................4
What is DirectX™? ..........................................................................................5
DirectX Notes ..................................................................................................7
Installing the Game ..........................................................................................7
Uninstalling/re-installing the Game ..................................................................9
Starting the Game ............................................................................................9
Problems with Your Software? ........................................................................10
GamePlay Guide ............................................................................................15
Welcome to Wonderland ................................................................................15
Default Keyboard Controls ............................................................................16
Main Menu ....................................................................................................18
Game Screen ..................................................................................................19
Loading/Saving Games ..................................................................................19
Customer Services – Can We Help You? ........................................................20
Electronic Help file ........................................................................................21
On-line Services ............................................................................................21
Still stuck? Give us a call ................................................................................22
Minimum Configuration
2
• Windows® 95, Windows 98 or Windows ME
(Windows 2000 and Windows NT are not supported)
• 400 MHz AMD® K6-2™, Intel® Pentium® II
processor
• 64 MB RAM
• 4x CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
• 600 MB free hard disc space, plus space for saved games
(additional space required for Windows swap-file and
DirectX installation)
• 16 MB OpenGL capable video card with DirectX 7
compatible driver
• DirectX 7 compatible sound card
• Keyboard
• Mouse
Recommended Configuration
• 500 MHz or faster AMD Athlon™ or Intel Pentium
III processor
• 128 MB RAM
• 8x or faster CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive using 32-bit
Windows driver
• 620 MB free hard disc space, plus space for saved games
(additional space required for Windows swap-file and
DirectX installation)
• 32 MB or greater OpenGL capable video card with
DirectX 7 compatible driver
3
CLEAN UP YOUR SYSTEM
BEFORE RUNNING THE GAME
Before you install any software, it is critical that your hard
drive be in proper working order. We recommend that you
perform regular “house keeping” by running ScanDisk and
Disk Defragmenter.
• ScanDisk searches your hard drive for any lost data.
• Disk Defragmenter ensures that your data is sorted
properly. Failure to verify this may result in corrupt data.
1. To run ScanDisk, click on the START button from
the Taskbar.
2. From the Start menu, select RUN.
3. In the Run dialog box, type scandisk and click OK.
4. Once the program starts, ensure that you have selected
THOROUGH in the Type of test section. The process will
take a while to complete but the results are well worth the
time invested. Make sure there is a check mark in the
AUTOMATICALLY FIX ERRORS box and select the
hard drive you are installing the game to (e.g., C:).
5. Once everything is set up correctly, click START to have
the program scan the drive and correct any errors.
6. Next, run Disk Defragmenter. Click START from the
Taskbar.
7. From the Start menu, select RUN.
8. In the Run dialog box, type defrag and click OK.
9. As with ScanDisk, select the drive you are installing the
game to and click OK. This process will also take some
time, but is again worth the effort to ensure a trouble free
installation of your game.
4
WHAT IS DIRECTX™?
Read this section completely before playing American
McGee’s Alice or installing DirectX.
DirectX is part of Windows® 95 and 98. It allows Windows
to access certain parts of your PC at high speed, to allow you
to run today’s games. As new technology is introduced, such
as next generation 3D Accelerators and 3D soundcards,
DirectX evolves to support these new technologies. American
McGee’s Alice requires DirectX 7.0a, which is included on the
game disc for you to install if necessary.
In order to operate correctly, DirectX may need to update the
software drivers for your video card, sound card, or 3D
accelerator. Using drivers that do not have DirectX 7.0a
support may result in display or audio problems in American
McGee’s Alice.
During the installation of DirectX 7.0a, your video card,
sound card and 3D accelerator card drivers will be checked
for compatibility. If possible, the DirectX 7.0a installer will
update any incompatible drivers automatically. However, if
you have a very new piece of hardware in your system, or a
lesser-known model, you may need to contact the
manufacturer of the component for the latest software drivers
with DirectX 7.0a support.
Important Note: During the installation of DirectX 7.0a,
the Setup program detects whether or not your drivers can be
updated successfully. If the driver being replaced has not
been tested or replacing the driver is known to cause
problems, the Setup program warns you accordingly. We
recommend you abide by these warnings.
5
How do I install DirectX 7.0a?
When you install American McGee’s Alice, your system will be
scanned for DirectX. If the correct version is not detected, you
will be prompted to install DirectX 7.0a from the American
McGee’s Alice CD. We recommend you follow the advice given
by the Setup program.
If you want to install DirectX 7.0a after installing American
McGee’s Alice:
1. Click START on your Windows taskbar, highlight FIND
and click FILES OR FOLDERS.
2. In the NAMED box, type dxsetup
3. Ensure the LOOK IN box is set to the drive letter of
your CD-ROM (e.g. D:) drive, then click FIND NOW.
4. When the file appears, double click on the dxsetup icon in
the Name column.
5. When the DXSetup window appears, click Reinstall
DirectX to complete the process.
Check your system!
To check if your computer fully supports DirectX 7.0a, run
the DirectX Diagnostics Tool after installing DirectX7.0a.
1. Click START on your Windows taskbar. Then click RUN.
2. From the Run dialog box, type dxdiag then click OK.
The DirectX Diagnostics Tool gives you information on your
video card, sound card and 3D accelerator card drivers.
• To check your video card drivers, click on the
DISPLAY tab or the DISPLAY 1 tab if you have one.
• To check your sound card drivers, click on the SOUND tab.
• Some 3D accelerators have their own tab, called
DISPLAY 2, so you may need to check this also.
On each of these screens, the Drivers section tells you if
Microsoft has certified your driver as supporting DirectX 7.0a.
6
• If your driver is reported as ‘Certified: Yes’ your device
has DirectX 7.0a support and should work properly with
American McGee’s Alice.
• If your driver is reported as ‘Certified: No’ your device
does not have DirectX 7.0a support and you may
experience problems running American McGee’s Alice.
Please consult the notes section at the bottom of the
DirectX Diagnostic Tool window.
• Windows 98 users may also consult the
TROUBLESHOOT button, accessed from the MORE
HELP tab. Normally, updated drivers that support
DirectX7.0a will be available from the manufacturer of
the device in question, which will allow you to play
American McGee’s Alice without any problems. In this
case, we suggest you contact the manufacturer of the
device, and request the latest DirectX 7.0a compatible
drivers. These are normally available free of charge from
the manufacturer’s web-site, or via their technical support
help-line.
DirectX Notes
American McGee’s Alice™ uses the DirectX 7 API (the latest
iteration of DirectX at the time of release) and includes
DirectX 7 files which you can install.
Installing the Game
To install American McGee’s Alice:
1. Start the Windows operating system.
2. Insert the American McGee’s Alice Disc 1 into your CD
drive. The Game Setup screen appears.
7
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3. To begin installing, click INSTALL GAME. The
Welcome screen appears.
4. Click NEXT. When prompted, enter the registration
number, then proceed to the Choose Destination
Locations screen.
• The default install directory is C:\Program Files\EA
GAMES\American McGee’s Alice. To choose a different
destination directory, click BROWSE…, select the desired
directory, then click NEXT. The Setup Type screen
appears.
5. Select TYPICAL or LOW MEMORY (64 MB RAM).
Click NEXT. The Select Program Folder screen appears.
6. Choose the destination folder in which you want
American McGee’s Alice to appear in the START menu,
then click NEXT. After you decide whether or not to add
a shortcut to your desktop, American McGee’s Alice is
copied to your hard drive.
• This process takes a few minutes—it’s a good time to read
the Casebook that accompanies the game and get familiar
with the Alice story or review the gameplay section of this
manual to get familiar with how to play in Wonderland.
7. When prompted for Disc 2, insert American McGee’s
AliceAlice Disc 2, then click OK. The install process
completes.
8. When the installation process has ended, the Completion
screen appears, click FINISH. You’re ready to enter
Wonderland (see Starting the Game on p. 9).
8
Uninstalling/re-installing
the Game
If you are having problems or the game did not install
correctly the first time, we recommend re-installing the
game.
To uninstall American McGee’s Alice:
1. Start the Windows operating system.
2. Insert American McGee’s Alice Disc 1 in your CD drive.
The Setup screen appears.
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3. Click UNINSTALL ALICE to uninstall the game.
To re-install American McGee’s Alice:
• After uninstalling the game, follow the steps listed in
Installing the Game on p.7 to re-install American
McGee’s Alice.
Starting the Game
To start American McGee’s Alice:
1. Start the Windows operating system.
2. Insert American McGee’s Alice Disc 2 in your CD drive.
3. Click the START button on your Windows taskbar, then
select Programs>EA GAMES>American McGee’s
Alice>American McGee’s Alice. After the EA GAMES
screen displays, the Main menu appears. (see Main Menu
on p. 18)
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Gameplay Gui
Problems with Your
Software?
If you are having a problem installing or using your software,
we want to help.
• Please make sure you have thoroughly read the System
Requirements and Installing the Game sections. It is
essential that your system meets the Minimum
Configuration requirements for the game.
If you followed the directions and are still having trouble
installing or operating the software, below are some
troubleshooting tips that might help solve the problem.
CD Problems
A 4x-speed or faster CD-ROM drive is required to run
American McGee’s Alice.
Receive “File not found” error
message when installing or running
the game
• Make sure the appropriate CD is in the CD drive. A CD
must be in the drive to install or run the game.
• Make sure the CD is not scratched or damaged.
CD-ROM Performance Problems
• Make sure you are using a 32-bit native Windows driver
to control your CD-ROM drive. To verify that you are
using 32-bit CD-ROM drivers:
• Click Start>Settings>Control Panel.
• From the Control Panel, double-click SYSTEM. The
System Properties appear.
• Click the PERFORMANCE tab.
• If the Performance Status states that your system is
configured for optimal performance, you are using 32-bit
Windows native drivers and do not need to update them.
If not, you may need to update your CD-ROM drivers.
• Do not use a DOS-based 16-bit driver to control your
CD-ROM (loaded in CONFIG.SYS) as it may
significantly reduce performance.
General Crashes/Lockups
In some cases, programs that are running on your system can
monopolise resources that the game needs in order to install,
load and run properly. Not all of these programs are
immediately visible. There are a number of programs, called
“background tasks”, that are always running on your system.
Important Note: While shutting down background tasks
will optimise your system for running American McGee’s
Alice, these background tasks’ features will be unavailable
once shut down. Remember to re-enable background tasks
after playing American McGee’s Alice by restarting your
computer.
Anti-virus/Crash Guard Programs
If your system is running Anti-Virus or Crash Guard
programs you will need to close or disable them to run
American McGee’s Alice. To do this, find the icon for the
program on the Windows taskbar. Right-click the icon and
select CLOSE, DISABLE or the relevant option.
10
11
General Background Tasks
Once Anti-Virus and Crash Guard programs have been
disabled, you should end all unnecessary general background
tasks. To view and close these background tasks:
1. Hold down the CTRL and ALT keys, then tap the
Delete key.
2. The Close Program window appears. Inside this window is
a list of all background tasks running on your system.
• It is important that you do not close the background
tasks named Explorer or Systray. All other background
tasks may be ended.
3. To end a background task, click on its name in the list,
then click the END TASK button.
4. The Close Program window closes and the task is ended.
Repeat until only Explorer and Systray remain.
It is important to remember that the next time you restart
your computer, all of the background tasks that you ended
will reactivate.
Video Problems
attempts to replace your existing video card driver. In
some cases, this may disable Manufacturer-specific
utilities for your video card. If you want to keep these
utilities functional, you may have to obtain the latest
drivers with DirectDraw support directly from the
manufacturer of your video card.
• If your video card driver already has DirectDraw support,
but is not yet Certified by Microsoft, you are prompted
to replace your current driver. In most cases, you should
not replace your existing driver as it may disable
Manufacturer-specific utilities for your video card. If you
have video-related problems using the uncertified
DirectDraw drivers from your manufacturer, you may
solve these problems by reinstalling DirectX and replacing
your current video driver with a DirectX 7 video driver.
3D Accelerator Tips
If you experience problems with the detection of your
supported 3D accelerator card, please refer to the
documentation provided with your 3D accelerator card.
OpenGL and GLSetup Notes
American McGee’s Alice requires an Open GL-supported video
card capable of 640X480 resolution with 16-bit high-color
(16 MB or more video memory).
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General Video Card Information
• During DirectX installation, the DirectX setup program
attempts to install a display driver for your video card that
supports DirectDraw. If your video card driver does not
have DirectDraw support, the DirectX setup program
12
American McGee’s Alice uses the OpenGL API for video
rendering of the game.
GLSetup automatically detects your video card hardware and
installs the appropriate OpenGL drivers for your card.
GLSetup is included on American McGee’s Alice Disc 1 and
needs to be run separately prior to playing American McGee’s
Alice.
GLSetup only works with Windows 95/98 operating system.
It does not work under Windows NT or Windows 2000.
This utility is provided as a convenience for you to help
minimise the difficulty in getting the accelerated 3D video
portion of your game up and running smoothly. The
following video chipsets are supported by the version of
GLSetup (v1.0.0.117) included on your CD:
13
• 3Dfx™ Voodoo5™, Voodoo3™, Voodoo Banshee™,
NVIDIA® GeForce2™, NVIDIA Ge Force 256™,
NVIDIA TNT2™, NVIDIA TNT™, NVIDIA
Quadro2™, NVIDIA Quadro™, ATI® Radeon™, ATI
Rage 128 Pro Maxx™, ATI Rage 128 Pro™, ATI Rage
128™, S3 Savage 2000™, S3 Savage4™, Matrox®
MGA-G400™ and 3Dlabs Permedia 3™
GLSetup Installation
If you are experiencing video issues, have one of the
supported cards and you are running Windows 95/98, then
you should run GLSetup.
• To install GLSetup, run ‘D:\glsetup’ from Disc 1. Once
this is complete and you have the game installed, you are
ready to play. (Substitute the appropriate drive if other
than “D:”.)
• If you would like to find more recent updates and
information regarding GLSetup, visit www.glsetup.com.
Installed sound card, but there is no sound
• Make sure your speakers or headphones are plugged into
the appropriate jack, are turned on and the volume
control is turned up.
General Sound Card Information
• During DirectX installation, the DirectX setup program
attempts to install a driver for your sound card that has
DirectSound support. If your sound card driver does not
support DirectSound, the DirectX setup program
attempts to replace your existing sound card driver.
• Please consult your sound card manufacturer for updated
drivers if DirectX 7 DirectSound drivers are not available
for your sound card.
GAMEPLAY GUIDE
Memory Problems
Welcome to Wonderland
American McGee’s Alice requires at least 64 MB RAM and
Virtual Memory enabled. We advise letting Windows manage
the amount of virtual memory automatically (the default
setting) and having at least 50 MB free hard disk space after
installation.
When you first drop into Wonderland, look for the Cheshire
Cat. He’ll set you on the proper path.
Take some time to familiarise yourself with the basic
moves—learn to stretch your legs so to speak—and become
acquainted with your toys.
In addition to the Cheshire Cat, there will be some other
benign creatures along the way. Not every creature is loyal to
the Queen, so be on the lookout for a helping hand.
You’ve dropped into a dark dream. What are you going to do
to find your way out of it?
Sound problems
American McGee’s Alice requires a sound card with
DirectSound support. If your sound card driver does not have
DirectSound support, you may experience choppy or
stuttering sound or sound that cuts in and out. In this case,
we recommend obtaining updated drivers from your sound
card manufacturer.
14
15
Default Keyboard Controls
Main Menu
ACTION
Activate highlighted item
MOUSE
Left-click
Gameplay
General Gameplay
ACTION
KEYBOARD/MOUSE
Look
Mouse
Move forwards/backwards
W/S
Strafe left/right (side-step)
A/D
Turn left/right
Left arrow/right arrow
Jump, swim up, jump off vines SPACE BAR
Climb down vines
F
Camera Look
TAB
Walk
While moving forwards,
hold down SHIFT
Use item (for opening doors,
activating levers, climbing up
vines etc.)
ENTER
Summon Cheshire Cat
C
Pause game
PAUSE
(press again to continue)
Pause game and return
Main menu
ESC
Quickload
F1
Quicksave
F4
Toys
ACTION
KEYBOARD/MOUSE
Primary attack
Left mouse button
Secondary attack
Right mouse button
Cycle toys (forwards/backwards) [ / ] (brackets)
Vorpal Blade
1
Mallet
2
Cards
3
Jackbomb
4
Icewand
5
Jacks
6
Demon Dice
7
Eyestaff
8
Blunderbuss
9
Deadtime Watch
0
• You can’t use a toy until you find it. The first toy you
should find is the Vorpal Blade.
• The Cheshire Cat can be your guide, though his
assistance can be enigmatic. Press C when you require
special help and see if he has anything to tell you.
• For additional gameplay information, go to your
Windows taskbar and click Start>Programs>American
McGee’s Alice>Gameplay Help.
from the Main
Settings option
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16
17
menu to
Quit
Main Menu
Exit the game or view game credits.
Whenever you start the game, the Main menu appears.
New Game
Select this option to begin an introductory sequence. This
will lead you to Wonderland.
Load.Save Game
If you saved a previous game, click here to go to the Load,
Save, Delete screen. (For more info, see Loading/Saving Games
on p. 19.)
LOAD
Load a previously saved game.
SAVE
Save a game and return to play later.
DELETE
Remove a saved game.
Settings
Customise your game options and audio, video and control
settings.
Control: Reconfigure
your controls. (Default
controls are listed on p.
16.)
Audio: Adjust audio options
such as music volume,
speaker-type and more.
Game Options: Invert your
mouse control and set other
gameplay options.
Video: Adjust video
options such as
resolution, colour depth
and more.
• To customise your controls from the Settings menu,
double-click the control you want to change, then press
any key. That key becomes your control for the selected
action. When you have finished customising your
controls, select RETURN to save them. (Select RESET to
return to the default controls.)
18
Game Screen
Level of Sanity: The red
meter on the left
indicates Alice’s level of
sanity. If the sanity
meter empties, your
quest in Wonderland has
reached a bitter
conclusion.
Strength of Will: The
blue meter on the right
indicates the strength of
Alice’s will. The
stronger her will, the
more powerful her toys.
Footprints: These
indicate Alice’s
landing spot when
jumping forward from
a stationary position.
Current Toy: A placard swings out
indicating the toy Alice is currently playing
with (if any). The blade is available at the
start of gameplay. Gather more toys as you
progress through Wonderland.
• In order to save a game, press S. The Main menu appears
(see Main Menu on p. 18). You can save the game in
progress by proceeding to the Load/Save Game screen
(see Loading/Saving Games on p. 19).
Loading/Saving Games
The Load/Save Game screen, available from the Main Menu,
allows you to manage your gameplay files. You can save, load
or delete games from this screen.
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19
Load/Save Game Screen
Click button to
select the game
you want to load
or delete
Electronic Help file
Load a previously saved game
Click to save game
Delete a saved game
Return to
previous screen
To save a game:
1. Press S at any point during gameplay. The Main menu
appears.
2. Select LOAD/SAVE GAME. Your current game appears
in the large screen on the right.
3. Click the S icon under the screen. Your game is saved with
all other saved games in the bank of smaller screens.
To load a game:
1. Select LOAD/SAVE GAME from the Main menu.
2. Highlight the saved game you want to load, then click L
to load your game.
To delete a saved game:
1. Select LOAD/SAVE GAME from the Main menu.
2. Highlight the saved game you want to delete, then click
D. The game is deleted.
EAsy Install Guide didn’t help? Your game includes an
electronic help file to help solve those slightly more tricky
problems. You ask the questions – it provides the answers.
The help file can be accessed from the Windows Start Bar in
the same group as your game. The help file also includes
‘EAsy Info’ – a diagnostic tool that helps you, or Electronic
Arts Technical Support staff diagnose the problem you’re
having – more on this later.
On-line Services
Technical Support web site: www.sold-out.co.uk
• Our Technical Support web site contains troubleshooting
information, FAQs, and the latest patches and game
updates.
Email Technical Support: [email protected]
• If our web site didn’t help, our email support service is
the next step.
CUSTOMER SERVICES –
CAN WE HELP YOU?
Problem? Question? Whatever it is, we’re here to help. If
you’re having trouble running your game, there are several
ways we can help:
20
21
Still stuck? Give us a call
If you’re still having problems, or if you’d just prefer the
personal touch, Sold Out offers free technical support
on all our products (standard BT national call rates apply).
Manned lines open from 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm Monday to
Friday.
Now, get a pen and paper, and youre ready to call:
+44 (0)20 7928 9655
Alternatively, you may write to us at the following address,
including a daytime telephone number and an EAsy Info report:
Customer Services, Sold Out Software
122 Southwark Street,
London, SE1 0SW United Kingdom
Or fax us, including an EAsy Info report, on: +44 (0)20 7261 0540
When contacting us by fax or letter, please include a daytime
telephone number whenever possible, so we can contact you.
Creating an Easy Info report
1. Open the on-line help file, and click the EAsy Info
button in the menu bar. After a few moments, an options
window appears.
2. Click ‘OK’ to begin system examination, the Electronic
Arts System Information screen appears.
3. Click ‘Save Info’ to save the report file to your desktop.
Click ‘OK’ if you want to close the EAsy Info report
without saving a copy to your desktop.
• If you chose to ‘Save Info’, a file called EAsy_EA.txt will
be placed on your desktop. Simply double-click on this
icon to view the file.
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you wish to prin lick the icon on your desktop to ct and click
simply double-c ’ in the menu bar. Finally, sele
Then, click ‘Filedrop-down menu.
‘Print’ from the
22
4 November 1864
Received confirmation from the Superintendent that I will
be given the opportunity to treat a very troubled and
difficult patient. Dubious honour! Her name is Alice, and
her prognosis is not promising. After looking at her file, I’m
astonished she has survived this long. She has been nearly
comatose for a year.
own then what
I kn
admitted her had
Would I have
/10/73
I know now? -3
11 November 1864
Mute on a stretcher, with her head curiously bandaged, Alice
seems to cling precariously to life. Her burns have healed
remarkably in the year since the fire, but she languishes in a
deep trance-like dementia. It’s as if the blaze consumed her
senses wholesale. Deaf, dumb, and blind to all stimulation,
she’s a fair match for the infirmary’s gloom.
In a frenzied instant, a cankered feline pounced on Alice
while she was about to be carried inside. Startled by the cat’s
yowl, the bearers lost their grip and dropped the wretched
girl to the ground. Most curious to behold, the cat stood
atop Alice as if claiming territorial right, or as if defending a
rodent captured in the day’s hunt from other hungry
predators. Only when an orderly threatened it with a stick
did the creature scamper into a nearby hedge. Even then the
cat crouched beneath the shrubbery. With eyes agape, it fixed
on Alice as if it had some vital interest in our proceedings.
’ve learned
ething I
the feline—som
It pays to heed
1/10/73
over the years. -2
14 November 1864
6 January 1865
Her one possession is a toy—a sooty, stuffed rabbit whose
single button-eye dangles from a loose thread. Plaything from
her time of innocence, and her only link to life before the
fire, the rabbit is now sentinel to Alice’s deepening dementia.
Another patient died in the night. I’d been treating her with
the same potion I intend for Alice. I had been quite certain
she was improving with each subsequent vial, so this
development is quite vexing. Perhaps the stronger mixture
was too much for her chronically weak chest. A little more
experimentation is in order before I feed this serum to Alice.
t for shock
luable instrumen
va
a
e
ov
pr
ay
m
1/10/73
The rabbit
ticed it sooner. –2
no
ve
ha
ld
ou
sh
therapy. I
8 December 1864
When I hold a flame to her eye, nothing in her vacuous gaze
betrays the faintest glimmer of response. I clap a pair of
blocks at her ear. Nothing. Neither her sight nor her hearing
appear to be damaged; still she registers nothing at all. The
rumour (passed on by Reverend Mottle amongst others)
alleges that she feels nothing—not pain, or fear or other
torments—is neither credible nor kind. Still, she is far, far
gone, this one.
10 December 1864
Though she appears weak, she must have a strong
constitution to have survived until now. Her fever persists; her
breathing heaves violently at times and, even after more than
a year of healing, burns so massive commonly cause great
discomfort. You’d never imagine she’s in any distress, though,
the way lies there, as lifeless as a British Museum mummy. I
daresay, however, that I’ll stir her from her dreamery, even if
the response is involuntary.
I’ll begin tomorrow with a steady treatment of cold plasters
and bloodletting. The bleeding might cause some relief to her
dementia. I also have a new shock apparatus that I’d like to
try on her. I’m curious to see how she reacts to this treatment.
mphor might
more ca
anum and a little
A little less laud
–13/12/73
have spared her.
23 February 1865
Through the windows of my laboratory, I can glimpse the
garden ward. Nurse D- is leading a group of children to the
airing room. I listen to the great shuffling of feet on the
pebble path. Will Alice, I wonder, ever stroll the grounds
with the others? Will she ever regain her senses? Or, for the
rest of her days will she remain cloistered behind these thick,
grey walls? Based on her progress so far, it seems futile to
hold out much hope for a cure.
ly
d would eventual
imagined her min
ve
ha
74
I
1/
d
7/
ul
co
–2
Little
d gardens.
inable forests an
gambol in unimag
23 March 1865
Nothing seems to aggravate the girl. I’ve tried restraint—
handcuffs, leg-locks and straightjackets. I’ve tried solitary
confinement. On the other hand, I’ve allowed her to smell
freedom, leaving her for hours at a time unattended in the
garden. Yet nothing stirs her. I still have a number of
methods, some of which I haven’t engaged in since the old
days, but I’m beginning to doubt anything can bring about a
change in this one.
1 April 1865
10 September 1873
Each year on this peculiar day I pause—exactly at noon
according to my pocket-watch—to ponder the absurdity of
such a day. Is it not ironic that we here should celebrate a
holiday dedicated to fools?
The girl has shut down completely. If it were possible, I’d say
Alice has retreated even further into what the European
practitioners of psychiatry call her “psyche.” I’ll keep trying
different methods, but unless there’s some sort of marked
improvement, there’s no reason to hope. I’ll document
progress . . . if indeed there ever is any progress.
While Alice napped following her afternoon sedation, Nurse
D- took it upon herself to replace the rabbit’s missing eye.
Even after living so many years in an infirm population, it
can still surprise me when a seemingly trivial act can trigger
such a remarkable reaction.
Alice woke from her nap and began to sob hysterically.
“Tell me, child, what’s wrong?”
pleaded Nurse D-.
“What is it, dear?”
In an instant of semi-awareness, Alice spoke a sort of poetry.
Into the hole again, we hurried along our way
Into a once-glorious garden now seeped in dark decay
She continued to cry, and it was only when Nurse Dplucked the newly stitched eye from the rabbit’s face that
Alice fell back into her customary state.
7 September 1873
After years of slumber, she chooses to speak to us with a
picture, a drawing of some sort of cat. Really, though, it’s
nothing like any cat I’ve ever seen.
take to stir
as a mis
viour, maybe it w
With such beha
3/74
awaken her. –29/
these waters and
I don’t know whether to cheer at this response—any
response—or grow alarmed over the intensity of her
emotional outburst. At least we discovered one thing: she can
speak.
ow the
foreshad
bizarre couldn’t
so
g
in
aw
dr
a
n
Eve
me. –29/3/74
imaginings to co
11 September 1873
18 October 1873
When she is so inclined, Alice can draw. This morning I was
greeted by another of Alice’s artistic phantasmagorias. What is
it she’s rendering? I can only think it’s a depiction of her
nightmare of Hell.
The Superintendent paid a visit. The smell of his perfumed
handshake is still in my nostrils. He doesn’t visit often, but
when he does he arrives unannounced and remains overlong.
Typically, he flounces through the infirmary pretending to be
interested in this case or that. This time, he requested to see
Alice and asked for the leeches. When she refused to stir, the
Superintendent stretched wide his mouth in a yawn of
infinite boredom.
When I displayed some of her recent artwork, the
Superintendent’s attention was caught again as if someone
jabbed his fatty palm with a hot poker.
15 October 1873
Approaching Alice’s room, I heard the muffled sounds of
laughter. A pair of orderlies were cursing at her and
threatening her with leather straps. It’s easy to see that this
pair was weaned from the same teat.
Alice didn’t respond to their tomfoolery; and the orderlies
were not impressed by my reprimand. Good help is so hard
to find.
d state when he
agitate
He was in a very
4
departed. –7/4/7
24 October 1873
Nurse D- has been listening from outside the door. Alice, it
seems, has been muttering inarticulately. Though no one can
understand her, it’s likely she’s addressing the one-eyed hare.
26 October 1873
Her case is not overly remarkable … at least not when
compared to the countless other patients who live within
these walls. I am not minimising her tragedy—the undeniable
strain is enough to set anyone’s mind askew. Imagine the
horror of hearing the piteous cries of your entire family—
trapped in their burning bedrooms—and being unable to
help. Alice certainly heard such screams. I imagine she’s been
hearing them for ten years.
t. Her case
emen
I retract this stat
Looking back,
ble. –7/4/74
IS most remarka
3 November 1873
I hear the clock ticking onward, past midnight, and then I’m
suddenly aware of other sounds. In the barren pit of the
night, the most disturbed minds are alive throughout the
asylum. Alice isn’t stirring, so I listen to the blood-curdling
shrieks, the haunting clank of shackles, the insane groaning,
insufferable babble and lunatic mutterings.
After the initial convulsions, Alice’s body again appears
lifeless. If it weren’t for the sporadic utterances in her sleep, I’d
hold the mirror to her mouth. It’s impossible to comprehend
what she says. It sounds like “too glum” or “through him” or
“boo-jum.” Nonsense really. Is it a person’s name? A place? Or
simply some conjuring of this raving delirium? I yell the
utterance into her ear and prick her shoulder with a needle—
she gasps, but her speech does not become any clearer.
?
ct such fantasies
nstru
how does she co
Boojum! But
–11/4/74
The potion courses through her blood. Sitting in this cold
room reminds me of the last treatment here. The shredded
padding recalls to my mind the patient who believed rats
spoke to him—they lived in the padding, he said. Indeed, he
believed the spirits of his ancestors spoke to him through the
rats. After the trepanation, he stopped having such delusions
and was removed to the Dormitory.
Alice remains quiet.
21 November 1873
Once again, the orderlies were up to their usual pranks. Weary
of prying open Alice’s mouth, the orderlies started “feeding”
Alice’s toy rabbit, spooning porridge onto the stuffed toy.
orderlies are
ed. Those oafish
irm
nf
co
e
ar
ns
io
–13/4/74
My suspic
gotten nephews.
be
is
m
t’s
en
nd
te
the Superin
While engaged in this feeding, the orderlies learned an
essential lesson in asylum protocol—never turn your back on
a patient . . . no matter how docile she seems.
From information I’ve gathered, Alice woke from her
comatose state and attacked the orderlies. Quite venomous in
her outburst, she pursued one of the twins with a spoon.
Even in her condition, she was able to deliver quite a gash.
She clutched the spoon like it was a butcher knife, gouging
into his fleshy cheek. Ceasing in mid-attack, she turned the
spoon on herself, digging it into her wrists, trying to open up
her veins. I stitched her wounds and tended to the orderly.
Alice shouldn’t suffer any permanent physical scars; it’s too
early to say the same about the orderly.
ed me. –13/4/74
ldn’t have surpris
ch as this shou
An outburst su
She has returned to her dormant state. Nothing I say or do
can entice her to relive her early morning animation.
7 December 1873
There’s been a slight change. Her mouth is now relaxed, and
we can feed her without force. When it’s time for her elixir,
she seems to part her lips slightly as if she’s inviting the new
potion into her belly.
Hardly a cure, but any change symbols progress.
8 December 1873
A mangy cat was licking at Alice’s cheek. It hissed when I
entered, and pounced onto the windowsill—it must be flesh
and bones only to squeeze through the grate. I could almost
perceive a smile on its scabbed face. It’s curious how an
animal’s countenance can appear almost human.
There are so many feral cats on the grounds. I wouldn’t be
surprised if they outnumber the patients.
e when
pounced on Alic
at
th
t
ca
e
th
of
e
It reminds m
ough. –26/4/74
ore emaciated th
arrived here. M
she
13 December 1873
Something in the outdoor air may have stirred her
imagination. On her return she produced an intriguing sketch.
Once again she proves she is capable of doing something other
than staring at the yellowed paint on the ceiling.
talent in
At times there’s
6/4/74
her madness. –2
15 December 1873
It’s been three days since I removed the rabbit from her
room. We can hear her screams growing louder through the
closed door.
25 December 1873
She has returned to her trance-like state, with one notable
exception—her mouth stretches very wide whenever anyone
enters the room. Whether it’s for the potion or for the food,
she’s definitely inviting more.
at me”
ering “E
repeatedly whisp
by
ns
ea
m
e
sh
t
Wha
3/7/74
ill eludes me. –2
and “drink me” st
17 April 1874
Months pass and still nothing.
Nurse D-, having lost patience with my treatments, insists on
trying a “cure” of her own. She stitched the rabbit together
and tucked it into bed with Alice.
18 April 1874
Interesting development! Alice has returned the gift,
presenting Nurse D- with a drawing of a rabbit, though it’s
quite different from her toy.
Regrettably, I cannot regard this maniacal outpouring as an
improvement in her condition.
2 June, 1874
It’s a world of sheer, chaotic terror and unmitigated
bloodshed—that’s the world she inhabits. So severe are her
delusions, so fantastical and absurd, that at times it’s difficult
for me to listen. She speaks of a nightmare realm where
everything seems bent on her destruction. Gigantic bayonettoting ants and flesh rending flowers. Carnivorous fish and
fire-spewing abominations. The range of hellish creatures
populating her world is dizzying. They are, on balance, more
deranged than the most demonic triptych Hieronymus Bosch
ever painted.
It’s as if I have been waiting and waiting for water to pour
from a spigot. Now, the water has finally started pouring,
and I cannot staunch the flow, nor discover its poisoned
source.
7 June, 1874
74
y watch? –10/5/
M
1 June, 1874
Out of nowhere, and as shocking as a bolt of lightning across
a sky of purest azure, Alice greeted me with a strange grin.
And then, lightning bolt upon lightning bolt, she began to
converse quite freely as if we’d been speaking to each other
like this for decades. I’ll include just a smattering of remarks
as evidence, not that the burden of proof is with me in this
foul courtroom.
“Beware the Snark’s poisonous spit . . . roll the Demon Dice
wisely or the game turns on you . . . note the Centipede has a
tender underbelly . . . I enjoy the taste of mushrooms, but not
the ones that bite back .”
More and more, she confides in me. She drones on and on. I
think the elixir is at the proper dosage now. At times, she
seems to fear and loathe my presence, yet she speaks as if she
can’t help herself.
8 June, 1874
12 June 1874
She spent the afternoon telling of a grisly siege between life-size
chess pieces. Having been hounded by a cyclopic pawn, it seems
she dispatched the one-eyed monster only to be chased
mercilessly over the living chessboard by a pair of renegade rooks.
As usual, her description was vivid beyond comprehension, a story
decidedly more compelling than anything in Froissart’s chronicles.
I should have predicted this. Without pencil, she turns to
poetry.
Mange-ridden to the core, he leads me through the fray
With the toss of a Jackbomb, I clear abominations
from our way
I asked her to describe a “Jackbomb.” Cunning and clever
girl, she asked me to return her pencil.
11 June 1874
Dozing for a few minutes only, I woke to the sight of Alice’s
freed hands tugging at my watch fob. Shackles might be
required for future sessions—at least until she behaves. I’m
taking her pencils as well. Let’s see if this punishment
provokes a response.
15 June 1874
18 June 1874
Her conversation contains flashes of lucidity. Certain
powerful words, however, cause her to dip back into her
fantasy world. And a word like “fire” can, for obvious reasons,
set her tumbling into an abyss of sadness.
At times, she can be quite civil, and sometimes disgustingly
vile. As an experiment, I’ve decided to suspend all
medication, except for a heavy dose of laudanum when she’s
in the foulest of tempers.
25 June 1874
Perhaps more cold saltwater treatments will cleanse some of
the chaotic thinking from her mind. She has been ranting. In
particular, she’s been spouting violently against someone she
refers to as the Red Queen.
ses to
Alice refu
uch conversation,
m
es
at
in
limit when she
m
do
en
ough, knows no
th
r,
ge
Though the Que
an
er
H
.
the monarch
. –20/7/74
describe or draw
do to the Queen
to
e
lik
d
e’
sh
t
talks about wha
19 July 1874
In her most disturbing outburst in quite some time, Alice
attacked one of the nurses while being bathed. Called her
“Duchess.”
ings show
clear, but her draw
n can be
Her conversatio
. –20/7/74
ss
no such progre
17 June 1874
Alice hurled the teapot across the room.
“How many times must I tell you? I only take tea with friends!”
22 July 1874
From a recent conversation with Alice:
“What have you been doing, Alice?”
“Attending the tea party of course.”
“Was it a grand party?”
“Oh most grand, dear doctor. I fear nothing and soon the
Keep will be in reach.”
25 July 1874
Her sleep is very restless one night and then calm as an
infant’s the next. She’s become consistently unpredictable.
27 July 1874
13 August 1874
Alice delivered another verse to her puzzling rhyme.
They taunt me about the burning as if I were to blame
I clear them from my conscious with the eloquence of my blade
Everything I can think of, I have done. Treatments, remedies,
disciplines and pleasures—nothing makes a difference. Alice
speaks when and about what she wants, recites poetry on a
seeming whim, draws pictures at her own pleasure. She does
nothing at my command, instruction, entreaty or request.
She’s become very wilful, and nothing I do or say makes a
difference.
I truly do, however, become immersed in her fantastic tales
of Wonderland. I wait for the day when she claims victory
over the Red Queen and her minions, when Wonderland will
be restored. Perhaps by this Alice will cure herself, regain her
balance and leave this place of her own volition.
Sometimes she appears to be so close, but at other times I’m
certain it’ll never happen and she’ll spend the rest of her life
housed behind Rutledge’s gaunt brown walls . . . with me.
28 July 1874
She spoke at length of a place called the Fungiferous Forest.
It’s a place filled with mushrooms the size of large trees;
fungus and foliage that grabs those who trample it; cavernous
wastes filled with creatures who are as disturbed as any I’ve
ever heard of.
. –2/8/74
em to recall
e like this, I se
cture of a plac
She’s drawn a pi
10 August 1874
It’s difficult for me to connect the massively passive Alice to
the aggressively assertive, powerful person she describes in her
dreams. Her exploits with the knife conjure images of a
musketeer’s swashbuckling panache; her acts of courage those
of a selfless hero. These are not “delusions of grandeur.” This
is no simple madness. But what?
en? –24/8/74
ly see herself th
al
How does she re
12 August 1874
“Off with her head!”
Those were her only words today. She wouldn’t explain what
this meant, though her face betrayed the violent anger that is
usually associated with her tales of the Queen of Hearts.
I’ve grown
y about me that
What does it sa
1/9/74
ch outbursts? –1
accustomed to su
24 August 1874
If it’s my keen invention you’d like to destroy
I’ll withstand your best shot; I’ve got the right toy
Credits
Casebook Written by Greg Roensch
Edited for Europe by James Lenoël
Cover Design: Joel Thomas
Design: Big Idea Group
Sketches: Ben Hall
Special Thanks to all who contributed to this Casebook,
including R. J. Berg, American McGee, Rogue Entertainment
(especially Rich Fleider, Ben Hall, and Joel Thomas), Ede
Clarke, Genee Higgins, Dave McCormick, Mike Kaiser,
Justin Holst, Andrew Young
All songs composed and performed by Chris Vrenna
(P) 2000 © 2000
Publishing courtesy of Almo Music Corp. (ASCAP) for itself
and on behalf of Pink Lava (ASCAP).
For a complete list of American McGee’s Alice™ credits, see
the credits section in the game.
For technical requirements and gameplay information, please
refer to the Install Guide/Basic Gameplay Guide included
with American McGee’s Alice.
Software and Documentation © 2000 Electronic Arts Inc. All rights reserved.
Portions © 2000 Rogue Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. This product
contains software technology licensed from Id Software, Inc. Id Technology
© 2000 Id Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Electronic Arts, EA GAMES, the
EA GAMES logo and American McGee's Alice are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. The
Rogue Entertainment logo is a trademark of Rogue Entertainment, Inc.
Special Thanks to Ritual Entertainment.
EA GAMES™ is an Electronic Arts™ brand.