Alice Sisters (v2023.09.15)

A kidnapped mother and a looming mountain tyrant give this colorful indie platformer a simple but effective rescue-story frame. Alice Sisters plays like a classic 2D action-puzzle adventure, sending two young heroines through 28 stages split between four visually distinct regions. Its cheerful pixel-art presentation and approachable controls keep the mood light, but the levels steadily demand sharper timing, coordination, and planning. Every world builds toward a boss encounter, giving the journey a welcome sense of escalation rather than feeling like a disconnected string of obstacle courses.

Players guide both sisters alone by swapping between them, or share the adventure in local two-player co-op. Alice changes size through magical mushrooms: shrinking lets her slip into narrow routes, while growing restores her mobility and jumping potential. Her sister attacks by tossing balls, which knock back foes, smash certain barriers, and interact with parts of the environment that Alice cannot reach. Progress depends on reading each room, finding keys for matching doors, operating switches in the right order, avoiding hazards, and combining both sisters’ powers to open the next path. Bosses add a more action-focused test, while the platforming remains forgiving enough at lower settings for younger or less experienced players.

What separates Alice Sisters from a straightforward retro platformer is its emphasis on cooperative problem-solving rather than pure reflexes. Difficulty options significantly alter the experience, from a relaxed setting that removes death pressure to stricter modes with limited lives, and a dedicated puzzle challenge built around precise ball throws. The compact campaign makes it easy to replay with another player or revisit tougher modes after an initial run. Fans of Nintendo-style platformers, especially games with the teamwork spirit of Bubble Bobble or the character-switching puzzles of The Lost Vikings, find plenty to enjoy here; it suits newcomers, families, and veteran completionists looking for a brisk, clever co-op diversion.