Here's the "Hysteria" mode from 2011 video game Alice: Madness Returns explained - and when it can be used. Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland is one of the most iconic fantasy stories of all time and follows a girl who falls through a rabbit hole into a bizarre world filled with talking animals and other creatures. Alice In Wonderland has been adapted to just about every medium imaginable, with Tim Burton directing the most recent movie version from 2010, which was a huge success and later spawned a sequel.
Alice featured as a character in fantasy series Resident Evil movie was loosely inspired by Alice In Wonderland, with main character Alice (Milla Jovovich) being pulled into a bizarre adventure and faces a murderous A.I. called the "Red Queen" that likes to chop off heads. Another notable adaptation came in the form of video game American McGee's Alice in 2000. This game presented a horror-inspired take on the concept, with Alice finding herself in a twisted version of Wonderland.
American McGee's Alice became a cult success and a movie version to be directed by Wes Craven (A Nightmare On Elm Street) was once in development. A film version has yet to happen, though the franchise continued with 2011's Alice: Madness Returns, where Alice retreats back into Wonderland. The sequel wasn't as warmly received due to repetitive gameplay and some technical issues, but it still has a devoted following due to the sheer imagination on display. One new ability introduced in Alice: Madness Returns is the "Hysteria" mode, which comes in very useful.
The "Hysteria" mode gives players in Alice: Madness Returns invincibility for a short time and makes all her weapons more powerful. It also turns the game world white, making the red blood pop out all the more - especially since Alice's eyes start bleeding too. To enter this mode, Alice has to be on her last rose of health to activate "Hysteria," where she lets out a piercing scream and the world changes color. If players have the DLC Fleshmaiden dress, Alice can enter the mode at any time.
"Hysteria" mode is one of the best features in Alice: Madness Returns and can really turn the tide during a battle. Sadly, it appears there are no plans to continue the series as a third Alice game isn't in development, despite American McGee working on a pitch dubbed Alice: Asylum. The movie version doesn't currently seem to be moving ahead either.
