Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Square Enix

PUBLISHER: Square Enix

SYSTEM: Nintendo Wii

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3 stars (out of 5)

Square introduced gamers to the "Crystal Chronicles" series a few years ago, and it gained popularity thanks to the team play feature and old-school JRPG visual style. With the latest release, titled "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers," the developers have changed the formula so much that it now resembles its predecessor in name and location only.

Instead of four players taking on the game at once, now only one player has access to the adventure with a second player joining only in certain areas. This game also removes most of its RPG elements in favor of a single player adventure, and it becomes extremely repetitive as a result. I guess this is one time where a short Final Fantasy game is appreciated.

Are you anxious to swing your cyber-sword? That's unfortunate because Layle (the protagonist) never picks one up. Instead, his main power is magically lifting items and chucking them at enemies. This mechanic works well within the game, but I would prefer to obtain better weapons throughout the adventure with item tossing as an additional ability. At least give me some variety in my attack possibilities!

Let me tell you, using the Wiimote to pick up objects and toss them at enemies can be very tricky when you are also moving around to avoid incoming attacks. That's why I appreciate some of the side "activities" that take advantage of the controller's abilities, like using the pointer to shoot down flying enemies. It helps to extend the game play and break up the constant exploration.

Unlike its predecessor, this title sports excellent visuals that help to alleviate some of the game play complaints. Characters and creatures are presented in a more realistic manner instead of looking like they are eight years old, and some of the backgrounds are breathtaking. If I didn't have to constantly change the camera angle, I could enjoy the visuals much more.

"Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers" is not your typical Final Fantasy game, which will surely please some and anger others.

'Where The Wild Things Are' Strays from the Book's Story

DEVELOPER: Griptonite Games

PUBLISHER: Warner Bros.

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360, Wii)

PRICE: $39.99

ESRB RATING: E10-plus

REVIEW RATING: 2.5 stars (out of 5)

Just the mere thought of the book "Where The Wild Things Are" brings back fond memories of sitting on my mother's lap while she read the story to me. Sure it contains less than 340 words, but they were arranged so flawlessly that my imagination was sparked. Now the book has been transformed into a game that extends the adventure with mixed results.

I have always wanted to engage in a Wild Rumpus as the King of the Wild Things, and now I can finally assume the role of mischievous Max. Players start off by arriving on the island via boat and then must follow a Wild Thing back to his village. This is where players discover Max's maneuvers, which are pretty extensive for a sprightly youth. He can jump, block, attack and clamber up tall objects with the greatest of ease, and the controls are very responsive.

One of the cuter aspects of combat comes from Max's "terrible roar" when he attacks enemies with his scepter. It reminds me of my own guttural utterances when I played war as a youth. So, why is combat so incredibly boring? It's probably because the game was designed for 8 year olds.

With such a short story as the source material, the developers have tacked on an even more surrealistic plot to extend the game. Apparently, stars are falling down on the island and shadow creatures are beast-napping the Wild Things. Only building a tower to the moon can save the island and Max's status as the exalted potentate. Sounds logical ...

Children who love the "Where The Wild Things Are" book will like the game because it lets them play with the Wild Things, but older gamers will find it to be extremely boring after the first 10 minutes.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Very Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: (Everyone)

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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