Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Activision

PUBLISHER: Activision

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PC, PS3, Wii)

PRICE: $69.99 (Starter Pack)

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

It's been said that video games make imaginary characters come to life, but Activision takes this idea one step further with "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure." This unique game actually makes toys "come to life" when they're placed on a special peripheral and then lets players control them in-game. It's too bad the game-play itself isn't as magical. It'll definitely entertain youngsters, though.

Inside each starter pack is the game, three random characters and the aptly named Portal of Power. When a character is placed on the portal, it's automatically transferred into the game. I have to admit that I was almost as intrigued as my nephew at this innovative process, and he insisted on changing characters as often as possible.

It's possible to finish this 3D action/puzzle game with any character, but certain areas require certain characters to unlock. In addition, some items found in the game can be used only with particular characters, which is yet another reason to purchase additional figures. With a total of 32 characters, this can turn into a pricey endeavor for those who want to explore the entire game.

Fortunately, each figure works on every console, so it's possible to use one on the PS3 and then transfer it to the same game on the PC. Why would anyone want to do that? Because characters can gain new abilities when they reach higher levels, and it's fun to take your character to a friend's house for cooperative play. I like how players aren't left out if they own the game on one platform just because a friend owns it on another.

Spyro the dragon is a playable character, but his abilities don't exactly soar above those of any other character. In the end, "Skylander: Spyro's Adventure" is unlike any Spyro game I've ever played, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

'Disney Universe' is Ruled by Fashion

DEVELOPER: Eurocom Entertainment Software

PUBLISHER: Disney Interactive Studios

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3, Wii)

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 3.0 stars (out of 5)

A Disney/Pixar video game collaboration is not surprising given the success both have had with movies and merchandise.

However, I certainly didn't expect "Disney Universe" to copy so many ideas from other sources. There's very little innovation when it comes to storyline, visuals or game-play, but most children will turn a blind (or unknowing) eye and just have fun with this title.

All is not well in a fictional Disneyland theme park, as the employees have turned to the "dark side." Instead of providing a cheerful, magical experience, they've started assaulting visitors and causing mayhem. Soon it's discovered that they're robots, which makes eliminating them more palatable. I guess the developers never expected any players to have seen the movie "Westworld."

Players take on the role of a stunted blue character who looks like Sackboy from the game "Little Big Planet" and has the ability to wear over 50 outfits that resemble well-known Disney and Pixar characters. Unfortunately, the only difference between these outfits, beyond their adorable appearance, is the melee weapon that each one provides.

Six movie-based levels, ranging from "Aladdin" to "The Lion King" to "WALL-E," are available to explore in this extremely linear title. There isn't much challenge to be found thanks to a floating arrow constantly showing players where to go. It doesn't help that most of the puzzles don't require any thought to complete, and it's obvious that the game-play was inspired by the Lego video game series.

This is a game for kids to play cooperatively with other kids due to its simplicity and limited features. With only one attack button and a jump button, the action becomes monotonous fairly quickly. All that's left is exploring and finding blue stars to upgrade each costume's weapon, which seems to be enough to satisfy most youngsters.

The most fun adults will get out of "Disney Universe" is watching children play the game with one another.

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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