Publisher: Sierra
System: Nintendo Wii (PS3, XBOX 360)
ESRB rating: E
Review rating: 2 1/2 stars
These days, finding a good movie-based video game is more difficult than locating a brand-new Wii for sale. One advantage of having low expectations for a game means the average person won't be very disappointed if it is subpar. I didn't expect much from ''The Spiderwick Chronicles,'' and that spared me a lot of frustration.
Players guide three youngsters who move into a new house and discover ''Arthur Spiderwick's Guide to the Fantastical World Around You.'' This manual explains the supernatural possibilities that most people overlook, and empowers the youths with the knowledge needed to catch mysterious sprites and use their magic.
Players who undertake the perilous journey will find a large world filled with dozens of items and sprites to find as well as interesting areas to explore. I like the fact that there always seems to be something new to find around the next bend. Budding wizards defend themselves in battle by using basic weapons and magical abilities, such as super strength, which are gained by capturing certain magical sprites.
This title doesn't utilize the Wii controller's unique capabilities much beyond camera control (which is actually more frustrating than using an analog stick) and performing basic attacks (pressing ''A'' performs the same attack). As a result, the Wii version looks worse than its next-gen brethren, yet still doesn't make up for it.
Game: ''Patapon''
Publisher: Sony
System: Sony PSP
Cost: $20
ESRB rating: E
Review rating: 3 1/2 stars
Since nearly every video game genre has been combined over the last few years, it was only a matter of time before a company merged a rhythm game with an RTS (Real-Time Strategy). Yes, you read correctly. Sony's latest niche title, ''Patapon,'' lets participants control a small army using nothing more than rhythmic button-tapping.
During game play, pressing on the PSP face buttons triggers a drumbeat, and the player must press a certain sequence in rhythm to advance their Patapon army. When enemies are encountered, different drumbeats incite the Patapons to attack, defend or retreat. It is even possible to use magic, but the Patapons must be in 'Fever' mode, which is initiated by beating out several commands in perfect rhythm.
Fever mode also makes the Patapons faster and stronger, so players should always strive for perfect rhythm in every skirmish. However, it does become tricky in later levels to keep a smooth beat during the heat of battle, and therein lies the game's challenge.
In between sorties, players will want to explore Patapon village. This charming locale is where promising leaders find new items, resurrect fallen soldiers, create new types of Patapons and customize their squads.
While the combination of genres found in ''Patapon'' may be unusual, Sony has somehow managed to make it as fun as it is adorable.
4 stars - Must have
3 stars - Pretty good
2 stars - So-so
1 star - Don't waste your time
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
E: Everyone
T: Teen (13 and older)
E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)
M: Mature (17 and older)
