Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

The great and admirable thing about Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers, a game that took nearly half a decade to make, is that it takes chances in an effort to change some of the tried and true aspects of role playing games. It mixes in elements of on-rails games and shooters. It also tries hard to make accurate use of the Wii remote, which has never been a particularly accurate device -- except in the mini-games genre.

Sometimes this play mechanic works well; but just as often using the Wii remote is a painful experience -- especially as the game becomes harder as you proceed. But you'll enjoy what the game calls the Miasma Screen during which many monsters come at you to be defeated. While there's no blood, you will die more than occasionally. Even though the game can be frustrating, it's clear that Final Fantasy fans with a mind open to new ways to play an RPG will enjoy the experience. For others, however, the game may seem like a mish-mosh of styles and story with an occasionally inaccurate Wii remote to boot. And when you use that pig which shoots deadly lasers out of its udders, it may just be too much for some.