On the bright side, Prince Caspian features an excellent combat system that’s well suited for the DS. Each attack you perform triggers a stylus-oriented minigame and they’re all really enjoyable. These games are timed and how well you do will determine the amount of damage you deal. Tracing lines to mimic Caspian’s sword slashes and shooting down moving targets with Susan’s bow manages to remain fun even after repeated play.

Most of the major characters are also available for you to use and Narnia fans will enjoy building parties of three with memorable characters like Reepicheep, the honorable mouse or Nikabrik, the surly dwarf.

But even though forming custom parties with your favorite characters is a blast and the combat system feels fresh and satisfying, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian lacks soul. In the end, this brief RPG is about as magical and entertaining as the Narnia-branded fast food meals, action figures and other collectibles - that you’ve come to expect whenever a big budget film that tries to capitalize on your childhood memories is released. If you want to experience a great adventure, do yourself a favor and visit your library so you can read the book instead.

May 21, 2008