Avatar: The Last Airbender - hands on

The camera is perched overhead, which complements The Last Airbender's gameplay. The game is a mildly simplified version of typical action RPGs like Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance or Champions of Norrath. Use martial arts moves to dispatch easier foes, or break out the elemental trump cards when things get rough. You'll level up and unlock new powers through continued elimination of enemy forces.

Aang isn't the only playable character; you'll also be placed in the shoes of several other heroes. Katara is a young girl with waterbending abilities, while Sokka is her magic-less brother who compensates with a devastating boomerang weapon. They will all level up independently, and have unique arsenals that make them better suited for certain conditions.

With a cast of playable characters, you might automatically assume Avatar features a multiplayer co-op mode - especially for seasoned action RPG veterans to lend their less experienced allies a hand. Sadly, that's not the case. This game is strictly single-player from beginning to end.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the few licensed titles that may hold appeal to gamers regardless of their affinity for the show. The lack of multiplayer is a sizeable disappointment, however, as that's how these types of games are best played. Still, Avatar has potential for a weekend gaming bender for solitary individuals.