OK, so if you have no sort of familiarity with the Cartoon Network universe and at least some of the shows that have been on there since its beginning, then I'll stop the ride and you may exit the vehicle. For those readers out there that enjoy Cartoon Network and at least some of the zany things that go on in its shows, then you may find yourself really enjoying this title, provided you can get the kids out of the house long enough for you to take this baby out fore a spin.

But before all the cameos and "hey, look at that" moments can occur, you must realize that this is an MMORPG and one pretty much designed for children or those not too familiar with the genre. This isn't a bad thing, since it is a light MMORPG, the game is easy to create a character and easy to navigate around. The game plays out fairly linear. You play as a character in the Cartoon Network universe not associated with any show, and this evil entity named Fuse has decided that the Cartoon Network universe is a good place to conquer, and so with his army of monsters begins causing all sorts of higgly-piggly. Meeting up with Dexter (now much older) you are accidentally thrown into the future and a tutorial of sorts unfolds showing you the basics. From there it's focused but there are some options for gameplay.

Looks like someone's Doctor messed up on their prescription.

At this point, for all the known characters in the Cartoon Universe, you never play as them. Rather, you are assigned missions by them and get to experience what it is like to play in a somewhat fun environment, which, of course, is the big draw. Interacting with Ben 10, the Powerpuff Girls, characters from Foster's Home for Imaginary friends and others will make your kid giggle with glee. Fighting Fuse's minions can be more real-time combat rather than traditional RPG combat. Essentially, it is a slug-fest until someone drops and the winner is miraculously healed. I know, it's an easy out for new and young gamers to the genre, but it works for the most part. Older fanboys of certain cartoon shows will realize this title is far beneath their abilities and rocket through the game.

The environments are flashy but have no depth; buildings and houses are everywhere, but that invisible barrier prevents you from actually interacting with 95% of what you see. The same could be said of people and characters unless there is a "!" above their heads. This is the basis for how the game works; you run around, find characters you can talk to and get missions. Really original right? I know, you've got to remember it's for kids. You can only do a few missions at a time and some of them are as ridiculous as you would expect from a game based on this license. Several times I had to remind myself that this was for kids and gamers just starting out. For as few static locations you an interact with, the game looks fairly good. Obviously, a cartoonish look flows through the game with bright colors and lots of flash and style. Look for lots of famous Cartoon Network locations. They have do something about all the lag, though.

Theirs was a love that neither of their families would accept...

Using weapons and tools based on the Kids Next Door's 2X4 technology, you got to give some props to the weapons and even some villains, coming at you with weapons fashioned out of everyday items. I was always a fan of the K.N.D, and this game manages to firmly put you in their shoes. Plenty of good voicework too, goes along with this style. Many of the voices from the TV shows are used and since it is a Cartoon Network licensed product, I'm sure they had no problem getting the actors to buy off on the game. A paycheck is a paycheck, right? Still, decent sound effects, C.N.'s signature music style and good voicework give this game some extra oomph in the legitimacy dept.

Now it is an online RPG, so you will find others out there looking to team up and take on some of the bigger missions. I was shocked to see how many were actually playing on a Thursday evening and how nice everyone was. The game does a bang up job of limiting the conversations you can have with one another so parents can feel good about letting their child play online. Using premade, canned questions and answers, no foul language or inappropriateness can occur. This does take a bit away from the experience, but its ok in my book for what it is. Additionally, you can make friends and team up with others you have adventured with in the past.

Sweet! Walgreen's got their new shipment of hair gel in!

Some interesting things to note, since Fuse is using this weird green glop to infect things and sections of the game sort of become a platformer and you will find yourself navigating the game much like a Crash Bandicoot style game (when they were good). It surprised me and let up on the constant killing of the bad guys you must do. And I say killing, when I shouldn't. The game allows you to defeat the baddies and then feel good about it, carcasses disappear into thin air, much like so many other games. Regardless, you can also just plain avoid enemies, they won't come after you unless you get good and close so encountering really tough ones can be avoided if you would like.

In order to make thing simpler, there is no definitive class system. Any character can pretty much use any weapon as long as they are a high enough level. Its an easy way for gamers to make there way in the world. I know, its a scaled down version of a real MMORPG, but think of the target audience. My five year old is constantly begging me to play this with him. Remember though, there is a monthly fee. One thing I couldn't stand though, is that many of the adventures and missions involve running back and forth across the same areas I have been so many times in the past. If I am on a mission to recover bubblegum, then at least I should be allowed to go some place new, rather then revisit the same locations.

The last big thing this game offers is the introduction of the Nanos. Nanos are small floating doppelgangers of famous Cartoon Network Characters. Collecting these Nanos allows you to unleash more powerful attacks and level up, the only way to level up in fact. There are over 30 Nanos to find, but only three can be carried at any one time. Choosing the right Nano can mean all the difference in the world. These Nanos are a funky group though, they constantly are draining their power energy when they are in use so you need to flip between the other two form your inventory when in combat. Each Nano has a specific ability and knowing what that is ahead of time will help.

Gameplay: 6.8
It's way easy and somewhat repetitive, but the game does throw a curveball at you every once in a while.

Graphics: 7.0
Lots of bright colors, lots to look at and smile, then there is the lag and stutter that occurs.

Sound: 7.4
Even though they are canned phrases, they managed to use the real character voices from the TV shows. Nice upbeat music and lots of sound effects.

Difficulty: Easy for adults Medium for children
Like I said, veterans of this genre should stay away, unless they are really jonesing for some Powerpuff Girls.

Concept: 7.8
It was a pretty good idea, making a game like this aimed at the younger set. Some good ideas, some well-used ones too, but not too bad.

Multiplayer: 7.0
It hits the mark where it needs to and then protects young ones from anything harmful. I thought they did a good job for what this game ultimately is.

Overall: 7.2
Fusionfall is an ambitious idea that may not have hit all the marks, but this is a solid first effort in an untapped market - a children's MMORPG.