Now that summer has arrived, so have blockbuster movies and their accompanying video game tie-ins, starting with The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. With its fantasy setting, exciting battle scenes, and easy-to-follow storyline, one might assume that there would be few problems in converting it to a game. However, this isn’t the case. While it isn’t a disaster like Transformers: the Game, it’s nowhere near Goldeneye either.

The storyline of this action/adventure title mirrors the movie’s plot but mercifully omits the teenage angst. The Pevensie children and Prince Caspian help the Narnians retake their kingdom from the Telmarines and the evil Miraz, Caspian’s uncle. Fans of the movie will be thrilled to know that there are two extra scenes not in the film, both of tutor Cornelius telling Caspian about Narnia. In fact, many of the game’s cutscenes are directly from the film. Another bonus that will appeal to fans is that the first level is the Telemarines’ attack on Cair Paravel, which wasn’t in the movie or book. I enjoyed this level since it immediately threw me in a thrilling, full-scale battle.

Traveller’s Tales, best known for its brilliant work on the Lego video games, is the developer of Prince Caspian. It’s not surprising then, that the gameplay feels similar to a Lego game, including puzzles and tons of trinkets to collect. You play more than one character, though in Prince Caspian you can control up to five characters at a time (depending on the mission). Each character has a specific skill, ability, or physique. Characters such as Trumpkin the dwarf can fit in small openings, while Susan Pevensie uses a bow and arrow. In some cases, you can “team up” with certain characters, riding a griffin to travel from turret to turret, for example.

Throughout the game you can control up to 20 characters, including the Pevensie children and Caspian. Yes Narnia fans, you even get to play as Reepicheep, the noble swordsmouse. Controlling them can be annoying, however. To switch characters, you often have to practically face him or her first. This can be a problem in more intense missions where you’re surrounded by hordes of enemies and have to quickly switch alter-egos. Another problem is that sometimes characters get in your way, which can be frustrating in timed missions. There are also minor pathing issues of characters getting trapped in a corner. Finally, at times your compadres don’t help you out. There were times where I was being attacked by four enemies and my AI buddy just stood there doing a whole lot of nothing.

The graphics are beautiful, but unfortunately, the praise doesn't extend beyond the scenery. The throne room in Cair Paravel on the menu screen is crisp and crystal clear, as are details in areas such as Miraz’s castle. However, the characters lack that same detail, especially the human ones. Some effort was made to emulate the likenesses of the actors, but I guess Traveller’s Tales was so used to designing smooth-faced Lego people that they had problems in creating three-dimensional eyes, noses, and mouths.