Smash, hack and shoot – that is the key to the Xbox game Cel Damage.

Ever been by a Disney store where they sell frames from cartoons? Well, Cel Damage is like a living cartoon frame. It features the cartoonish atmosphere, then tries to translate it into the realm of the season’s hottest ticket console gaming system.

How does it do? Not very well. EA Games has jumped on the bandwagon, but this game would have been as effective on a PlayStation console.

Yes, it is fast moving, and does have some intriguing aspects, but the bottom line is that the Xbox enables gamers to realize graphical elements if not comparable to the PlayStation2 system, then superior to it. Cel Damage fails to utilize the enhanced capabilities of the Xbox, or even pretend to accede to the ability of the system.

The game is billed as “part demolition derby, part whacked-out cartoon come to life, with 12 interactive world, 36 over-the-top weapons, 10 tough toons ” and a “deathmatch, capture-the-flag and gate-racing action.”

Yes, it does live up to that billing. And yes, the cartoons are very interactive and players can expect to be sideswiped by other computer opponents, or even another gamer – through a split screen (which allows up to four players) format. But the graphics, though trying to give a three-dimensional feel, are obviously two-dimensional.

You begin by selecting a character to control – there are six, ranging from names such as Dominque Trix to Fowl Mouth and Sinder. Each handles a unique machine, but all are capable of snagging weapons geared to do maximum damage to another character. Grab the giant axe and hack your foes to bits. Maybe a machine gun is up your alley – run through the set piece and snare it to blow opponents to the next realm. The goal is to amass so much damage that you succeed to the next level.

As mentioned, this format would work in some of the lesser console systems, and still be viable.

Controls are kept simple and neat. The directional pad controls the vehicle you drive, the A button fires the primary weapon and the B button allows player to either fire the weapon or eject from Ballista or Vines. The goal in each scenario is to score more kills or kill points than anyone else, this opens more than the four primary venues available to first-time game players. The black button the Xbox controller allows players to target the current leader in the point battle.

The cartoon graphics try to emulate a three-dimensional feel, but fall well short of the target and the audio is only standard for a console system.

There are bosses for each of the four primary levels, and some of the weapons you can employ are a chainsaw, axe, boxing gloves, freeze ray and grenades. The primary scenarios have players battling in a desert ghost town, a jungle, a cemetery or space.

It is unfortunate that EA Games, which has produced some classic titles, chose to release this program for the Xbox. It is stale. The demolition derby idea could have been better rendered. Though not a bad program, considering the release of this console system, this is not one of the better titles to boost the system.

However, if smash and crash, obliterate opponents action is what you crave, this may be up you alley.

This game is rated Teen for comic mischief and violence.

Gameplay: 8
The scenario begins and you are granted numerous lives until a winner emerges.

Graphics: 6
For the Xbox, the graphical elements fall far below the system’s capabilities. However, if you are a cartoon aficionado, someone who enjoys Cartoon Network or Toons TV, this is totally in line with some of the action feature there by the newer cartoons.

Sound: 6
Nothing special or unique is featured in this game.

Difficulty: 7
The player interface is easy to navigate through, and the controls are simplified.

Concept: 5
One would have hoped that a better EA title would have bolstered the release of this console system. The action is mundane and overall feel is antiquated.

Multiplayer: 7
Herein lies the key to the game: the single player game isn’t as enjoyable as a four-player outing with everyone trying to demolish each other. However, the split screen is somewhat distracting.

Overall: 6.5
The game is only average, and really does not highlight the capabilities of the Xbox. The graphics are better suited to a PlayStation or hand-held system, and the audio track is not up to snuff, considering what can be accomplished with this system. True, this is fast-paced action, and the goal isn’t so much survival as it is accomplishing the most whack attacks, but this has all been done before. Graphically, and sound-wise, this is a game better suited to the Game Boy Advance than to the abilities of the Xbox. This is only an average title, but may be suitable to younger players.