There's not really that much I watch on TV anymore, only because of my video gaming habits and my chaotic social life. I'll watch 24 on a regular basis, almost every single Colorado Avalanche game, and maybe a late night showing of The Daily Show, followed by taking in some Chappelle's Show. There is one show I've been wanting to get more into, though, and that's Alias. This sleek little spy show has Sydney Bristow (played by the beautiful Jennifer Garner) working for an underground spy network, taking on missions and working for a deep undercover government agency on the side, while dealing constantly with her mother and father. It's a neat show, I just don't catch it as often as I should.

Still, I gathered enough intellect (and outfits- love the bikini Garner wore) and information to get a hang of Alias the video game, brought to life from Acclaim and their Cheltenham Studios. The game basically plays out like an episode from the show, and for good reason- the script was put together by show creator J.J. Abrams and a couple of its screenwriters. Basically, you take control of Sydney as she ventures from level to level, taking on particular missions and dealing with a number of fellow agents and rogues. Fans of the show will probably appreciate the style of writing kept in check here, and Acclaim deserves kudos for keeping Abrams on board for the development.

Acclaim also wisely hired a good deal of the voice actors from Alias to fill their digital roles, including Jennifer, Michael Vartan, and Kevin Weisman, among others. Fortunately, they read the material rather accordingly, with no real wisecracks. Some of the slurring was a bit odd, and Garner's characterizations might seem a bit off, but for the most part, it's good. The show's score was also well captured into the game, playing out to the on-screen drama.

As for the graphic engine, well, it's just there, really. Acclaim did their best in trying to put together a solid game engine with decent level layouts, places to hide, and animations. However, some of it seems a bit more subpar than it needs to be, like it was slapped together with very little innovation. Of course, Garner moves rather smoothly on-screen, but everyone else seems to lack characterization and just wander around. There are a few neat tricks, like the screen going split-screen when you need another perspective on where particular guards are standing, and the inclusion of thermal mode, where body heat can be measured.

However, Acclaim once again fails us with too much license and not nearly enough gameplay. The stealth elements in the game are pretty much busted, mostly because the enemies are pretty stupid and don't seem to notice you. There's also no real meter to indicate whether or not you've been discovered, leading to some hectic guesswork. The game also includes puzzles to solve, but they fail to challenge and instead seem to annoy. Finally, the combat engine is a joke. You have basic controls and two buttons to pull off attacks on your foes, and most of the attacks rely on the tap-tap theory, and are both unpredictable and clunky. That means you don't exactly know what kind of combo you can pull off unless you've either completed it or taken a hit on your life bar trying to find it. Acclaim's attempt to keep action within the game has failed miserably, and it's a let-down.

There's also a real lack of extras here. There's no multiplayer features, no downloadable missions, no extra unlockable goodies (besides Garner's tantalizing outfits), and no real motivation to continue. This is also a huge letdown, as the game could've benefited from anything extras. Videos of Garner, new moves...an episode from the show even.

I'll admit, Acclaim has learned a little something in their attempt to get out of the licensed game rut. Alias is a bit more likable than the failed efforts of Turok and South Park, if only because the company was smart enough to include the actors and creators to give it a boost. But the game still fails to entertain due to its unfocused and uncaring gameplay. I only hope next time- if there is a next time- they consider adding something to keep people enthralled enough to dig deeper. You know, kind of like the TV show.