Longtime fans of the series will be relieved to hear that Bakugan's first video game experience, coming to Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, DS and Wii in October, expands on the game they've already played by adding new features that could never be done in the real world.

New mini games, new challenges in dynamic battle arenas, the ability to control your Bakugan's path and gaining access to the newest Bakugan -- the fearsome Leonidas -- come along with the chance to create your own Battle Brawler. In addition, the game adds more legitimacy with voices from all the character's actors and a story mode written by the anime's writers.

The Wii version lets players use the Wii Remote to throw Bakugan and steer them around eight arenas filled with bonuses, hazards, power-ups, and secret paths, all affecting the player's G-power (highest amount wins). Of course, the Bakugan still have to end up on the "magnetic" gate card and sticking the landing after skillfully navigating the course is a grand accomplishment; especially with your opponent bombarding your Bakugan with laser fire.

Following the landing, you'll hear a click of success as the Bakugan springs open to unleash an awesome monster (our favorite being Laserman). Players apply virtual cards and power-ups to boost their G-power. Three included minigames also help to determine the strongest Bakugan and serve as a last ditch effort to rack up some G-power. The fight over a gate card comes down to either a Guitar Hero/Rock Band type game where players must push A, B or shaking the Wii Remote as notes move by; a fast-paced target shooting game; or a game where players must react to the directions on the screen, shaking and waving their Wii Remotes.

For those unfamiliar with the Bakugan Universe, the general plot starts in the Vestoria dimension, populated by monsters called Bakugan. One Bakugan, greedy for power, upsets the balance of the dimension. Consequently, remaining Bakugan turn into hundreds of cards that descend from space and are found by kids in the human world. Not realizing the cards' alternate dimension origins, eight kids who call themselves the Battle Brawlers use the cards to battle in tournaments. As the kids begin to discover the secrets of the cards, they become more entwined in a struggle to help the Bakugan live in peace. In the game's story, the player is thrust into the midst of this as they team up with the anime's hero, Dan, as they train to become the ultimate Battle Brawler.

Although the game does not focus on them, there are a number of RPG elements in the story mode. Not only are there upgradable cards, new Bakugan and purchasable items, but as players battle and level-up their Bakugan, they evolve into more powerful forms. Players can even deck their character out in new gear and clothes to fully customize their Bakugan experience.

Despite defeating the AI on hard mode, the good times were far from over as no two battles will ever be the same. On the other hand, if you're the type of gamer that doesn't get a kick out of training a good team of Bakugan, the multiplayer and the Battle Arena mode will keep you entertaining for hours with their customizable rules and options, ensuring each battle feels fresh and challenging.

The Bakugan video game provides an opportunity for lovers of the phenomenon to enjoy the world of Bakugan like never before. At the same time, newcomers to the series/game will discover exactly what all the hoopla is about. Bakugan is sure to attract a slew of new fans with the improved battles, tutorials, multiplayer, as well as its faithfulness to the show. Look for this one when it hits shelves this fall.