Expecting a somewhat childish game, I was pleasantly surprised when I sat down to play some Magic Pengel. Not being anything resembling artistic, I was a little intimidated by the fact that the first action of the game is to draw a Doodle - in this case, a circle. However, after gleefully watching my (slightly lopsided) circle create havoc with a pet dog, I was drawn into the game. Characters talk directly at the screen - towards you, and of course your delinquent Doodle.

As you go along in the game more shapes, colors, and effects can be gained, but at the start you have a cursory collection to draw your first true Doodle - the one you'll be using for Arena battles. All Doodles are stored inside your sketchbook, and you can pit your book against others', in order to gain one of many pre-made Doodles (another advantage to those artistically disinclined).

The game is definitely bright and sunny in disposition, and there seems to be a complete set of voice-overs...something which made me cringe slightly, as the young brother's voice was sadly much too annoying, even considering the child is supposed to be somewhat of a crybaby. Though there is a two-player mode, I wasn't able to give it a try, as time was limited. Actually due out for release in little more than a month, it's a title that is definitely worth a second look.