Life has not always been easy for Tara Grimstone. In fact, trouble seems to be her sole companion as the introspective young woman travels the lands as a deadly member of the Band of Scorpions - your basic gang of thieves.

And yet, in spite of her associations, there is a noble quality to the woman that belies the deadliness of her gifts in combat.

Lost Kingdoms II, a GameCube release by Activision and From Software, is a real-time fantasy game that incorporates magic through the use of a deck of cards - which is akin to the style of Magic: The Gathering - but tosses is some idyllic settings, lush graphics and elements residing in the formula plot hall of fantasy gaming.

However, this game is not without its merits. For one, it is beautifully rendered. The look of the game is wonderful and the animation is solid. The player interface is also kept simple enough that players can jump in and play quickly.

But for those points, the game does have failings. The soundtrack is clunky, from the unexciting and somewhat bland musical score to the clatter of footsteps across verdant landscapes.

The game takes place well after the original. A line of queens has ruled the lands of Argwyll well, but that which was once the domain of the monarchy, the runestone, has been replicated and many hold them - including a little girl named Tara. Abandoned by her family as a child, Tara Grimstone has since grown strong and powerful. But she is a thief, a member of the feared Band of Scorpions and, more or less, thrall to Victor, the leader of the bandits.

But something is stirring within her, a new sense of purpose, or maybe it is a dissatisfaction with where she is in life.

While those in the neighboring land of Kendarie have manufactured lesser runestones, and are relying on them as they prepare for war with Argwyll, Tara has embarked on a voyage of self-discovery. She seeks to find out her past, and where the powerful runestone she carries - which seems more than the artificial ones the Kendarie carry - comes from. In the meantime, she may be called on to save a kingdom and emerge into the true calling that awaits her - runestone master.

The premise is sound, but the execution is a little less than that. The game play mainly involves getting from point A to point B on a maze-like mapboard filled with a variety of monsters and minor puzzle obstacles. You have a finite deck of cards that you play from - each card represents a skill or summoned beast that can aid you in getting past the mobs. You can build your deck in almost any way you wish, though some of this is random draw.

The game is real-time, and you do need to face up to your opposition before launching a melee attack. Cards may, or may not be destroyed on use (some have timers which wind down), and you can carry up to 30 cards in your playing deck.

The game also tinkers with the elemental tables: fire, water, earth, wood, neutral and mech, with each having strengths and weaknesses in relation to the others. It all sounds a bit convoluted and is, to some extent. The game moves at a rapid pace and unless you have the categories memorized, and know that earth is stronger than water but weaker than wood, and can read the elements controlling several mobs who are attacking simultaneously, you may find yourself in the mode of casting cards, running about and trying to angle attacks.

The game also features some arcade elements. Mobs that are killed drop gems which feed your vigor and health bars. You can level up and each level completed is rated.

Lost Kingdoms II has a good premise, but it stumbles along the way in terms of game play. The combat mechanics are weak and the use of the playing cards, while a sound idea, is somewhat distracting to the overall feel of the game. Lost Kingdoms II is a beautiful game, to be sure, but it has other elements that make it merely average at best.

This game is rated Teen for comic mischief and violence.

Gameplay: 6
The game is very linear in terms of having to move from Point A to Point B. The mobs may change, and you may uncover different cards, but essentially the game lacks replayability.

Graphics: 8.8
The original Lost Kingdoms was a treat for the eyes, and this game is equally so. Some of the animations may not be the best seen, but the environments and characters are wonderfully realized here.

Sound: 5
The music can be annoying after a time, and other elements - like running around the world - are not very good at all. Tara is a lithe, spry young woman. Why does she sound like a Clydesdale walking across cobblestones?

Difficulty: Medium
The game does get progressively harder as you move along. But the interface is simple to use and players can get into the game quickly.

Concept: 6
This game is only marginally different from its predecessor.

Multiplayer: 6
You can take a player you have built up in the single-player game and go head-to-head against another player-controlled character. Not the best option, but it can be entertaining.

Overall: 6
The graphical elements of this game are excellent, to be sure, but it has a tough time overcoming some of the game’s shortcomings. This is one of those games that, for the look alone, you want to like, but the game play and combat system make it difficult. Sure, the plot lacks originality but then most fantasy RPGs are similar anyway. This is a game that had the potential to be a very immersive experience, but it just couldn’t quite realize it.