Whenever I hear the words “action figures” and “videogame” uttered in the same sentence, I usually shudder. It’s not like I can’t appreciate the art or the craftsmanship, it’s more about the tie-in. In the case of Abandon Interactive Entertainment’s Freaky Creatures, I don’t know if having to continually buy stuff in order to play a game is the right route for anyone to move in.

Freaky Creatures is being described as a “cross-platform, massively multiplayer online game” that “allows players to build the ultimate, customizable creatures and battle them against friends.” Essentially, players buy action figures that contain codes. With these codes players will be able to unlock the creature that they just purchased via the game’s website. At this point, players can customize the character and fight it online. I asked the PR person at the booth if there was any gore to be had to satisfy my carnal desires and I was told that there wasn’t. In fact, when a player is defeated, his monster only faints.

Freaky Creatures will be invading stores in “late summer” this year, which can only mean we’re mere weeks away from experiencing action figure to videogame action. Hit the break if you want to see a listing of all the key features included with the game, and feel free to tell me what kind of creature you would create if you wanted to play this game.

• The initial creatures come with 50 different parts, 20 powers and 4 objects that can be placed into the creature’s lair, allowing players to create more than 3 billion visual combinations
• Players can choose parts and powers for their digital creature from the online library and have the option to name their creature, choose a lair and decorate it, and pick their theme song in order to bring their Freaky Creature to life.
• Using PC to PC, PC to mobile, or mobile to mobile contact, gamers can have their creature battle other players’ creatures to earn new powers, experience points and Creature Credits. They can also advance levels, which unlocks new abilities and features.
• Players can interact with the Freaky Creatures universe by reading online comics and character blogs, post leader boards and stats, play mini-games, enter special member contests and participate in custom tournaments and online polls.