Defeating a Fusion monster grants you a Nano, a miniaturized version of the purified Cartoon Network character. Because FusionFall takes place in the future, previously young characters such as Dexter, Didi, and the Powerpuff girls are teens. Their Nanos look exactly like their original television incarnations, which should make them a hot commodity among fans.

But Nanos are more than simple collectibles. Players may equip up to three Nanos at a time, which actually fits in with the game's emphasis on unique customization: different players will likely equip different Nanos, which not only furthers their uniqueness compared to others, but can also help in selecting a party to take on particularly difficult missions based on what Nanos each player has equipped.

Nanos are equipped to the 1, 2, and 3 keys. Press a Nano's key to activate it, then press the key again for deactivation. As long as a Nano is active, and whenever its special ability is used, its stamina, represented by a tiny health bar, will drain. Nano stamina can be replenished by using Nano potions, or by allowing the Nano to rest. Only one Nano can be active at a time, so skilled players will have fun learning how to swap Nanos quickly in order to debilitate enemies with the miniature characters' special abilities in combination with their own powers.


Each Nano comes with either a specific ability, or an ability that you choose for them. My tiny entourage currently consists of Buttercup, who stuns my enemies; Numbuh Two, who speeds up my movement; and Eddy, who gives me a significant health boost when I find myself surrounded by a swarm of Fusion globs. Buttercup's ability was pre-chosen, while I was able to select Eddy's and Numbuh Two's. Such options deepen customization options even further, as different players may equip the same Nanos, but each might have a completely unique ability.

FusionFall's many choices and colorful aesthetics have made for an enjoyable romp. The game is meant as an introduction to MMOs for players who haven't yet caught on to the PC gaming's primary form of addiction, but fortunately provides a deep enough experience so that gamers won't instantly move on to other MMOs as they get older. Whether you're a Cartoon Network nut or associate the name "Dexter" with a much more adult-oriented show, this browser-based MMO is one to watch in 2009.