I tried the game now, and it is a "cute little game"
About energy points and crystals: When you complete a group, you get awarded 1 crystal per spieces within that group + 1 for the group as a whole. When I completed one of the 3-spieces group in the lower right, I got promoted, and was awarded a video camera, which can give you those hard needed energy points. It runs as long as you hold down the vidcam button, but you better not overdo it, because it will deplete your EP fast. The radar I got later is close to useless: It drains more EP than it really is worth imo. You will need a few goes, but the clues given are actually helpful (to some extent). Also, it's mentioned a hint book, but it must be one different from the one within the game.