The console idea will probably never happen. You can script windows or your keyboard to pop up the run window. Adding a console would be more flash.
As for the mouse gestures:
http://www.tcbmi.com/strokeit/
Try the following:
Grandia II requires directX 8 drivers.
Install the latest geforce drivers, that may fix it. I use the 30.82's that just came out today and I like 'em so far, used the 30.30's before that.
If that doesn't work, click the error details link in the error window and post what exactly the error is.
I get no problems with Grandia II and I'm on a duallie.