Shrek 2
He’s big, green and could use a bath (but his game isn’t half bad)
Tags: Shrek 2 Categories: Reviews, Xbox Reviews
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on May 10th, 2004
| Title | Players | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrek 2 (title page) | 1-4 | ||
| Developer | Publisher | Genre | Online |
| Adventure | No | ||
Not having yet seen the movie, and trying to stay away from any real plot spoilers, I’m not quite sure how closely the Shrek 2 game follow the events in the upcoming Shrek 2 film. That said, the game does appear to be based on events in the film, with characters ranging from Puss In Boots to The Gingerbread Man appearing to lend Shrek, Donkey and Fiona a hand.
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There are four characters at any given time traipsing around the land, accomplishing several missions in each level. Most of the levels are fairly linear (head from point A to point B) and either fight some other denizens of the land or solve some rather simple puzzles. Each character will have a special ability – Shrek can pick thinks up, Fiona stops time, Little Red can throw poison apples, etc. Most of the puzzles will require the player to figure out which character to use, and how to aim the special ability.
But if there are four characters on the screen – how does the player choose which one to be? This is done by the left and right triggers. Players can switch between the 4 playable characters at any time during the level. Whichever characters are not being controlled by the player will automatically follow.
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While this allows players to primarily control their favorites character, at also allows for up to 4 players to at once to play together. Multiple players can join in and work cooperatively to get through the levels. This feature makes Shrek 2 the perfect game for families looking for a game to play together.
The game is primarily played with four characters on the screen, occasionally there will be an event called “Hero Time” that takes one of the party aside for a special level. These mini-games serve to break the action up a bit and throw some other gameplay elements in. Mostly it works, at times it can be frustrating, but overall it’s not a bad idea and it’s implemented rather well.
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While going through the various levels, Shrek and his crew will gather up various items, mostly gold coins. These aren’t spread around in a neat line along the path as in most platform games, and collecting every single one of them isn’t necessary to progress. Instead, the coins are used to purchase upgrades from time to time at Crazy Larry’s Leprechaun Shop. There are a few other items in the levels, such as potions that temporarily increase the party’s attack power, or restore health.
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Graphically, the game looks good, but nobody is going to think that this is the movie. The animations are fluid for the most part, and the character models are decent. There is a problem with crowding however, particularly when the (at times rather too linear) levels have narrow paths. Getting around characters or getting stuck in a crowd can be a problem when this occurs, but switching the playable character with the triggers and moving them will usually resolve the issue.
The camera can be frustrating, not because it’s bad, but because it is THIS close to being a great camera. If it pulled back a little bit more, and if it swept around in a few more places, then it would be perfect. Most of the time the game’s camera works fine so most players won’t notice it.
The audio is also good, but again, nobody is going to be fooled. The original actors don’t reprise their roles here, but capable stand-ins do the job quite well. The sound effects and other ambient sounds are also good. I doubt Shrek 2 will win any audio awards, but it’s not going to make gamers cringe either.
There are some unlockables in the game. By accomplishing certain events, most of which the player will do naturally as play progresses through levels, the player is awarded with a snapshot (to commemorate that special time). Snapshots also serve as the currency by which it is determined how much bonus material the player has access to. What is the bonus material? It’s a Shrek 2 game – what did you expect?
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Saving is handled automatically. When a player accomplishes a task the game will automatically save. This helps greatly when the player “dies” in a level – since there doesn’t’ seem to be a set number of “lives” the player has, the party is sent back to the last checkpoint. This may seem to make the game too easy, especially for experienced gamers, but this actually helps to keep the younger players in the game and interested.
All told, Shrek 2 is a good game for its intended audience, particularly families looking for a game to play together. Keep in mind the game’s rating – I you are looking for a raunchy romp through fairy tale land, then look elsewhere. Yes, there are fart jokes (it is Shrek after all) but the game never really strays too far from the source, and its audience.
| What Works | Score |
|---|---|
|
+ Multiplayer co-op |
8.3 |
| What Doesn't | |
| - Crowded level paths | |
| Under the Shrink-wrap | |
| Not your typical platform game, Shrek 2 is a good diversion from the the genre. | |
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Tags: Shrek 2
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on May 10th, 2004 and is filed under Reviews, Xbox Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can post a comment, or trackback from your own site.
