Shrek 2

Another Shrek game -- the mere idea of it may already be sending shivers down your spine. It's actually amazing that someone is willing to make a Shrek game after the catastrophe that was Shrek Extra Large. However, Activision, with the help of the True Crime: Streets of L.A. team (Luxoflux), has decided to take on this rather large and green challenge. Has Shrek regained his video game honor? Read on.

Gameplay
Shrek 2's storyline basically follows the same plot of the movie. As with the blockbuster movie's sequel, Shrek and Fiona are on a journey to Far, Far Away Land to visit Fiona's parents. Shrek's in-laws aren't too thrilled that a crude ogre is married to their beloved daughter -- so the battle for acceptance ensues. However, while Shrek 2 also incorporates bits of the movie's plot into its own, it also covers things not shown in the feature film. Plot elements are delivered primarily through a storybook interface (text and illustrations) shown before each level. It's mainly there to justify why you're doing a certain thing, instead of creating an immersive story. The lack of a story elements aren't really missed -- and several humorous in game cut scenes, tasks, and one-liners help balance out the gameplay.

Gameplay is the meat of Shrek 2. It might not be incredibly deep, but it is a surprisingly fun jaunt through DreamWorks' fairy tale world. The game is broken into different chapters, each with their own set of goals. One might require you to make sure three blind mice safely make their way to the witch's house, another might have you act as a deputy in Far, Far Away Land -- collecting bits of Humpty Dumpty, stealing treasure from a troll, escorting Cinderella while she window shops for a glass slipper, or ridding the town to the Pied Piper's rat infestation -- collecting chickens for a stew, or battling Puss in Boots via timed button presses.

When your objective isn't strictly mini-quest based -- like your venture from Fairy Godmother's House to the Farm -- you'll be required to smash your way through numerous enemies and negotiate all sorts of environmental hazards. It seems like standard stuff, but it's spiced up by the need to swap between characters (three accompany Shrek on each mission). Each character has a special ability -- although some are strictly combat related, most are required for puzzle solving. Shrek uses his strength to lift heavy gears to open doors or move large boxes. Fiona has a Matrix-style bullet time to get past fast moving enemies, avoid crocodiles, or aid in combat. Puss in Boots is the only character that can walk on wires and you'll need Donkey's Burro Blast to knock down fences. Lil' Red and the Gingerbread Man both have projectile attacks that are needed to hit far away targets. Most won't have any problem figuring out when to use each character (especially since the Magic Mirror will give you hints if you're stuck), but it does add the much needed puzzle dynamic to gameplay.

Of course, there's another reason for the four characters dynamic -- multiplayer. Shrek 2 allows up to three of your friends to join (or leave) your game at any time. All they have to do is plug in the controller. And, Shrek 2 works wonderfully as a multiplayer title because it blends Gauntlet with a party game elements. When you don't have an extra set of hands lying about, the computer will control all unmanned characters. This usually doesn't pose too many problems because the characters will automatically attack nearby enemies. Also, if a computer controlled character dies, it'll respawn as soon as you clear the area of opposition. What doesn't work well is that unless you're in a combat situation, the A.I. characters simply follow you around. They won't pick up coins nor help you complete any mini-games.

Rounding out the Shrek 2 experience are some mini-games that you'll have to complete when you aren't traveling on hazardous paths from point A to point B. Challenges that require your entire party include having to punch chickens into cook pots or a pen (a fairly annoying task), escorting characters through a stage (Billy Goat Gruff and the three blind mice), and collecting fairies, jewelry, etc. These aren't necessarily difficult, but since you usually are dealing with a dozen or more items, it's annoying that your A.I. controlled partners simply follow you instead of actively helping.