Shrek 2 (PlayStation 2/Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

Herald rating: * * *

Considering the success of the films, the previous Shrek game was a bit of a letdown, but new publishers Activision and developers Luxoflux (of True Crime fame) have come up with something more compelling for Shrek 2. Like the films, the game is presented using a storybook motif. Fans can easily immerse themselves in Shrek's fairy tale world of edible eyeballs and fart jokes.

Shrek 2 is mainly geared towards the younger crowd, or the young at heart. Players explore a vast 3D world while controlling any of four main characters — Shrek, Princess Fiona (the green version), Donkey or the Gingerbread Man, who has apparently bounced back after his terrifying ordeal at the hands of Lord Farquad.

Players will always have the first three to choose between, but the Gingerbread Man only appears in certain levels during the game. You can switch between characters using a single button press, and each comes with a special attack which can be used strategically during general gameplay.

For example, Shrek is physically strong and performs a massive belly flop that stuns nearby opponents. Fiona is the Matrix-style slow-mo martial artist. Donkey has a mean head butt and hooves of steel, and Cookie Boy has the ranged attack using his sweet yet deadly candy cane.

Unlike most platform titles, Shrek 2 offers first-rate multiplayer opportunities, with co-operative play for up to four players. It is infinitely more fun to beat up on the bad guys of the film when you're doing it with a few mates and Shrek's all-ages appeal gives kids and parents a rare chance to enjoy playing a game together.

Combat is frequent but the violence levels never get above what you would find on Cartoon Network. Shrek 2 isn't all about fighting. It's also about exploration, puzzle-solving, navigation and collecting certain items to finish each level and advance the plot.

There are also mini-games, usually involving one character at a time. They are fairly basic, generally requiring precise timing, but they help to break up the repetitiveness of the main game.

If you are fan of the films, or just enjoy the simple pleasures of the action platformer genre, Shrek 2 is exactly what you are looking for. It's not overly complex, but is charmingly presented and good clean fun.

$79.95

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