Tools for this page
Print

Shrek the Third (Nintendo DS Version)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Cooperative puzzling makes this tie-in the best.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Requires the use of logical thinking skills to make it through the 16 levels of gameplay.
  • Messages:

    The three characters help one another, and players can cooperate to win.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Puss in Boots uses his sword to fight off baddies.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    This is a game based on the movie of the same name.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Shrek the Third (Nintendo DS Version) was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that this Nintendo DS version of Shrek the Third is completely different from the console and GBA versions. This one's definitely the better game for kids; unlike the console version that's all about punching the bad guys, this focuses on puzzle play and allows kids to play together. The ratings also reflect the difference. The other versions are rated 10+ and this is rated E for everyone -- but matches the skill set of ages 7 to 12.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about what makes a video game fun. Is it the characters? The moves they make? Their dialogue or the gameplay? Why do you think Shrek makes a good video game character? Who are your favorite characters and why?
Did this review help you decide?

OK for Your Kids to Play?

Do you play it? Review It!

More on Shrek the Third (Nintendo DS Version)

What’s the Story?

From the first Shrek movie, we know that Donkey loves parfaits -- and in the Nintendo DS version of SHREK THE THIRD, he's accidentally turned into one. This funny story line is only tangentially related to the movie and requires players to hunt for fairy dust so they can help undo Merlin's misplaced spell. Unlike the console version of this game, which focuses on combat, the Nintendo DS version is mostly about puzzle play.

You travel in the land of Far, Far Away as a trio of Shrek, Artie, and Puss in Boots, switching to the different characters as the need arises. Each character has his own special move, which you activate by drawing on the touchpad. Part of the puzzle play is figuring out which of the three characters you want to play as at any given time. At times, you can connect all three characters and must figure out how to move them as a team while you work your way through four locations, each with four levels of play.

Is It Any Good?

This is a better game for kids than the console version because it has less violence, and more emphasis on logical thinking. You have to figure out how to activate platforms and traverse them, as well as decide whose special powers can get you through a given area.

Another great feature in this game is that it's the first game to offer cooperative play using the DS wireless capability. Up to three players can play together, each controlling a different character as they play through the game. While the humor isn't as good as the movie, the gameplay is challenging and fun./

Publisher’s Details

Developer: Activision
Released on: 05/05/2007, Price: $30.00, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: E for cartoon violence and comic mischief

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

What did you think about Shrek the Third (Nintendo DS Version)?

or

to post a review

See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    ha ha ha

    This game is not better than the shrek 2 game but they were kind of even. I likew this game alot and who cares if it has a little sexuality! Just have a parent with you if you are under 13. Other than that it was a funny movie for kids and adults.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    I laughed

    I DON'T CARE

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    I lost six brain cells watching this!

    I really,really,really,really,really love this game!!!!!!!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    Percy Jackson Fever

    Percy Jackson Fever

    Read the book before you see the movie!

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Team Umizoomi

    Team Umizoomi

    Super team teaches preschoolers real-life math applications.

  • Pick of the Week

    Sites for Haiti

    Sites for Haiti

    Help kids get involved.

  • Download This

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name