Shrek the Third (Nintendo DS Version) - E

Cooperative puzzling makes this Shrek 3 the best.

Publisher: Activision Category/Genre: Video Games - Action/Adventure Platform: Nintendo DS Price: $30.00 Online Enabled: No Graphics: Medium. Recreates the world of the movie and more. Playability: Easy to play and utilizes the unique aspects of the DS. Reading Level: Medium Release Date: 05/05/2007 ESRB Rating: E for cartoon violence and comic mischief

Common Sense Note

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 7-12.

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?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Jinny Gudmundsen

From the first Shrek movie, we know that Donkey loves parfaits. But little did he know that he would eventually be accidentally turned into one -- at least in the Nintendo DS version of SHREK THE THIRD. This funny story line is only tangentially related to the movie and requires players to hunt for fairy dust so that 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.

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. For example, when faced with a river obstacle, you must be Artie, because he is the only one who can ride his shield across the river, a talent accomplished by your blowing into the DS' microphone. Likewise, when faced with a giant, Artie can shoot his magic shield up to whack the giant's vulnerable head and knock him out.

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.

If your kids enjoyed the cooperative feature of this game, then you might want to check out the older Shrek 2 console game, because it too has this nifty game mechanic.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence Puss in Boots uses his sword to fight off baddies.
Language
Message
	Social Behavior The three characters help one another, and players can cooperate to win.
	Commercialism This is a game based on the movie of the same name.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value Requires the use of logical thinking skills to make it through the 16 levels of gameplay.