Shrek the Third (Console Version) - E10+
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this is a video game based on the movie of the same name. Parents looking for a movie tie-in game should know that there are three separate games named Shrek the Third. The version reviewed here is for the consoles -- Nintendo Wii ($50), Microsoft Xbox 360 ($50), Sony PlayStation 2 ($40) -- and for the PC ($20) and Sony PlayStation Portable ($40). While this version tracks the storyline of the movie, this game is all about beating up bad guys. Although there is no blood, you inflict pain and punishment on others in the game to make them fall down and eventually disappear. The Nintendo DS version is more about puzzle play and less about violence, making it the better option for kids.
Families can talk about how developers extend the movie experience through games. Did this one stay true to the franchise? If you were responsible for developing a video game based on the Shrek character, what would your game look like? What makes the world of Shrek fun to play in?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jinny Gudmundsen
If the giant green ogre and his pals tickled your funny bone in Shrek the Third movie, you'll probably enjoy some of the SHREK THE THIRD video game for the consoles. The same humor is present in small doses.
This version created for the consoles (Xbox 360, PS2, and Wii), PSP, and the PC, is an action-adventure with a heavy emphasis on bashing the bad guys. It tracks the story presented in the movie, with Shrek searching the world of Far, Far Away to find the missing heir, Arthur. While Shrek is away, Prince Charming and his band of ragtag bad guys take over the castle.
As kids explore the 20 levels of the game, they will have the opportunity to play as Shrek, Puss-in-Boots, Donkey, Fiona, Arthur (Artie), and Sleeping Beauty. On each level you are assigned a character and a series of quests. These quests vary greatly, from playing through the level without dying, to finding a hidden geek in a locker, to destroying Captain Hook's piano. You need not accomplish all the quests on a level to go on to the next level.
In addition to accomplishing quests, you will also need to collect coins and smash everything in sight so as to acquire fairy dust, the commodity that allows your character to execute special power attacks.
The game can be played on three levels of difficulty. While it's mostly about combat, it also offers a little bit of puzzle play and six two-player mini-games (except on the PC, which only has one mini-game). The constant fighting gets old quickly, but the humor in the dialogue keeps it fun.
In the Wii version, combat is accomplished by shaking the Wii controller back and forth. Shaking the Nunchuk activates a more powerful attack. Ruffians simply fade away when kicked or punched. While it seems strange at first, this method of fighting quickly becomes second nature, and is easier than the button-mashing required in the other console versions.
If your kids like games that let them smash and bash everything in sight, then this is not a bad movie tie-in adventure. And the mini-games can be entertaining. The Nintendo DS version is the better game because it offers cooperative play for up to 3 players and focuses on puzzle play instead of combat.
If you like Shrek, you might want to check out Shrek 2, another bash-'em-up, but a better game than this one because of the cooperative play aspect.
Platform Notes
Game Boy Advance
The Game Boy Advance version of Shrek the Third is a side-scrolling action game that has some bloodless combat and offers 24 levels of play. Switching on the fly, you play as Shrek, Donkey, Puss-in-Boots, or Artie. It\'s similar to the console version in that it follows the storyline of the movie and you go on quests and collect items. Since there is less violence, this game is rated E and can be enjoyed by kids as young as 7.
Nintendo Wii
In the Wii version, combat is accomplished by shaking the Wii controller back and forth. Shaking the Nunchuk activates a more powerful attack. Ruffians simply fade away when kicked or punched. While it seems strange at first, this method of fighting quickly becomes second nature, and is easier than the button-mashing required in the other console versions.
Windows
In this version there is only one mini-game instead of six.
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ViolenceEach character has their own special attack, and the focus of the game is beating up the bad guys. Shrek will continue to punch guys until they fall down and eventually disappear. |
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Social BehaviorThis is a quest to help friends. |
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CommercialismPart of the Shrek franchise. |
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Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
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