Shrek the Third - Review
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RRP: £Various
Out 22 June
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As one of the most successful animated film franchises, you can imagine that the accompanying tie-in games for the Shrek series have had their own slice of the pie. They’ve never been particularly good games but they tick all the boxes. But the third film has received rather a lukewarm reception from the press, and we couldn’t help but expect the game to not live up to the previous solid incarnations. However, it turns out that just because the films couldn’t keep up the quality, doesn’t mean the game is an unmitigated disaster.
As the film rips off many a classic movie moment, so too does the game have its “inspirations”. Having the audacity to try to follow in the footsteps of the mighty God of War games at least shows good taste from the developers, even if it is a little ambitious. Being basically a button-mashing platformer with a few puzzles and a special attack meter, you’ll move from environment to environment and from character to character, making your way through swathes of pirates, witches and all manner of baddies. There are a few special moves and abilities for Puss, Donkey and the rest but it’s Shrek and Fiona who have the real skills, with slo-mo fighting moves and wide ranging attacks.
Unfortunately it’s a one-note game and doesn’t have any other strings to its bow other than some nice backgrounds and reasonable combat. The camera is sluggish and the voiceovers aren’t entirely done by the real actors. Also, like the film, it’s not very funny. It’s certainly as good as any other Shrek game you may have played, the kids will love it but more seasoned gamers may want to leave it in a land far, far away.
5/10
Review by Kirsten Kearney
