Shrek 2 (GameCube)

This has to be one of the best family games I have ever played. We got this and played it well before we ever saw the film of the same name. But having seen the film, I can say that the game follows the same plot as the film.

One to four players can play the game. You can save the game and return to it at a later time (as long as you have a memory card).

We played in the four player mode, had a good three hour session, ...
...until eventually we had completed the game. But having reached the end, we took a break from the game (played something else) then returned to this as we had enjoyed it so much.

So what is this game like to play, what is it about I hear you ask.

Well first let me tell you how my game play is. In a few words challenged, poor, very poor, disjointed, comical. Okay I am a very poor player when it comes to playing computer ... more

This has to be one of the best family games I have ever played. We got this and played it well before we ever saw the film of the same name. But having seen the film, I can say that the game follows the same plot as the film.

One to four players can play the game. You can save the game and return to it at a later time (as long as you have a memory card).

We played in the four player mode, had a good three hour session, this we repeated on numerous occasions over the coming weeks until eventually we had completed the game. But having reached the end, we took a break from the game (played something else) then returned to this as we had enjoyed it so much.

So what is this game like to play, what is it about I hear you ask.

Well first let me tell you how my game play is. In a few words challenged, poor, very poor, disjointed, comical. Okay I am a very poor player when it comes to playing computer games, that does not stop me from enjoying myself though, at times it is also the source of amusement for others. When we play this I play the part of the Donkey (quite apt really) and when everyone gets to a gate or some other part of the game, the call goes out "where is donkey", yep I am dragging my heels trying my best to keep up.

Each of us chose a character, from the main three of Shrek, Fiona and Donkey add to that the fourth player who chooses the character that changes through the game (Puss in boots, Gingerbread man, Little red riding hood, tinkerbell).

All of the characters have different strengths and weaknesses for instance donkey has a powerful kick. We found that part of the fun was finding out the strengths/special moves of each character as we went through the game. The idea is a very simple one, you all move off together in a cartoony world. You will come across enemies that need to be defeated (including the fairy godmother). Characters who need your help, you do not have to help them but we found it adds to the game if you do. You will find your path blocked at times, then you will need to think as there is a way through but it is a puzzle that you will need to collectively solve. It maybe that only one of your characters can do something and will need to do it to help the others.

You also get little mini games that only one character competes in, this gives an individual player the chance to be a hero for a few minutes. Again this is such a clever idea, as all the players will be behind the competing player willing them to succeed.

This game I would say has the emphasis on an all ages family game (although very young children might find parts of the game too difficult). Although you can fail/die, the game has been devised so as that is not the end and you simply go back to the last save.

As you progress towards the end of the game you will realise that you have not necessarily completed all parts of the game, you do have the choice here to try the parts of the levels you've missed out. The choice is yours. Again this is adds to the game and I think it is little touches such as this that make the game even more playable and enjoyable.

Availability

The hardest thing about getting this game, was where to get it, we eventually got one through the famous online auction site. In general quite a few gamecube games are becoming harder to find.

Graphics

I found them to be very good, simple and easy on the eye. I really do not like game that are graphically excellent to the point it is nearly impossible to actually play the game, thankfully this game does not suffer such a problem.

Sound

From voices to music and effects, the sounds in the game all appear to have been thought out, they all interact well and enhance the overall playing experience.

Playability

This is a very easy game to play, suitable for all over about 10 (purely because it is a long game and younger children tend to want to do things only for short bursts), the structure of the game not only allows for multi player, in my opinion to get the best out of this game you need to have four players.

Longevity

As long as you do not play this every day and once complete and you give it a rest, it can become a firm family favourite, along with other great family multiplayer games such as the Mario party series, micro machines to name but a few.

Overall thoughts

This is such a pleasant change from all those beat them up games full of blood and gore, or the heavy sport games. It is nice to see that some games are still developed with the multiplayer element as the driving force.

 

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