This could have been the definitive way to experience the game instead those short on companions are left an inferior solo campaign.įrom a presentation standpoint the game delivers. In this regard, it's disappointing that online play is not supported. As with most titles of this nature, its best qualities are amplified during group sessions. Multiplayer is more enjoyable than solo play, not least because some of the optional puzzles require two or more people to solve. Repetitiveness does set in later on, though it's a little easier to stomach for those playing in multiplayer mode. Some of the puzzles are well thought-out, while others would be rendered null if the developers had just included the ability to jump (which is a strange omission given that the characters jump multiple times throughout the film series).
Typical conundrums involve multiple members of the team for example, Shrek may be used to carry an explosive barrel towards a heap of obstructive rocks so Fiona can blast them to pieces. Shrek takes care of the heavy lifting, Fiona can ignite flammable items, Donkey can shift objects with a powerful kick and Puss can climb wooden surfaces using his claws. Each character's unique abilities come into play during these instances. The problem-solving component is arguably its strongest feature. As battles border on laborious when the enemies appear in waves, the game's puzzles provide some welcome variety, not to mention an opportunity to rest your trigger finger. Moreover, the lack of any evasive manoeuvres or the ability to block takes tactics virtually out of the equation (unless you count a stun attack). Combat is largely uninspired, as most encounters consist solely of hitting the attack button continuously and harnessing unspectacular power-ups. Much of the early sections are spent taking down foes using formulaic combos and collecting the bonus items they drop. From the off, the game has the feel of a standard cartoon beat-'em-up. Multiplayer support for up to four players is available, but solo fliers will find themselves switching between Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and Puss throughout. It's essentially an action-adventure with an emphasis on combat, puzzle solving and teamwork.
The game does its best to reference all of the main scenes, while throwing in a bunch of new ones for the sake of gameplay.
Shrek Forever After follows the plot of its film counterpart as loosely as most movie tie-ins. With this in mind, it's pleasing to see the game deliver at least some family-friendly kicks. Based on the series' track record in this department and the fortunes of movie tie-ins in general, expectations for Shrek Forever After are rooted somewhere near the Earth's crust. The CG ogre has returned to the big screen once again, dragging another licenced game in his wake. Also available on: Xbox 360, Wii, PC, DS, iPhoneĭespite being better known for his cinematic outings, Shrek is beginning to crop up in almost as many video games as some of the major studios' mascots.