It’s been a strong time of late for the kids game genre. LEGO Harry Potter was ridiculously enjoyable, even for adults, and Toy Story 3′s toybox mode has put a smile on even the most cold-hearted of adult gamers. Even better, both games have been rather highly regarded by their target audience – children – too. So it’s a shame then that Shrek Forever After is quite a step backwards. Even more frustratingly, it clearly had the potential to be quite good but it doesn’t manage it. While it’s not terrible, it’s not really very good either.
Following the Shrek Forever After storyline, Shrek finds himself cast into an alternate timeline after making a deal with the sinister Rumpelstiltskin. This makes for quite an interesting puzzle element in the game as players can jump between the two timelines at predefined spots in order to solve problems. Players also must switch between four different characters in order to solve the various puzzles on offer throughout the many levels available. Each of the four characters has their own respective abilities which can be used for numerous tasks. Shrek can carry quite heavy objects such as oil barrels, while Fiona can set the barrels and other explosives alight. Donkey can kick things which is more useful than it sounds. Notably he can kick oil barrels down from wagons which Shrek can then lift and so on. Puss can climb up things as well as chop ropes with his blade. While they all have quite simple abilities bizarrely none of them can jump freely (Puss can at certain moments), but all the skills interlock in order to traverse the game world.
Some of the puzzles are quite reasonably intricate at first. There are mirrors that need rotating in order to bounce a light in the right direction, potions to make with correctly coloured jars and some blocks to move around to create a path. They’re relatively simple to solve for the adult mind but a little complex for younger gamers. Fortunately there is a quite useful hint system on offer courtesy of the Three Blind Mice. Annoyingly, most of the puzzles are hideously overused. The first few times are fun but many puzzles feel terribly repetitive after a few hours. So repetitive in fact that I found myself sighing inwardly every time the same old puzzle returned to haunt me. In short bursts it wouldn’t feel so bad but this just makes it all the clearer that this isn’t a game for those with limited attention spans. Or in other words, it’s not ideal for kids who are bored quickly.
The need for switching between characters is a bit over the top also with a switch required seemingly every few minutes. It’s not possible to switch very quickly either and while there’s probably only a millisecond between switching characters, when you have to do this regularly, it begins to grate. Still, young gamers will enjoy the ability to play as their favourite character. This is also a perfect example of why playing the game co-operatively in 2 or 4 player mode is useful as it means each player has a set role. It’ll even teach your offspring teamwork which has to be a good thing.
Fighting is very simple and age appropriate. The fight sequences are set apart from the rest of the game with the set piece starting and ending within a few minutes. The control system is simple with only a couple of buttons set aside for combat moves. Even the boss fights are quite simple to complete and, much like the other puzzles, encourages youngsters to learn problem solving skills. Fighting arenas also benefit from a fantastic soundtrack with the likes of Smashmouth and Katrina and The Waves emerging after their initial performances in the films. Much like the rest of the game though, for adults it’s all a tad boring.
For the completionist in you, like the LEGO games, there are plenty of things to collect. There’s even a central hub where you can buy upgrades which can then be used to unlock further optional sections within the game.
Ultimately though, Shrek Forever After is clearly a game for kids and kids alone. While the likes of LEGO Harry Potter and Toy Story 3 are also ideal for adults, this one really isn’t. Kids will love the excellent characterisation on offer and the simple game mechanics that they can easily get to grips with. Adults however will become bored very quickly. Everything is too repetitive and easy. There’s even an arrow that always points you to your next goal. Kids love repetition of tasks though, and they love Shrek, so its target audience will be very pleased. If you’re the parent though, you might suffer a tad.
VideogameUK verdict: 5/10
