Metacritic Games

Shrek 2 (GameCube)

This sequel takes you deeper into the world of Shrek and his friends. Enjoy rich, colorful scenery and events from the movie that bring these funny and enjoyable characters to life. Learn the attributes of each character's personality, attacks and abilities to progress through an action-packed quest. Play as Shrek or choose from 10 other characters. Switch between four rotating characters instantly to utilize each character's special skills and attributes. Live out key moments from the movie and discover never-before-seen locations and characters. Go on special mini quests that highlight specific characters. Play with up to three friends at a time who can enter or leave the game with no interruption to your adventure.

Activision
Action, Platform
Players: 4
E (Everyone)
Developer: Luxoflux Corporation
Released May 3, 2004

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

70 / 100

Critic Reviews

83 Cinescape
It appeals to all gamers of any age, gender, or style of gaming. It has a bit for everyone, action, puzzles, adventure, comedy and it set in a popular film world.
83 Computer Games Magazine
The voice acting is so good gamers will think it's actually the original cast. [Aug 2004, p.7]
83 Next Level Gaming
It captures the spirit of Shrek and the world created for him, and seems to have enough of a challenge with learning to use four characters almost at once to provide gamers with something different and fun.
83 DailyGame
With its good graphics, audio and party-based play, Shrek 2 improves in nearly every way upon the original game.
80 Times Online
The rich musical score can sound inspired at times. The main drawback to Shrek 2 is its slightly flaky in-game camera feature, which does not always let you see the action from the best angles.
80 GamePro
Some frustrating A.I., however, causes Shrek 2 to suffer badly as a single-player game (or any time the computer controls a party member), and switching between the characters to overcome the menial obstacles feels like a chore when playing solo. [Aug 2004, p.68]
80 PGNx Media
One of the best things about Shrek 2 is the multiplayer. Up to four players can play, each controlling a party member. Anyone can join in at any time, so if someone leaves, the AI will continue playing for them.
78 TotalGames.net
The level introductions are a bit forced, but the one-liners, comic asides, character interaction and laid back gameplay is the perfect accompaniment for the summer sun.
78 GameZone
There are a few problems, namely with the camera and the confusing nature of the mini-games, but on the whole this is a game that parents can be sure will please the kids, and offer the parents something, as well.
75 Play Magazine
The visuals have their respective platforms humming at their storybook best. [July 2004, p.72]
75 GameSpy
It's very derivative, and beyond a few puzzles requiring you to use all four characters in tandem, there's not a lot that's new here. At the same time, it's mostly enjoyable while it lasts.
73 Nintendojo
The only downside for fans is the spoilers. If you haven’t seen this yet, you may want to step aside and wait. There are story elements in this game that you may want to wait for until you actually sit down in the auditorium.
70 Game Informer
The jokes cater mostly to the kids, and that's exactly who should enjoy this fairy tale jaunt the most. [July 2004, p.112]
70 RealGamer
Adults or experienced gamers however might find the game a little repetitive and easy concluding that if you belong to the right audience, you’ll love Shrek 2.
70 GamerFeed
The four player is enjoyable, but the experience fizzled out the longer we toyed with it, as the concept isn't very original. Also, if you're not into Shrek, this definitely isn't for you.
70 Yahoo! Games
A solid game that leans towards the easy side. The only real flaws are an iffy camera and iffier reading of its potential audience. It's still the best interactive thing to happen to the Shrek universe thus far.
70 IGN
An amusing jaunt into the world of the movie. It doesn't require a lot of skill and there isn't a cohesive story, but I couldn't stop playing it.
69 XGP Gaming
If you are a true fan of the movie, I'm sure you'll find a place for this game.
68 GameSpot
The game is put together pretty well, but the game is very simple and very short. On top of that, the lame wordplay and fart jokes that pass for humor just don't cut it.
67 Gaming Age
It's fun enough for most adults to enjoy (admittedly in limited doses) and simple enough for most kids to grasp. The opportunity for interaction among family or friends makes Shrek 2 more than the sum of its parts.
66 Nintendo Power
Since the camera stays back to keep track of all four heroes at once in most battles, the characters often appear very small. However, Hero Time sequences show single fighters close-up. [July 2004, p.120]
62 Electronic Gaming Monthly
Those who have long since retired their Shrek-themed bedsheets will find the game easy and repetitive [July 2004, p.94]
58 Game Revolution
Though the objectives are overly simple and quite repetitive, the game is well programmed with decent graphics and a solid pace, and the cooperative aspect should make for many lively slumber parties. Just don’t expect it to keep the grown-up ogres entertained for long.
47 Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
Not a terrible game as such - it tries to be entertaining - but it's a repetitive and technically poor use of a license. [NGC]
40 NintendoWorldReport
Speaking of ill-thought, the controls are maddeningly unresponsive. If it were not for the glitch deaths, all of the frustration would come from repeating the level over and over due to deaths from buggy control response.

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