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Shrek 2 (video game)
Encyclopedia
Shrek 2 is a 2004 cross-platform
video game created by Luxoflux
and Original PC version of Shrek 2 created by KnowWonder
(MAC version ported by Aspyr) and published by Activision
in 2004. Based on the 2004 CGI-Animated film sequel of the same name
, the player is able to play as Shrek or nine of his friends throughout the game, and travel through 11 levels, while being able to switch between the 4 characters available in each level.
Players play mini-games that the player will have to complete when the player isn't traveling on hazardous paths from point A to point B. Challenges that require the player his/her entire party
include having to punch chickens into cook pots or a pen, escorting characters through a stage (Billy Goat Gruff and the three blind mice), and collecting fairies, jewelry, etc.
The second type of mini-game, dubbed "Hero Time," gives one character a challenge to complete, usually emphasizing that character's particular skills displayed in the movie. Donkey at one point has to chase a fleeing onion wagon well riding on the back of Dragon. Fiona holds a private concert for a flock of black birds she's collecting for a pie (via exploding them by rhythm based button presses). Shrek has to throw a bunch of thugs into a paddy wagon.
and KnowWonder
and published by Activision
in 2004. The game is based on the 2004 animated film of the same name
by Dreamworks
. TDK
shown the game at the E3 convention in May of 2003. Activision announced on December of that same year that they would be working with DreamWorks
to develop and publish video games based on the upcoming Shrek 2 movie, before they released the first trailer for the game in Spring of 2004.
The score for the film it's based on was originally composed by Harry Gregson Williams, who is also known for composing music for other films in the Shrek film franchise. The score for the video game, however, was composed by Kevin Manthei
who is also known for scoring music for four Nancy Drew
PC titles.
reviewer Mary Jane Irwin called the Gamecube, Xbox, and Playstation 2 versions of Shrek 2 "an amusing jaunt into the world of the movie." and Craig Harris, another reviewer of IGN, called the GBA version "an absolute treat, especially for those who dig the artstyle of the film." though stated it to be "nothing new."
, shipped more than 5 million units combined and were the best-selling titles of May and June, respectively.
Cross-platform
In computing, cross-platform, or multi-platform, is an attribute conferred to computer software or computing methods and concepts that are implemented and inter-operate on multiple computer platforms...
video game created by Luxoflux
Luxoflux
Luxoflux was an American video game developer. It was founded by Peter Morawiec and Adrian Stephens in January 1997, and was based in Santa Monica, California.-History:...
and Original PC version of Shrek 2 created by KnowWonder
KnowWonder
KnowWonder Digital Entertainment is a video game company that was founded in 1998, and was formerly owned by Amaze Entertainment. It acquired Griptonite Games in 1999, but got bought back by Realtime Associates...
(MAC version ported by Aspyr) and published by Activision
Activision
Activision is an American publisher, majority owned by French conglomerate Vivendi SA. Its current CEO is Robert Kotick. It was founded on October 1, 1979 and was the world's first independent developer and distributor of video games for gaming consoles...
in 2004. Based on the 2004 CGI-Animated film sequel of the same name
Shrek 2
Shrek 2 is a 2004 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film, produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon. It is the second installment in the Shrek film series and the sequel to 2001's Shrek...
, the player is able to play as Shrek or nine of his friends throughout the game, and travel through 11 levels, while being able to switch between the 4 characters available in each level.
Plot
Shrek 2's storyline follows the same plot of the movie. Shrek and Fiona are on a journey to Far, Far Away Land to visit Fiona's parents. Shrek's in-laws aren't too thrilled that a crude ogre is married to their beloved daughter, so the battle for acceptance ensues. The game also covers things not shown in the film. Plot elements are delivered primarily through a storybook interface (text and illustrations) shown before each level.Gameplay
The game is broken into different chapters, each with their own set of goals. One chapter might require the player to make sure three blind mice safely make their way to the witch's house. Another chapter might have the player act as a deputy in Far, Far Away Land -- collecting bits of Humpty Dumpty, stealing treasure from a troll, escorting Cinderella while she window shops for a glass slipper, or ridding the town to the Pied Piper's rat infestation, collecting chickens for a stew, or battling Puss in Boots via timed button presses.Players play mini-games that the player will have to complete when the player isn't traveling on hazardous paths from point A to point B. Challenges that require the player his/her entire party
Party
A party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation, or recreation. A party will typically feature food and beverages, and often music and dancing as well....
include having to punch chickens into cook pots or a pen, escorting characters through a stage (Billy Goat Gruff and the three blind mice), and collecting fairies, jewelry, etc.
The second type of mini-game, dubbed "Hero Time," gives one character a challenge to complete, usually emphasizing that character's particular skills displayed in the movie. Donkey at one point has to chase a fleeing onion wagon well riding on the back of Dragon. Fiona holds a private concert for a flock of black birds she's collecting for a pie (via exploding them by rhythm based button presses). Shrek has to throw a bunch of thugs into a paddy wagon.
Development
Shrek 2 was created by LuxofluxLuxoflux
Luxoflux was an American video game developer. It was founded by Peter Morawiec and Adrian Stephens in January 1997, and was based in Santa Monica, California.-History:...
and KnowWonder
KnowWonder
KnowWonder Digital Entertainment is a video game company that was founded in 1998, and was formerly owned by Amaze Entertainment. It acquired Griptonite Games in 1999, but got bought back by Realtime Associates...
and published by Activision
Activision
Activision is an American publisher, majority owned by French conglomerate Vivendi SA. Its current CEO is Robert Kotick. It was founded on October 1, 1979 and was the world's first independent developer and distributor of video games for gaming consoles...
in 2004. The game is based on the 2004 animated film of the same name
Shrek 2
Shrek 2 is a 2004 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film, produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon. It is the second installment in the Shrek film series and the sequel to 2001's Shrek...
by Dreamworks
DreamWorks
DreamWorks Pictures, also known as DreamWorks, LLC, DreamWorks SKG, DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC, DreamWorks Studios or DW Studios, LLC, is an American film studio which develops, produces, and distributes films, video games and television programming...
. TDK
TDK
, formerly , is a Japanese company which manufactures electronic materials, electronic components, and recording and data-storage media, and markets them globally. Their motto is "Contribute to culture and industry through creativity"...
shown the game at the E3 convention in May of 2003. Activision announced on December of that same year that they would be working with DreamWorks
DreamWorks
DreamWorks Pictures, also known as DreamWorks, LLC, DreamWorks SKG, DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC, DreamWorks Studios or DW Studios, LLC, is an American film studio which develops, produces, and distributes films, video games and television programming...
to develop and publish video games based on the upcoming Shrek 2 movie, before they released the first trailer for the game in Spring of 2004.
The score for the film it's based on was originally composed by Harry Gregson Williams, who is also known for composing music for other films in the Shrek film franchise. The score for the video game, however, was composed by Kevin Manthei
Kevin Manthei
Kevin Manthei is a composer for film, television, and video games.-Biography:Manthei grew up in Minnesota. He played the piano in his youth and played the trumpet in high school. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition. He also studied...
who is also known for scoring music for four Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew is a fictional young amateur detective in various mystery series for all ages. She was created by Edward Stratemeyer, founder of the Stratemeyer Syndicate book packaging firm. The character first appeared in 1930. The books have been ghostwritten by a number of authors and are published...
PC titles.
Reception
Almost every console version of Shrek 2 received praise and mixed response from critics, receiving over a 70% for each of the console versions from Gamerankings. IGNIGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
reviewer Mary Jane Irwin called the Gamecube, Xbox, and Playstation 2 versions of Shrek 2 "an amusing jaunt into the world of the movie." and Craig Harris, another reviewer of IGN, called the GBA version "an absolute treat, especially for those who dig the artstyle of the film." though stated it to be "nothing new."
Sales
Shrek 2, along with Spider-Man 2Spider-Man 2 (video game)
Spider-Man 2 is the name of several computer and video games based on the Spider-Man universe and particularly the Spider-Man 2 film. It is a follow up to the game Spider-Man: The Movie and was followed by Spider-Man 3 to promote the release of the third film in 2007...
, shipped more than 5 million units combined and were the best-selling titles of May and June, respectively.