Introduction

Shrek 2 for Playstation 2, based on the movie, can be enjoyed, just like the movie, by both children and adults. The game falls under the action/adventure genre.

Game Description

A brief overview that describes the genre and nature of the game

A team-based action game, the player can choose from a squad of characters from the movie at any given time from the shoulder buttons. In addition to prominent team play, there are occasional break away moments where one or two characters must overcome a challenge. Another key feature is that the game can be multi- or single player at the touch of a button. That is, if there is one player and a friend decides to join, it can be done without the need to pause or restart the game. Similarly, if there are multiple players (there can be up to four) and a player wishes to stop playing, he or she can do so from the controller; it is not necessary to go to a menu and select an option.

The initial level is somewhat of a tutorial. The player initially receives small, relatively simple challenges which seem to facilitate the player becoming familiar with each character’s abilities and switching between them. As the game advances, the player becomes more engaged with more complicated missions, that are sometimes character specific.

Controls

The common controls for all characters are as follows:



Every character, in addition to the universal attack and jump commands, has specialized abilities. For example, Shrek, the largest of the team, is the only one who is able to lift and carry large objects, and Gingerbread Man is the only one who can hit far away objects by throwing a candy cane or lure enemies out into the open with cookies.

The circle button or "action" button is used primarily as a soft key for various things, such as lifting a crate or pulling a lever.

Storyline Description

The general context, setting, plot, and "engagement factors" of the game.

Although it would probably be more interesting for a player to know the movies and characters before trying to play the game, it is not necessary. The game follows the story of the movie pretty well. It begins where the second movie does, with a short clip of Fiona and Shrek, the newlywed ogres, in the swampy forest where Shrek´s house is located. They are about to embark on a journey to visit Fiona’s parents. The visit will be the first time Fiona´s new husband, Shrek, will meet his new in-laws, and also the first time Fiona will see her parents in her new full ogre form.

Goals and Tasks Summary

The overarching goal of the game is to make it to Fiona´s parents as is stated in the opening movie clip.

Throughout the game the characters receive smaller missions that help them along the way. Missions vary from finding and collecting items to helping new characters met on the journey. The main characters required to complete each mission varies. For example, for the eyeball collecting mission, it is irrelevant what characters are used; however, in the mission where fairies must be captured, Fiona is needed for her special ability to slow time. The first mission is presented in the opening movie scene,
while the remaining missions are assigned throughout normal game play. (See image below.)

Scene Description

The chosen scene in the overall structure of the game.

This particular scene falls at the beginning of the overall game. The first two missions are assigned within the time-frame of this scene. They are:

• To collect enough eyeballs for Shrek to snack on during the long journey to Fiona´s parents.



• To free a group of brothers trapped in cages in trees by destroying the boulders to which the ropes are tied that are holding the cages up in the trees. One by one, the boulders must be destroyed causing the cage to fall and break open, freeing each prisoner.

Scene Graphics and Objects

2D Graphics
There are not many graphics in this particular scene that are 2D. Some of the surrounding environment, such as small patches of grass, is made of 2D images, and most of the information about the progress and state of the game is 2D. That is, information about which characters are being controlled, number of items collected, and progress of a mission is displayed in 2D.
3D Objects
The list of 3D objects is extensive. Look below for examples and their functionality.
Collectables
To be collected, often as part of a mission.
	Coins
	Eyeballs
	Magic beans
Enemies
To be destroyed. Often a defeated enemy will dispense collectable objects, such as eyeballs.
	Snails
	Turtles
	Merry Men
Environment
To be explored. They also provide orientation and a clear path of navigation.
	Plateaus
	Fences
Obstacles
	Bull´s eyes (must be hit to open paths)
	Levers (for opening gates)
	Crates (for standing on to get to items)
Help
	Mirror (Gives hints when player chooses to interact with it)
	When an object has the picture of a controller button hovering above it, the player can walk up to the object and press the proper controller button to receive information.

Scene Flow

The scene begins with the first mission. Before beginning the journey back to Fiona´s home, the characters must collect enough eyeballs for Shrek´s monstrous appetite. The progress is displayed via an eyeball counter shown in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

The first opportunity for help appears, and the player can approach the mirror, press the circle button, and receive helpful information about how to collect eyeballs and destroy enemies, such as snails, for eyeballs.

The player soon discovers that other objects such as beans and coins can also be collected. The progress is tracked also with counters; however, these counters are only displayed for a short time period on the upper right-hand side of the screen every time a new object is collected.

While searching for eyeballs the player must break a boulder to get through a certain path. By breaking this boulder, you free a man trapped in a cage, who asks you to help him free his six brothers, too. This is your second mission. It´s progress is tracked with a counter similar to the bean and coin counters.

At one point the player must switch to Gingerbread Man and use his special ability to throw candy canes to hit an out of reach bull´s eye to open a gate. Then Gingerbread Man must use another special ability to throw cookies as bait and lure enemies out in to the open for easier attacking.

To reach coins placed high in the air, the player must move a crate so a character can stand on it and jump to get the coins. The only character strong enough to lift heavy objects is Shrek (this is his special ability).

When the missions are completed, a snap shot is taken, displayed at the top right-hand side of the screen for a short period of time, and the player is congratulated.