Each level is broken down into smaller sections and one boss fight. These can range from simplistic tasks, such as opening a gate, to more complicated ones.

The game initially switches characters in a scripted manner, but later on you can do this on the fly when particular puzzles warrant it. The intended audience is comprised of kids ages 7 and up, but adults can increase the difficulty level and enjoy a modicum of challenge. You play not only as Shrek but several characters from said movie (Donkey, Puss in Boots), as they set out to find the rightful heir to the throne and clobber an army of bad guys on the way… and also collect coins and fairy dust, punch boxes, flip levers and engage in simple platforming. Shrek 3 loosely follows the plotline from the animated movie with the same title.

If you’ve played any number of arcade action games (previous Shrek games included) then you have a solid idea on what to expect here. Shrek 3 walks the middle line, offering little novelty in its arcade presentation.

Movie to game transitions are nothing new, but since most of the them are average (at best) or god awful (at worst), you can’t help feel a little cynical about them.

Shrek the Third free instal