Shrek SuperSlam

Donkey has a dilemma … well, not so much of a dilemma as a couple of choices - head butt or spin and mule-kick? Unfortunately, while mulling over those choices, Puss in Boots picks up a giant ham hock and knocks Donkey dizzy.

Combat never was so light-hearted as when translated into the Xbox melee title, Shrek SuperSlam. Shaba Games and Activision are behind the title, which features 20 characters (some of which need to be unlocked) duking it out in semi-destructible environments (16 of them).

Based off the tongue-in-cheek fairytale motion picture, where no fairytale character is sacred and most are approached from a purely humorous standpoint, Shrek SuperSlam is all about combat, whether it is mega-challenges or tournaments played out with the backdrop of a timer.

The idea is a simple one, outperform your opponent – and this is accomplished in a variety of ways depending on the parameters selected for the combat – before the timer runs out. Build up the slam meter and then pull off devastating attacks replete with dazzling special effects.

The games modes are all timed affairs, and while there is a multiplayer (featuring melee and king-of-the-hill modes), most of the variety of options are in the single-player game. There is a story mode, which is essentially a way of stringing the fights together. Mega Challenges are mini games and then there is straight melee.

The action is somewhat arcade-like in tempo, and there are supports for that in the form of power-ups that appear. The power-ups take on a variety of styles, from the fart wand (you get Shrek’s Green Storm attack), to pot ‘o gold grenades, a gravity wand, pirate cannon, rocket sauce to speed movement, and other special items like the Viking Horned Helmet, which can turn every hit into a slam.

The game’s control system is very easy to learn and use. There are fast attacks, strong attacks, blocking moves, and if your toon gets knocked for a loop, wiggle the left thumbstick to speed recovery time. As players progress, they will be able to take advantage of the combo attacks, which merely adds to the fun.

The game’s sound spans from Beethoven’s Fifth to Saturday morning cartoon. And the graphics are lush, well rendered and just plain fun. If you are looking for diversity in the characters, then you only have to consider who is available here - you have Shrek, of course, as well as Fiona and Donkey, Puss, the Gingerbread Man, Prince Charming, and Pinocchio to start and then get to unlock the likes of Robin Hood and Red Riding Hood, plus a host of others that bring personality to the game.

Shrek SuperSlam is not a particularly deep program. It is melee combat, repeated over and again, but Shaba has given it such a lively twist that this cannot help but be fun.

Gameplay: 8.3
Quick load times, a fixed camera angle and easy-to-understand controls make this game a breeze for players of any age to jump in and get going without a lot of fanfare.

Graphics: 8.6
The game is a real treat for the eyes. The effects are well done, and the environments are fun.

Sound: 8.4
The music is uptempo, the squeaks, grunts and other noises from the characters are wonderfully done, and the game has all the panache of a Saturday morning cartoon.

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Concept: 8.4
The designers wanted the game to be lighthearted and fun and they certainly accomplished that. The controls are simple to learn and the interface easy to navigate through.

Multiplayer: 8.6
This is where the game truly shines.

Overall: 8.3
The game is not overly complex, but it is graphically pleasing and is great fun for families and as a party game. The effects sparkle and the action is humorous. This is a light combat vehicle that can challenge and will likely tickle a few funny bones en route to pulling off some high-flying slams. The intent was to make a fun game that players of any age or skill level can enjoy. Mission accomplished.