We haven't seen Shrek 3 yet, but since the Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter video game arrived on our doorstep, my two boys have been smitten. In other words, I expect we'll hit the theater soon.
It used to be that I'd read a book or watch a movie and then gobble up the various themed merchandise. Interestingly for my sons, the experience has been the opposite. From getting The Gingerbread Boy in their Happy Meals to playing a little Wii as Shrek, Fiona, Puss in Boots, and Donkey, they experience the characters and story setting before knowing the actual story. This makes following the movie much easier, and a richer experience.
This has turned out to be a good thing. I remember from my youth how fun it was to go to a theater together as a family for an afternoon "out." It was exciting. But in the age of Netflix and other instant entertainment, the "specialness" of the Family Movie Night sort of went away. But now, the kids get excited about a movie before it is released, thanks to the marketing that drives other parents insane. In our case, familiarity of the story and enthusiasm for the characters will mean a greater chance the kids will be willing to go to the cinema.
The kids eyes widened in anticipation when they saw our Shrek package. One son ran for his DS; the other turned on the Wii. After awhile, they switched. Then they realized they could play together as a team. Shrek Forever After: The Game has several modes: from the single-player to a team of up to four players. Different characters have different strengths, so while players might have a "favorite," it is also a strategic decision as to which to use in a particular setting. Switching from character to character is easy, as is "dropping in" or "dropping out" of a team experience. The game incorporates funny little scenes of dialog as well as enjoyable graphics. Tasks include play fighting and puzzle-solving. I love the collaborative nature of the team play since my boys learn to work together and can celebrate their accomplishments with each other.
My boys have definitely enjoyed their Shrek video game experience, and are glad they've had an opportunity to learn more about Shrek's final chapter before we see the story play out on the big screen.
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Disclaimer: Activision sent me Shrek Forever After: The Game free-for-review for both the Nintendo DS and Wii platforms. The game is also available in the following formats; any link to Amazon has my affiliate code in it, so I get a few cents if you purchase through my link:
Shrek Forever After: Playstation 3
Shrek Forever After: XBox 360
Shrek Forever After: PC (Windows Vista / XP)
No other compensation has or will occur because I wrote a post. The words above are my own; Activision did not review this piece prior to publication.
