GameCube

Shrek SuperSlam

Shrek SuperSlam deviates from the standard platforming fare of the Shrek series. That said, the game’s combat system is fundamentally solid with an excellent combo system that is actually much more in-depth than I originally suspected. It retains the Shrek humor that makes the series so popular in the first place, as well, thereby appealing to younger fans. Overall, the game is a nice throwback to the PowerStone series except with Shrek characters replacing Capcom’s fantasy characters.

In the end, it’s a good game that shouldn’t be overlooked due to the Shrek license; in fact, it’s probably one of the most redeeming parts of the game. It lacks the polish that could make it a worthy brawler right up there with Super Smash Bros. or Power Stone, but it’s a fantastic entry level game for the kids with just enough depth to make it an occasional round with the adults.

Though less rewarding and more repetitive than Shrek's last adventure, Shrek SuperSlam is mostly a slammin' good time. The gameplay is pure beat-'em-up, though the game's structure was designed to be like a fighter. Opponents do not swarm in repeatedly – you have a set limit and that's it. Beat them and win, or win by completing whatever objective is listed, depending on the mode you're playing.

Shrek SuperSlam isn’t trying to be anything more than the lighthearted escape from life that it is. The controls are tight and there is enough depth and varied action to keep anyone from ten to 110 entertained for a significant amount of time. Trust me when I tell you that it’s not another sorry excuse to cash in on a great movie license.

Shrek Superslam is a good title, and it’s one that could have been great if a little more time was spent polishing up the mechanics, deepening the gameplay, and adding to the length. That’s not to say Superslam is a bad game-- it’s definitely one that Shrek fans and younger gamers will get a lot out of, just don’t expect an epic, genre-defining experience.

From Activision and Shaba Games comes Shrek SuperSlam for GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. This colorful 3D fighter attempts to marry the lovable characters and recognizable locations from the Shrek franchise with the four-player-friendly brawl mechanics of Nintendo's hit Super Smash Bros. series. In some ways, SuperSlam is a success. Where presentation is concerned, it hits the mark, providing a wealth of playable fighters, each sporting humorous personalities ripped directly from the movies. But although Shrek himself packs a big punch, the fighting mechanics of the title fall short of their aspirations, especially when multiple characters crowd the screen. The end result is a brawler that's often mildly fun despite its flaws, but also one that is probably only suited to Shrek-a-holics and younger gamers.

Games like this are definitely not for my demographic. If you're a parent and you're looking for a game that you can rent for the weekend to keep the house full of kids busy, this could be a pretty safe bet. Unfortunately, if you're above the age of 13, you may find this game extremely boring, and somewhat lackluster. It's got the makings of a fun-filled 3D fighting game, but it just unfortunately doesn't deliver like it should. And it doesn't have anything to do with the Shrek license.

Zwar ist Shrek SuperSlam auf keiner der drei Konsolen ein Überhammer. Wer aber unbedingt mit dem grünen Oger keilen möchte, liegt mit der GameCube-Version am besten. Die bietet nämlich nicht nur 16 Arenen, sondern auch 20 Charaktere von Oger-Fiona bis hin zu Prince Charming. Zum Vergleich: Auf dem DS duellieren sich nur zwölf Spieler, die GBA-Variante ist gerade mal für zehn Prügler.

Shrek : Superslam partait pourtant d'une bonne intention : se retrouver entre potes autour d'un jeu vidéo faisant la part belle à un univers irrévérencieux. Bien que les personnages et l'atmosphère soient fidèles aux films, on a du mal à se faire plaisir en traversant le titre de Shaba Games. Les parties Multijoueurs sont confuses et peu inspirées, le tout manque cruellement d'ambition pour ce qui est de la variété des challenges proposés et on fait très vite le tour du soft en solo. Regrettable, d'autant qu'on sent qu'on aurait pu avoir droit à un jeu bien meilleur si les développeurs avaient davantage travaillé les aspects les plus importants de leur bébé.