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When Activision and Vicarious Visions published Shrek 2 for the Game Boy Advance a few years ago, it was easy to overlook the game's weak presentation because the team-oriented gameplay provided a clever twist on the otherwise stale platform-jumper design. Now that they've released Shrek the Third, which is virtually the same as the last game, the flaws are tougher to swallow. The graphics and audio both feel antiquated, and the game is just a bit too kid-friendly for its own good.

Events in the game are loosely based on what happens in the movie. Shrek, Donkey, and Puss set out to find Arthur, the heir to the throne of Far, Far Away, but soon end up stranded on a desert island after Shrek and Artie have a fight. The four then seek out Merlin, who excitedly informs the quartet that he can easily zap them back to Far, Far Away. They just need to bring him some fairies that are hidden on the island first. Your job is to guide the characters through each level and collect the fairies that Merlin needs. Once you've done so, he'll punt the group to a different land and send them out to collect more fairies. Along the way, you'll encounter friendly characters, such as the blind mice and the three little pigs, as well as villains like Captain Hook, Prince Charming, and the Headless Horseman.