- Release Year: 2004
- Platforms: Windows
- Publisher: Activision Value Publishing, Inc.
- Developer: AWE Productions, Inc.
- Genre: Action
- Perspective: 3rd-person (Other)
- Game Mode: Single-player
- Gameplay: Mini-games, Point and select
- Setting: Fantasy
- Average Score: 91/100
Description
Shrek 2: Activity Center is a 2004 Windows game featuring a collection of mini-games based on the Shrek 2 movie. Players navigate a central hub in the swamp to access various activities, including catching Puss-in-Boots, steering a carriage, mimicking the king’s dinner habits, and more. The game offers three difficulty levels and a Print Center to unlock and print certificates and rewards.
Gameplay Videos
Shrek 2: Activity Center Free Download
Shrek 2: Activity Center Reviews & Reception
metacritic.com (83/100): The animation is excellent as are the level designs. Vicarious Visions did a great job at bringing the Shrek atmosphere to the GBA.
deviantart.com (100/100): This is a fantastic sequel to an already fantastic movie. Shrek 2 is an absolute must watch for any fan of the green ogre.
Shrek 2: Activity Center Cheats & Codes
PC
Press [Enter] during gameplay, then type the code.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| i am the best | Cheat mode |
| yahoo | All potions |
GameCube
Enter codes in the Scrapbook in the pause menu.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| LEFT, UP, A, X, LEFT, UP, A, X, LEFT, UP, A, X, X, X, X, X, X | 1000 Coins |
| LEFT, UP, A, X, LEFT, UP, A, X, LEFT, UP, A, X, UP, RIGHT, DOWN, LEFT, UP | Refill health meters |
| LEFT, UP, A, X, LEFT, UP, A, X, LEFT, UP, A, X, Y, X, Y, X, Y, X | Unlock all Bonuses |
| LEFT, UP, A, X, LEFT, UP, A, X, LEFT, UP, A, X, UP, UP, UP, UP, UP | Unlock all levels |
Xbox
Enter codes in the Scrapbook in the pause menu.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| LEFT, UP, A, B, LEFT, UP, A, B, LEFT, UP, A, B, B, B, B, B, B | Earn 1,000 gold coins |
| LEFT, UP, A, B, LEFT, UP, A, B, LEFT, UP, A, B, X, B, X, B, X, B | Unlock all Bonuses |
| Left,Up,X,A,Left,Up,X,A,Left,Up,X,A,Up,RightDown,Left,Up | Refill health meters |
| Left,Up,X,A,Left,Up,X,A,Left,Up,X,A,Up,Up,Up,Up,Up | Unlock all Levels |
Shrek 2: Activity Center: Review
Introduction
Shrek 2: Activity Center is a 2004 Windows game that brings the Shrek 2 movie’s characters and world into a collection of mini-games. As part of the then-booming market of movie tie-in games targeting younger audiences, it offers a blend of action, puzzle, and memory-based activities wrapped in the familiar Shrek aesthetic.
Development History & Context
Developed by AWE Productions and published by Activision Value Publishing, Shrek 2: Activity Center was released during a period when activity center-style games were popular for children. The team likely drew from the success of similar titles like Disney’s Activity Centers and other Shrek-licensed games.
Technological constraints of the time included CD-ROM storage and early 3D graphics capabilities. The Windows platform required the game to run on a range of PC hardware, so performance optimization was key.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
The game’s narrative is minimal, using the Shrek 2 movie as a backdrop. Each mini-game is introduced by a short scenario involving characters like Shrek, Donkey, Puss-in-Boots, and others. While there’s no overarching story, the games touch on themes of friendship, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The seven mini-games include:
1. Catch Puss-in-Boots: Reaction-based clicking game
2. Careening Carriage: Obstacle avoidance in a moving carriage
3. Dinner with the King: Memory game matching food items
4. Fairy Godmother’s Lab: Mixing potions with correct ingredients
5. Hide and Seek: Locate hidden characters in environments
6. Juice at the Beach: Recipe-based ingredient mixing
7. Muffin Masterpiece: Collect falling ingredients
Each game features distinct dialogue and interactions that stay true to the movie’s characters.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
The core gameplay revolves around selecting a character from the hub and entering their associated mini-game. Mechanics vary widely:
- Catch Puss-in-Boots relies on quick reflexes and accurate clicking.
- Careening Carriage uses mouse-controlled steering with auto-forward movement.
- Dinner with the King tests memory by requiring players to replicate sequences.
- Fairy Godmother’s Lab involves selecting correct potion components from multiple choices.
- Hide and Seek requires visual scanning of environments to find hiding spots.
- Juice at the Beach tests timing and matching of ingredients.
- Muffin Masterpiece features left/right movement to catch falling items.
The Print Center adds a unique layer by allowing players to print certificates and other rewards, enhancing collectibility.
World-Building, Art & Sound
The game’s environments and characters are modeled after the Shrek 2 movie’s visuals, with 3D models and textures that capture the cartoon-like style. The art direction maintains consistency with the film, from the swamp hub to various mini-game backdrops.
Sound effects are cartoonish and fitting for the target audience. Music tracks evocative of the Shrek movies’ scores play in the background, enhancing immersion.
Reception & Legacy
Critical reception was mixed, with common complaints about repetitive gameplay and lack of depth. However, the game likely found success among young Shrek fans looking for a lightweight gaming experience. Its legacy is primarily as part of the Shrek franchise’s extensive media presence rather than a significant contribution to video game innovation.
Conclusion
Shrek 2: Activity Center is a competent but unremarkable entry in the activity center genre. It effectively leverages the Shrek 2 license to provide a fun, though limited, gaming experience for children. While it doesn’t stand out in video game history, it serves its intended purpose as a licensed product capitalizing on the movie’s popularity.