Back in 2004, when Shrek 2 hit theaters and became an instant classic, Activision teamed up with Vicarious Visions to bring the ogre’s sequel adventure to the Game Boy Advance. Fast forward to 2025, and I’ve dusted off my old GBA SP to revisit this little green gem. Does it still pack the swampy charm of the movie, or has it aged like a stale onion? Let’s dive in.
Shrek 2 on GBA isn’t your typical movie tie-in cash grab—it’s a surprisingly solid side-scrolling platformer with a twist. You don’t just play as Shrek; you’ve got a rotating crew of four characters—Shrek, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and the Gingerbread Man—each with unique abilities. Shrek’s a tank who punches through obstacles, Donkey kicks with his hooves, Puss slashes with finesse, and Gingy… well, he’s small and sneaky, perfect for tight spots. The game’s split into five “books,” each with five levels, and you’ll swap between these characters to solve puzzles and bop enemies. It’s got that Lost Vikings vibe, where teamwork and timing are key, and I’m here for it.
The levels loosely follow the movie’s plot—think Shrek and Fiona’s honeymoon gone wrong, dodging Fairy Godmother’s goons, and storming Far Far Away. Some stages let you control all three active characters at once, which sounds chaotic but works thanks to tight controls. My only gripe? The camera doesn’t always keep up, so you’re occasionally leaping into the unknown. With infinite lives, it’s not a dealbreaker, but it can feel like a cheap shot when you’re trying to snag those hidden coins for 100% completion.
Visually, this game pops on the GBA’s tiny screen. Vicarious Visions nailed the Shrek 2 art style—sprites are crisp, animations are smooth, and the environments capture that fairy-tale-gone-wacky vibe. From Shrek’s swamp to Far Far Away’s glitzy streets, it’s colorful without overwhelming the hardware. Sure, it’s no GBA graphical powerhouse like Golden Sun, but it’s a cut above the usual movie game slop (looking at you, Shrek Swamp Kart Speedway).
The sound’s a mixed bag. The music loops catchy renditions of the movie’s themes—think that funky Fairy Godmother vibe—but it’s basic GBA chiptune stuff that gets old after a while. Sound effects are punchy, though, especially Shrek’s meaty thwacks and Donkey’s brays. No voice acting, obviously, but the text dialogue keeps the humor intact. “Get outta my swamp!” might not be spoken, but you feel it.
Let’s be real—this was made with younger players in mind. Beating the game isn’t tough; you can breeze through the 25 levels in about 5-6 hours if you’re not dawdling. But if you’re a completionist like me, hunting down every coin and secret ramps up the challenge. Some are tucked in spots that demand precise jumps or clever character swaps, giving it a bit of meat for older gamers. It’s not Mario hard, but it’s not a total cakewalk either.
Replay value hinges on how much you love the Shrek universe. There’s no New Game+ or extra modes, so once you’ve cleared it, you’re mostly done unless you want to flex your speedrunning skills. Still, the variety of characters keeps it fresh for a couple of playthroughs.
Shrek 2 on GBA is the best Shrek game the handheld ever got—sorry, Hassle at the Castle fans. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a faithful, fun adaptation that respects the source material while delivering solid platforming. The character-switching mechanic is a standout, and the visuals still hold up in that charmingly retro way. It’s got flaws—repetitive music, occasional blind jumps—but for a movie tie-in from 2004, it’s shockingly good.
Score: 7/10
If you’re a Shrek stan or a GBA collector, it’s worth tracking down a cart. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel—or the swamp. For everyone else, it’s a nostalgic trip back to a time when ogres ruled pop culture and handheld gaming was king. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some swamp mud to scrape off my boots.
Jimmy's Deals 