A side-scrolling, 2-dimensional, platform-hopping, puzzle-solving and baddie-bashing adventure set against ornate 3-D backdrops, Shrek the Third for Nintendo DS is nothing like the PlayStation2, Wii, and Xbox 360 versions of the game save for the fact that they're all "based on" the fiasco of a film of the same name.

Though there are many games like it, Shrek the Third on DS is nevertheless a well designed and mostly enjoyable adventure that has you playing as multiple characters from the film at the same time, tag-team style. Each character has a unique skill that you'll call upon from time to time; Shrek can bash through some walls and floors, Artie can trigger magical switches, Puss can jump, scale and fight, and so on.

Using the directional-pad to move, the game also incorporates the DS stylus and touch screen to great effect, where you're scrawling simple shapes to invoke certain attacks and moves. Nothing too complicated, mind you, so though control is a little different, bizarre even, it's never bewildering or frustrating - very appropriate for even the intended audience of youngsters... too bad the same can't be said of the film. Oh well.