By Ron Harris
The Associated Press

Given the silver screen escapades of the animated ogre Shrek, I expected Activision's Shrek 2 to be a docile, kid-friendly game featuring the lovable big green goon.

The "E" rating seemingly assured there would be little in the way of ham-fisted violence. But Shrek can be one bad dude.

There's no raw gore, but Shrek 2 prides itself on characters equipped with some serious skull-busting moves.

The Xbox version I tested is a winner anyway, thanks to creative graphics, a well-crafted story and funny verbal jabs between a lively host of characters.

The plot: Shrek and his betrothed, Princess Fiona, need to make their way through a hazardous imaginary world to attend a grand royal ball Fiona's parents are throwing in celebration of their daughter's recent nuptials.

Traveling with them on the dangerous journey is Donkey and a Gingerbread Man. Each character has special powers.

Donkey possesses a burro blast kick that comes in handy for knocking down timber when you need to cross a stream.

And Gingerbread Man can whip a candy cane at a foe's forehead like nobody's business. He also jumps a little higher than the rest, which makes him handy for rounding up gold coins for tolls.

The characters travel in a roving pack, with the selected character of choice bearing a yellow circle at his feet with a pointy edge indicating the direction of travel.

This game is chock full of fighting. You'll beat up little Merry Men in Le Hood, knock chickens unconscious and toss them into a boiling stew pot. Try not to get stabbed while battling Puss in Boots, who'll plunge his sword through your gut if you move too slow.

The graphics are smooth and the characters' movements seem independent and free-flowing as they tromp through detailed forest scenery.

Shrek 2 costs $49.99 and is also available for PlayStation 2, GameCube, PC and Game Boy Advance.