Activision goes nextgen with DS Shrek: Ogres and Dronkeys

As a coupling, you wouldn't expect to see a kid-friendly DS game set within the affable world of Shrek sitting alongside the remake of Konami's ultra-hardcore 2D side-scrolling shooter Contra 4, but that's what's currently occurring within the offices of US developer Wayforward, which is making both games.

We've been expecting Contra 4 for awhile now although the trail seems to have gone somewhat cool since its E3 public debut, while Shrek: Ogres and Dronkeys has only just been announced by Activision. Still, with an autumn release date mentioned, it might be on shelves before Contra 4 emerges.

As for what you'll get up to in the game, think of it as Shrek the Third 2. So, aimed at an even younger audience than the original game – which, to be honest, we weren't all that keen on – it enables you play around with Shrek and Fiona's Ogre triplets, as well as Donkey and Dragon's dronkey offspring.

Few other details have been provided, but reading between the lines we'd expect to see elements of Nintendogs on offer as you train and play with the little critters, who will no doubt also get up to plenty of Far, Far Away Land mischief.

Shrek: Ogres and Dronkeys is due to be released sometime this autumn, which we think will translate to October for Europe.