There are at least two different Final Fight patterns in Gamecube Shrek 2. The difference is with the final part of Final Fight (After the 3 trolls). It is my theory that this is caused by there being two different versions of Shrek 2. The time between when the Fairy Godmother shoots her homing attack as well as how many she shoots is different between the supposed versions. The easiest way to tell the two fight patterns apart is the amount of shots fired in the first round. The fast version is around 20 seconds better than the slow version.
Fast version (3 shots in the first phase but short breaks between shots):
Slow (2 shots in first phase with long time between shots):
The fast version examples take 1:03 and 1:08 respectively. The slow versions are 1:36 and 1:35.
Obsolete runs by the same runner show the same patterns as their current PB, whether fast or slow, and this is the main reason I believe it is caused by different game versions. I have tried to replicate the fast version using my disc by getting hit by the homing attack vs. not getting hit, but have never got the fast version AFAIK. Strangely, runners who get the fast version in their Any% PBs have the slow version in their NewGame+ PBs, so it may not work on a completed game file. PS2 and Xbox both appear to have the fast version.
Edit: Also check the text above the model No. on the top side of the disc. Mine is DL-DOL-G3RE-USA. DL-DOL-G3RE-USA-02 has been found but not sure yet if it has the fast Final Fight. USA-01 also exists but seems to be much rarer than the other 2. Testing is still needed to confirm whether or not this is an indicator for version differences.
There are 3 different NTSC versions of Super Smash Bros. Melee in circulation. There is a number on the bottom side of the disc which indicates which version that disc is. Looking in the same place on my Shrek 2 disc I have DOL-G3RE-0-00. The last 0 is the thing to look for with SSBM. I am curious if anyone has a different number on their Shrek 2 disc than mine, especially if they get the fast version of Final Fight. Also if anyone knows a way to get the different patterns that does not involve there being two different Gamecube releases. Edit: So far the bottom of every disc to be checked has 0-00, so it appears likely that if there are different versions the top of the disc is where the version number is recorded.
Shrek speedrunning discord: https://discord.gg/kJ5abQa
There is a channel for Shrek 2 (Console) here.
Edit: Added to sidebar since apparently that's a thing now.
The code (Gamecube): 'Left, Up, A, X' (3 times), then Up 5 times. It must be entered in the scrapbook section of the pause menu. I have confirmed that it works in game.
The unlock all levels cheat code is problematic for the w/Cheats run category.
As the rules stand now, there is no obligation to complete all of the levels. This means that the player should enter the code immediately in Shrek's Swamp and then exit the level and beat Final Fight. This is not good because the run is now basically the same as an individual level run of Final Fight.
If the rules are changed so that all of the levels must be completed, then the run will become very similar to the NewGame+ category. The player will enter the code to unlock all levels and the code to gain coins and then complete the levels with attack upgrades first.
Both of these result in runs very similar to existing categories (IL Final Fight / NewGame+). IF we want to keep the w/Cheats category as it exists (which is basically an infinite coins run, because that is the only cheat code worth using), then the unlock all levels cheat code should be banned.
In conclusion, in my opinion, the unlock all levels code should be banned in the w/Cheats category OR the with cheats category should be removed as it will be too similar to other categories.