The Golden Compass DS
The Golden Compass Image
Metascore
43 out of 100

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 7 Critics What's this?

User Score
3.2 out of 10

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Golden Compass follows the screenplay adaptation of the first book in the acclaimed trilogy, capturing the fantasy adventure set in a parallel world where giant armored bears rule a kingdom, beautiful witches fly through the frozen skies, and human beings' deepest essence is manifest as talking animals that remain their faithful companion for life – their daemon. Players can assume the role of Lyra, a young girl, along with her daemon Pantalaimon (Pan), as she journeys through the frozen wastes of the North to rescue a friend kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as The Gobblers and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well. Gamers can also take on the character of Iorek Byrnison, a great armoured polar bear who joins the quest. As Lyra, players use their daemon and collaborate with in-game characters, collecting special items in order to explore, evade, and deceive their way through confrontations with the Gobblers, the Magisterium, and the horribly dangerous spy fly to find her friend. They can also do battle as Iorek with special attacks and a riding mechanic as he protects Lyra during the journey. Gamers can unlock secrets and mini-games using a mysterious, truth-telling golden compass device called an alethiometer. Players can explore 13 vast locations, including all-new breath-taking environments not seen in the film, on this massive journey of collaboration, exploration and the eternal struggle between good and evil. [Sega]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 4 out of 7
  1. Cheat Code Central
    68
    As a children's game, The Golden Compass offers hours of fun with controls that aren't too complex, yet tasks that are challenging. With its 10+ rating, the game does offer some educational value and enough fun to keep kids interested.
  2. n-Revolution Magazine UK
    41
    Something so workmanlike out of something that was so very inventive. [Issue#19, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. PALGN
    40
    Not even the most dedicated fans of the movie will find this game to be of any interest. Children's game or not, The Golden Compass is well below par and not worth your money.
  4. IGN
    40
    Since the story has to be read through terrible talking heads, it would be far more enjoyable to just pick up the book. Then the reader can use their imagination to picture characters that don't look deformed, environments that aren't even blander than real life, and action that isn't repetitive and unfulfilling.

See all 7 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 3 out of 3
  1. Dilaron
    3
    I'd like to write that everyone is underrating it. I'd like to notice that it carries at least one original and creative element that makes it something more than game made just for money. I'd like to call it unpolished gem, which still has a lot of potential. Yes, I'd really like to do it, but it's impossible. Many games have average elements and some good, wasted ideas. But this one has only bad and average elements. I don't recommend it even to huge Pullman's fans.… Expand
  2. Susano
    2
    While some elements are half decent- switching to a painfully low amount of characters with your helper is a better inclusion to the game, its terrible graphics, boring gameplay and complete lack of character makes this one to stay clear of, while there are many good DS games, this is another awful licenced DS game, and one of few games I would only buy for a really low price, if only to sell it for a higher one. Succeeds in offering something life draining- truly awful.… Expand
  3. RyanA
    1
    This review may be harsh, only because I haven't beaten one of the first levels yet, never mind the game, overall, a horrible DS game that I seriously dislike overall 1.4/10 for being able to use the alethiometer and the ability to pass the introduction levels.… Expand