Games

Best of 2009 | 08 |07 | 06 | 05
Advanced Search

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Golden Compass, The

EMAIL PRINTps3

5.0 User Score:

Generally unfavorable reviews

Based on 17 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 7 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Sega

Developer: Shiny Entertainment

Genre(s): Action, Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: December 4, 2007

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]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Worth Playing

This title is for children who would or have enjoyed Pullman's novels, and likewise the movie adapted from the first book of the trilogy. Based upon this reasonable criteria, The Golden Compass is a good game and deserves a score commensurate with that determination - the largest demerit here is that the game has only niche appeal, even for some kids without a taste for "His Dark Materials."

Read Full Review >

Cheat Code Central

Despite its uninspired gameplay, the simple tasks and challenges may appeal to a younger audience, especially those that've seen the film. But if you're part of the "+" demographic in The Golden Compass' "E10+" rating, then you'll likely be bored soon after Iorek's opening wolf-whuppin' battle sequence.

Read Full Review >

Maxi Consolas (Portugal)

As in many of these cases, if you liked the movie you’ll probably enjoy revisiting the story and characters. But that doesn’t make it a good game. [Jan 2008]

Playstation Official Magazine UK

If this were a PS2 game, we'd still consider the graphics a bitter letdown. [Feb 2008, p.98]

Play Magazine

Anyway, not to belabor the point, but the most golden of compasses will point in the only direction that truly matters. Away. [Jan 2008, p.51]

PTGamers

The Golden Compass is just another one of those games based on movies, that only exist to strengthen the preconceived notion of lack of quality in these adaptations.

Read Full Review >

GameSpot

The Golden Compass is just another family-friendly film cash-in with few redeeming qualities.

Read Full Review >

Gamer 2.0

There’s not really much more to say about the game other than just ranting about our horrible experience with it. Surely, that would bore you, our respected readers. We’re actually somewhat sorry that you’re being exposed to this game in the first place. Please, look elsewhere for gaming if you want to do yourselves a favor.

Read Full Review >

PSX Extreme

The Golden Compass really isn't anything more than yet another game based on a movie that falls well shy of "quality." ‘sigh' The trend may never die.

Read Full Review >

AceGamez

Ugly, repetitive and painfully boring, its mercifully short length and rousing orchestral score are its only redeeming qualitites.

Read Full Review >

Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

Ultimately, The Golden Compass proves way too easy, and much of the "game" feels a lot more like "chore". [Jan 2008, p.82]

Kombo

The Golden Compass, the book, has received more critical praise than it can count. Unfortunately, the same doesn't hold true for the movie or the video game.

Read Full Review >

IGN

Even if you were completely charmed by Philip Pullman's work or enjoyed the movie adaptation, there's absolutely no reason to give this game a try. Even the music, as pretty as it is, can't redeem such poor gameplay and atrocious presentation.

Read Full Review >

Game Informer

It pains me to say this, but turn off your TV and just read the book or head to your local theater. This is a story everyone must experience, just don’t try interacting with it.

Read Full Review >

Play UK

The game will sap you until all that's left is a dry, withered husk. [Issue#162, p.89]

GameSpy

The Golden Compass isn't the worst game based on a movie, but it's close. It's a combination of uninspired platforming, poorly implemented mini-games and slow and broken storytelling.

Read Full Review >

Game Revolution

In general, playing the game is a sinusoidal process of momentary elation as you uncover a new element, quickly followed by deep disappointment as you discover it’s a piece of crap.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 5.0 (out of 10) based on 7 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Ali L. gave it a6:
The Golden Compass may not be "hard" or what most gamers would want to play. But it is a good game, at least to me. Its far from the bet game I've played, though the graphics, again to me, are pretty good. It for people who want an easy game to play where they don't have to think much.

Games

Sony

Microsoft

Nintendo

Other Platforms

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Golden Compass, The

Game Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases