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Golden Compass, The

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6.8 User Score:

Generally unfavorable reviews

Based on 12 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 6 votes
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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...

NGamer UK

Jumping, fighting and puzzling for young fans of the movie. Most of it is incredibly easy but there's the odd bit of confusion to slow progress.

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N-Europe

Poor graphics and simple game-play detract from what could have been a great film-game conversion.

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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.

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GameSpot

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

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Nintendo Power

I haven't read the book, and the movie isn't out as of this writing, but based on what I've played, maybe the Golden Compass just isn't very well suited to being a video game. [Jan 2008, p.90]

AceGamez

Simply shocking; it is a poorly put together mishmash of ideas that never gels. Ugly, repetitive and painfully boring, its mercifully short length and rousing orchestral score are its only redeeming qualitites.

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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.

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Cheat Code Central

This game is clearly a rushed mess, and perhaps should have taken a nod from the Superman Returns video game and not been released until The Golden Compass inevitable DVD release.

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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.

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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.

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Official Nintendo Magazine UK

It's like a compilation of gaming's worst moments, wrapped up in a film license. [Feb 2008, p.20]

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.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 6.8 (out of 10) based on 6 User Votes

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

Kik Blava gave it a0:
First off, the N64 can handle these god awful graphics, the motion sensing controls are mind blowingly terrible, and what's gold about it? If you really want to know how bad Golden Compass on the Wii is than look no further than hell itself.

Frank E. gave it a4:
Extremely poor control of characters on Wii made solving jumping puzzles tedious and unnecessarily hard - destroyed the experience.

Arlo S. gave it a10:
This game is by far the best in my collection. Lyra may have a cheesy accent, but she is a pretty lovable protagonist. Beating off wolves with Iorek that just don't quit never gets old. Don't let the rating scare you off. BUY THIS GAME!

Emilea E. gave it a10:
This game is too be enjoyed by all . It is a great adventure game.It is quite hard for the younger children .

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Golden Compass, The

Game Info

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What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

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