The Golden Compass

 PlayStation 3
The Golden Compass Image
Metascore
40

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
4.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 16 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 asThe 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
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 13 out of 17
  1. Worth Playing
    72
    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."
  2. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    50
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GameSpot
    45
    The Golden Compass is just another family-friendly film cash-in with few redeeming qualities.
  4. PSX Extreme
    41
    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.
  5. Kombo
    40
    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.
  6. IGN
    35
    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.
  7. Game Revolution
    0
    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.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. AliL.
    Dec 29, 2007
    6
    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 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.… Expand
  2. DanishAbdullah
    Feb 10, 2008
    0
    This game should not exist because it brings total shame to video games. All the people that like this game are kids and won't grow up ifThis game should not exist because it brings total shame to video games. All the people that like this game are kids and won't grow up if they continue playing this horrible game.When my little bro bought this game, I yelled at him for wasting his money on a game that got such low ratings. No body I know would enjoy this. This game is one of the most horrible games I ever played. This game was more worse than the movie.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best PS3 Game of 2007
84
#84 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007