The Golden Compass

 DS
The Golden Compass Image
Metascore
43

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

User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 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 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. Worth Playing
    50
    It is a great disappointment that The Golden Compass for the NDS should be so sub-par.
  3. Pocket Gamer UK
    50
    A side-scrolling adventure based on a great book, with platforms, fighting and puzzles to negotiate. Some levels are fun, as is the touchscreen alethiometer, but a few good puzzles aside it's nowhere near as good as it should have been.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. GamesRadar+
    20
    Can’t Sega even be bothered to finish making the game before trying to pawn it off on us? Placeholder graphics, unfinished textures and sloppy physics are just a few of the sadistic treats this game has to offer - and the suck doesn’t stop there.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 3 out of 4
  1. LittleGiraffe
    Apr 26, 2014
    8
    When I first got the game, I quit playing it for a few years because I couldn't get pass the first level. When I started playing it again, IWhen I first got the game, I quit playing it for a few years because I couldn't get pass the first level. When I started playing it again, I flew through the levels (except the last one). The game is a bit difficult, but that is a challenge! The only downside of the game is that the levels are long and saving can be a issue.… Expand
  2. Dilaron
    Mar 10, 2012
    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 itI'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
  4. Susano
    Aug 23, 2010
    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, itsWhile 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
  5. RyanA
    Dec 7, 2012
    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 IThis 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

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007