The Spiderwick Chronicles

 DS
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
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  1. IGN
    78
    Playing The Spiderwick Chronicles took me back to old-school adventure games like Alice in Wonderland on the Apple II. It recreates that feeling of being a kid and suspending your disbelief in fantasy.
  2. Worth Playing
    78
    I'm still not entirely sold on the story in Spiderwick Chronicles for the NDS, but I can't knock the game for staying true to the film.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    72
    Aside from some tough combat situations and a propensity for sending players around in circles a little too often, The Spiderwick Chronicles actually offers a reasonable level of fun for your troubles.
  5. GameZone
    70
    The game will lose a lot of younger gamers mostly because of frustrating game design, like the checkpoint system or the lack of any sort of map. The upgrade and combat system is well implemented surprisingly fun to play.
  6. Pocket Gamer UK
    60
    Charming children's game with a decent turn-based battle system and some neat ideas. It's a little short-lived and environments aren't too large-scale but nothing that should trouble younger players or stop them enjoying the faerie fighting fun.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    60
    The Spiderwick Chronicles is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. While its children’s book license and wealth of tutorials clearly mark it as a game intended for younger players, its frustratingly difficult battles, annoying checkpoint system, and lack of level mapping make it a tough nut for even experienced gamers to crack.
  8. GamesRadar+
    40
    Some people may find that kind of oppressive difficulty refreshing, but most folks, including the game's intended audience, are apt to find it frustrating.
  9. 1UP
    20
    The combat is too difficult for young fans of the books to enjoy, but the adventure lacks the depth that experienced gamers crave. Because of that, it's impossible to recommend this game to anyone.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. BlackberryBlind
    Jan 27, 2022
    8
    This game is, to be quite honest, a little too difficult for its target audience. There’s no real map to be heard of and the exploration canThis game is, to be quite honest, a little too difficult for its target audience. There’s no real map to be heard of and the exploration can be circuitous and confusing. If you don’t explore the areas I’m the right order you end up finishing the game with some of it unexplored.
    But god damn if this game isn’t fun! The combat (turn-based) is well executed and dynamic, and the lore surrounding the game really sucks you in. The cutscenes aren’t too long or too much filler, and when you add it altogether, this is honestly one of my favorite games of all time.    … Full Review »
  2. MisterSushi7
    Mar 16, 2015
    5
    It's okay. It's not good, it's not bad, it's just okay. The gameplay is fun, but I found it to be rather difficult at times, unfortunately. IIt's okay. It's not good, it's not bad, it's just okay. The gameplay is fun, but I found it to be rather difficult at times, unfortunately. I do have to credit them for a solid battle system, however.… Full Review »
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