Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 8
  2. Negative: 2 out of 8
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  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. 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. 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 »